Safe Sex During Pregnancy

How to keep having fun while incubating a baby

Pregnancy is often a new, frightful, yet exciting time for expecting parents. They want to do what is best for their soon-to-be child. But, you don’t need to be celibate for nine months! There are plenty of safe ways to continue enjoying your sex life, while still doing your best for your baby.

ORAL SEX — oral sex is safe during all stages of pregnancy. The only thing you would want to avoid is blowing air into the vagina, as it is possible (although very rare) for an embolism (life-threatening blood bubble) to occur. Other than that, oral sex is fun and safe!

VAGINAL SEX— Vaginal sex is still possible during pregnancy, and can even be more enjoyable. Thanks to more blood flow to the genitals during pregnancy, vaginal sex during this time is sometimes regarded as even more enjoyable than normal. People who are not usually able to achieve orgasms from penetration are sometimes able to during pregnancy! I have heard some partners worry they will harm the fetus, or hit the fetus with their penis, and that is just not true. The baby is very well protected in the uterus within the amniotic sac, and the cervix is also lower and sealed to further prevent anything making its way to the fetus. So you can’t bonk the child on the head, regardless of how large your penis is!

ANAL SEX — If you’ve ever heard that anal sex is unsafe during pregnancy, that is entirely untrue! There are only two concerns with anal sex during pregnancy. The first issue is hemorrhoids. Pregnancy is known to cause nasty hemorrhoids, which often cause pain and bleeding. While it isn’t necessarily dangerous to have anal sex with hemorrhoids, it can be uncomfortable, painful and cause bleeding. The second concern is moving from anal sex to vaginal sex without cleaning off first. You don’t want to bring bacteria from the anus to the vagina even if you are not pregnant, but it can cause complications during pregnancy by introducing new bacteria. The best way to avoid this is to clean off the penis or toy before inserting it in the vagina.

STDs/STIs — If you are using a toy, make sure it was washed well between uses, to prevent the spread of bacteria. If you have a new partner, make sure to get tested for STDs and use condoms or dental dams, as some STDs can cause problems if left untreated. For example, new cases of herpes during pregnancy are risky to both the pregnant person (due to the impact to the immune system) and the fetus (herpes occasionally can travel up the vagina to the fetus, but the biggest concern is transmitting during labor. Because of this risk, c-sections for women with new and active outbreaks are often encouraged).

As long as your doctor hasn’t told you to refrain from having sex or orgasms, sexual activity is safe and healthy during pregnancy. With a few precautions, listed above, you can continue enjoying sex throughout your pregnancy.