Sex During Pregnancy: Is It Safe, When to Avoid It and the Most Comfortable Positions
Is sex safe during pregnancy? When to avoid it, the most comfortable positions by trimester, oral and anal sex, infections and warning signs.
In summary
- Without complications, sex is safe throughout pregnancy, including orgasm.
- Mild cramps or light spotting after sex are common and usually not a cause for concern.
- Your provider may advise against sex if you have bleeding, leaking fluid, placenta previa, a weak (incompetent) cervix, or a history of preterm birth.
- From the fourth month, avoid lying flat on your back for long: side-lying, on top or seated positions are usually more comfortable.
- With a new partner or other partners, use condoms: sexually transmitted infections can affect the baby.
In a healthy pregnancy, sex is generally safe until the end. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the muscles of the uterus, and sex does not cause miscarriage. What changes is comfort, and in some situations your obstetrician or midwife may advise you to avoid it.
Is it safe for the baby?
Yes, when the pregnancy is going well. The baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid and protected by the uterine wall, and the mucus plug in the cervix helps keep infections out. Most miscarriages happen because the embryo is not developing as it should, not because of sex.
Orgasm can make the uterus contract. These contractions are usually short and harmless. Mild cramping or a little spotting afterwards is common.
When to avoid sex or ask first
Talk to your obstetrician or midwife before having sex if you have or have had:
- vaginal bleeding;
- leaking amniotic fluid;
- placenta previa (the placenta covers part or all of the cervix);
- a cervix that opens early (cervical insufficiency);
- preterm labour or a previous premature birth;
- a multiple pregnancy (twins or more) or a previous miscarriage, if your provider has asked you to be careful.
Most comfortable positions as pregnancy progresses
Most positions are fine if they feel comfortable. As the belly grows, these tend to work best:
- Side-lying (spooning): no pressure on the belly and little effort for either partner.
- Pregnant partner on top: she controls depth and rhythm, and the belly is free.
- Seated or at the edge of the bed: good support and an easy way to change angle.
- On hands and knees: often comfortable in the first and second trimesters; it may tire you later.
From the fourth month, avoid spending long periods lying flat on your back: the weight of the uterus can press on large blood vessels. A pillow under one side of the hips helps. See positions suited to pregnancy in our sex positions for pregnancy section and those for the third trimester.
Oral and anal sex
- Oral sex is generally fine, but your partner must never blow air into the vagina: it can cause an air embolism, which is rare but very serious.
- Anal sex: ask your provider first. If you move from anal to vaginal sex, use a new condom or wash first, so bacteria are not carried into the vagina.
Infections
Sexually transmitted infections can cause problems in pregnancy and at birth. Pregnant people are routinely tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C early in pregnancy, and some are also tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If you or your partner have other partners, or a new partner, use condoms. Learn more in our infections guide.
If you notice dryness, a water-based or silicone-based lubricant can help: see how to choose a lubricant.
When to call your provider or go to the emergency department
After sex, seek care if you have heavy bleeding (like a period), leaking fluid, painful cramps that do not go away or regular contractions.
Recommended positions
The SpoonBajo
Side-lying with no pressure on the belly: one of the most comfortable in the third trimester.
Side-by-Side Face to FaceBajo
Face to face and side-lying: plenty of contact and little effort for both.
The CowgirlMedio
The pregnant partner on top controls depth and rhythm, and the belly stays free.
Amazon on the chairMedio
Seated on a sturdy chair: good support, with the pregnant partner leading the movement.
Frequently asked questions
Can sex during pregnancy harm the baby?+
Not in a healthy pregnancy. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus, and sex does not cause miscarriage.
Which positions are best in the third trimester?+
Side-lying, the pregnant partner on top and seated positions are usually the most comfortable. Avoid lying flat on your back for long periods from the fourth month.
When should I not have sex while pregnant?+
If you have bleeding, leaking fluid, placenta previa, cervical insufficiency or a risk of preterm birth, or if your provider has told you to avoid it.