Medically Reviewed By Experts Panel
Sex is considered safe during all stages of a low-risk pregnancy. Most women can continue to engage in sexual activity throughout pregnancy.
Sex during pregnancy will not cause any harm to you or your baby except when the doctor advises that sexual intercourse be avoided for particular medical reasons. For a healthy pregnant woman, there is a variety of safe ways to have sex during pregnancy. Avoid certain positions that may pressure on the abdomen, be aware of premature labor, and be gentle during sexual activity.
Can sex during pregnancy hurt my baby?
Your baby will be absolutely safe. Intercourse or orgasm during pregnancy will not harm your baby, unless you have a medical problem. There is no reason to change or alter your sexual activity during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise. Your baby is fully protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the foetus and surrounding fluid) and the strong muscles of the uterus. This sac acts as a cushion, protecting the growing baby against any harm. While having sex, penetration happens into the vagina, beyond which lies the cervix, and then comes the baby in its sac.
What are the benefits of sex during pregnancy?
- Increased intimacy – Physical affection and intimacy can strengthen your bond and help your partner feel involved in the pregnancy. Sex can help you feel close to your partner emotionally and physically.
- Stress relief – Since orgasms signal the release of oxytocin, a hormone that can increase your pain tolerance, they can help with those backaches and other pregnancy-related pains. It improves sleep.
- Improves Health – Sex during pregnancy is considered healthy because it strengthens the mother’s immune system to fight infections and protect against seasonal colds and flu.
- Improves sleep – Research shows that having orgasms before bed can promote better quality sleep.
- Improves your mental health – Of course, sex makes you feel good in the moment, but research shows that a satisfying sex life offers a lasting boost to your mental health as well. In fact, regular sex is known to improve your mood as well as your overall quality of life.
- Birth control not needed – For obvious reasons, you no longer need to worry about birth control when you’re pregnant.
- Prepares you for childbirth – Sexual activity during pregnancy aids in vaginal lubrication.
- Consider it as exercise – When you are sexually active, you are continuously working out and burning calories, which can help lower blood pressure.
- Helps make delivery and recovery easier – Having an orgasm causes your pelvic muscles to contract, which can strengthen them. This helps to ease labor pains, improves bladder control, and potentially leads to a quicker recovery after giving birth.
In general, it is considered safe to have sex during pregnancy if you have a healthy pregnancy and there are no complications. However, there are some factors to consider and precautions to take to ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing baby. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or a history of complications.
