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Aileen Keigher, Midwife
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Midwife & School Nurse, RGN/ RM
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Antenatal care

Sex during pregnancy

Sex is generally safe during pregnancy. If you’ve experienced a previous pregnancy loss, or who have taken a long time to conceive, you really might feel like you want to be very careful during early pregnancy. Similarly, some men might feel nervous about causing a miscarriage or harming the foetus in some way.    
In Short
Generally speaking, it’s perfectly safe to have sex whilst you’re pregnant.

If you have a low-lying placenta you may experience bleeding after sex and should discuss this with your medical team.

One or both partners may feel differently about sex during pregnancy so it’s good to discuss anxieties and feelings.

Many women have increased sex drive during pregnancy.

Sex can help to maintain intimacy during pregnancy.

Is it safe to have sex whilst I am pregnant?

Generally speaking, it’s perfectly safe to have sex whilst you’re pregnant.

If you’ve had miscarriages you might want to protect yourself but it’s now recognised that if a miscarriage is going to occur, it will do so whether you have sex beforehand or not.

It’s a good idea to follow your own instincts and do what feels right for you. If you have experienced some bleeding during early pregnancy and/or have had a previous miscarriage then you may feel more comfortable abstaining from sex for a while during this time.

If you’ve experienced a previous pregnancy loss, or who have taken a long time to conceive, you really might feel like you want to be very careful during early pregnancy. Similarly, some partners might feel nervous about causing a miscarriage or harming the foetus in some way. The evidence says this isn’t the case, but not respecting your partner’s wishes may result in them feeling guilty, nervous or anxious and lead to relationship conflicts. If your partner does concede to having sex, they probably won’t enjoy it and may experience anxiety or stress worrying about it afterwards. Understanding and patience might be needed.

Low lying placenta and bleeding after sex

If your scans show that your placenta is lying low near the cervix, you may find that you bleed after sex. Discuss this with your midwife or obstetrician as they will be able to advise you on any risks associated with sex while your placenta is positioned this way.

Women with low-lying placentas in later pregnancy sometimes need extra care and may even need to be admitted to a maternity hospital if they begin to bleed vaginally

Are some sexual positions better during pregnancy?

Opt for positions that are comfortable for you, your bump and your cervix. Having your partner spooning from behind when your bump is big allows you to lie on your side and the penetration isn’t so deep.

However, you both may enjoy more cuddling during this time too especially towards the end of your pregnancy when you may feel very uncomfortable and tired.

Massage oils during pregnancy

If you use massage oils make sure that you do not use essential oils that are not safe for pregnancy such as black pepper, rosemary and clary sage.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Essential Parent has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from leading experts and institutions but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details click here.