HEALTHIER YOU: Sex while pregnant: safe for mom-to-be?

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

Many people ask, “Is it safe for my unborn baby if I have sex while I’m pregnant?” The answer, in most cases, is yes. 

Your baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid inside the uterus and the strong muscles of the uterus. If you have a healthy pregnancy without complications — such as preterm labor or certain placental conditions — having sex will not harm your baby. 

However, pregnancy often brings physical and emotional changes that can affect a woman’s comfort level and interest in sex. As your body changes, it is normal for your preferences and comfort to change as well. 

Some people worry that having sex during pregnancy could cause a miscarriage. A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Sexual intercourse does not cause a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing as it should. 

It is common to experience mild cramping or light spotting after sex or orgasm during pregnancy. However, if you have severe cramping that does not go away or heavy bleeding similar to a menstrual period, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Most sexual positions are safe during pregnancy as long as they are comfortable. If a position becomes uncomfortable, try another. As your pregnancy progresses and your belly grows, explore positions that prioritize both comfort and pleasure. 

Some people mistakenly believe that condoms are unnecessary during pregnancy because pregnancy has already occurred. However, condoms remain important because they help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Contracting an STI during pregnancy can pose serious health risks for both you and your baby. 

Avoid vaginal, oral, or anal sex if your partner has a sexually transmitted infection. In addition, if your partner has sex with other people or if you have a new sexual partner during pregnancy, using a condom is essential for protection. 

Having sex or experiencing an orgasm can cause mild uterine contractions. In most pregnancies, this is not a cause for concern. However, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding sexual intercourse if you:

● Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

● Are leaking amniotic fluid.

● Have cervical insufficiency (also called an incompetent cervix), in which the cervix begins to open too early.

● Have placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix.

● Have a history of preterm labor or premature birth. 

Women’s Innovative Care is committed to supporting healthy pregnancies and identifying potential complications as early as possible. Through compassionate care and advanced screening services, the team works closely with mothers-to-be to promote the best possible outcomes. For questions or concerns about pregnancy care, call (702) 413-7740 or visit 851 South Rampart Blvd., Suite 160, Las Vegas, NV.