Can you have sex while pregnant?

Yes, sex is generally considered safe during an uncomplicated pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has advised you not to have it. Your baby is protected inside the womb, and sex does not normally harm the pregnancy.

There are circumstances where your maternity team may recommend avoiding penetrative sex or sexual activity for a period of time. These can include certain types of bleeding, a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia, cervical problems, or if your waters have broken.

Pregnancy can also change how you feel about sex. Wanting it more, wanting it less, finding certain types of touch uncomfortable, or not wanting sex at all can all happen. There is no amount of sex you are supposed to be having during pregnancy.

Is sex safe throughout pregnancy?

For many people with uncomplicated pregnancies, sex can continue for as long as it feels comfortable and their healthcare professional has not advised otherwise.

Tommy’s states that sex during pregnancy is safe unless your doctor or midwife has told you not to have it. Advice can change if a complication develops, so guidance given earlier in pregnancy may not always apply later.

The type of sexual activity matters too. If your healthcare team has advised you to avoid vaginal or penetrative sex, ask what that means for other sexual activity rather than assuming all intimacy needs to stop.

Comfort may change as your body changes. A position that felt comfortable earlier in pregnancy may become awkward later, and there is no reason to continue with anything that hurts or simply does not feel right.

Can sex cause miscarriage?

Sex is not considered a cause of miscarriage in an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Tommy’s explains that most miscarriages happen because the pregnancy has not developed as expected, rather than because of something someone has done.

If you have previously experienced pregnancy loss, sex in a new pregnancy can understandably feel emotionally complicated even when you have been told it is medically safe. You can ask your midwife or doctor about your individual circumstances if you need more specific guidance.

Can sex hurt the baby?

During pregnancy, the baby develops inside the uterus and is surrounded by the amniotic sac and fluid. Penetrative sex does not reach the baby.

You may still find that sex feels different. Pregnancy can affect your breasts, vagina, pelvic area and general comfort, and some people experience more sensitivity while others find penetration less comfortable.

Pain should not be something you feel you need to tolerate. Stop if something hurts and speak to your maternity team if you have persistent pain or are concerned about a new symptom.

Can orgasm cause contractions?

An orgasm can make the muscles of the womb tighten. Later in pregnancy, sex or orgasm may also trigger Braxton Hicks contractions.

Tommy’s describes Braxton Hicks as tightening of the womb that can happen after sex or orgasm and explains that this is not the start of labour.

If you are unsure whether what you are feeling is Braxton Hicks or possible labour, particularly if contractions are painful, regular or you are not yet at term, contact your maternity unit for advice.

Can sex bring on labour?

Despite the common suggestion that sex can start labour, there is no good evidence that having sex will reliably bring labour on.

Tommy’s notes that research has not shown sex to be an effective way to start labour.

This also means there is no need to have sex at the end of pregnancy because you feel you should be trying to encourage labour. If you want to have sex and your maternity team has not advised against it, that is a personal choice. If you do not want to, there is no obligation to try it as a method of starting labour.

When might you be advised not to have sex?

Your doctor or midwife may advise you to avoid sex in some circumstances.

For example, Tommy’s notes that this may apply if you have experienced bleeding, have a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia, or have cervical weakness. Recommendations depend on your individual situation.

If you have placenta praevia, penetrative sex may increase the possibility of bleeding. RCOG explains that placenta praevia can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy, while Tommy’s advises discussing penetrative sex directly with your doctor or midwife if you have a low-lying placenta.

You should also avoid sex after your waters have broken because there is an increased risk of infection.

If a healthcare professional tells you to avoid sex, it is reasonable to ask exactly what they mean. Depending on the reason, the advice may apply specifically to penetration, orgasm, sex toys or other forms of sexual activity.

What if you bleed after sex?

Changes to the cervix during pregnancy can sometimes make it bleed more easily, including after sex. However, bleeding during pregnancy should still be checked rather than assumed to be caused by sex.

Tommy’s advises contacting your GP or maternity unit about vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy.

If bleeding happens after sex, stop having sex until you have received appropriate advice. This is particularly important if you have already been told you have a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia.

Heavy bleeding can require urgent assessment. Contact your maternity unit immediately if you experience significant bleeding, and call 999 if the bleeding is severe or you have been advised that your symptoms are an emergency.

What if your waters have broken?

Avoid sex if your waters have broken.

The amniotic sac and fluid help protect the baby from infection. Once the membranes have ruptured, infection becomes a greater concern. Tommy’s advises avoiding sex after your waters break because it may increase this risk.

If you think your waters may have broken, contact your midwife or maternity unit. This applies even if you are unsure whether the fluid you have noticed is amniotic fluid, urine or vaginal discharge.

If your waters break before 37 weeks, contact your maternity unit straight away for assessment.

What about sexually transmitted infections?

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can be relevant during pregnancy, so protection still matters.

Tommy’s advises using condoms if you or your sexual partner have an STI. Barrier protection is also important if you or your partner have sex with other people during the pregnancy.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, have symptoms or would like testing, speak to a sexual health service, GP or maternity professional. Do not avoid seeking care because you are pregnant. Testing and appropriate clinical advice can be tailored to pregnancy.

Cold sores are also relevant to oral sex because the herpes virus can be passed between the mouth and genitals. Tommy’s advises avoiding oral sex if you or your partner have cold sores.

What if your sex drive changes?

Pregnancy can change sexual desire in either direction.

Hormonal changes, nausea, tiredness, breast tenderness, changes in body image, anxiety about the pregnancy and physical discomfort can all influence how interested you feel in sex. Some people want more sex, some want less, and others lose interest for a while.

None of these responses means there is something wrong with your relationship or with you.

Consent also matters throughout pregnancy just as it does at any other time. You can change your mind at any point, even if sexual activity has already started.

If penetrative sex is uncomfortable or simply does not appeal, intimacy can take many other forms. What feels affectionate or sexual is personal, and it does not need to follow a particular pattern.

When to get professional advice

Contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit if you have vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, including bleeding that happens after sex. Tommy’s advises that bleeding in pregnancy should be checked.

Speak to your maternity team before having sex if you have been diagnosed with placenta praevia or a low-lying placenta, have been told you have cervical weakness, have experienced significant bleeding, or have previously been advised to avoid sex.

If you think your waters have broken, contact your maternity unit or midwife. Avoid sex until you have been assessed and follow the advice given by your maternity team.

Seek urgent maternity advice if you have bleeding with significant pain, regular contractions, fluid leaking from the vagina, or another pregnancy symptom that concerns you. Heavy bleeding can be an emergency, particularly with conditions such as placenta praevia. Call 999 if you have severe bleeding or another life-threatening emergency.

If you are uncertain whether a symptom needs urgent assessment, contact your maternity unit or NHS 111 rather than relying on general online information.