Pregnancy is a transition from life as a couple to life as a family. During this stage, many changes occur in the pregnant woman’s body, and with them, a lot of things may come up— questions . One of the most common is how these changes will affect your sex life. And that’s completely normal, because there are many myths surrounding female sexuality, and sexual intercourse during pregnancy is no exception to these false beliefs. Fortunately, we have more information on this topic than ever before. In this article, we answer the questions you may have about sex during pregnancy so you can maintain a healthy sex life, if you wish to do so.

Is it possible to have sex during pregnancy?

The answer is, in general, yes. Although decades ago sex during pregnancy was not recommended, the truth is that today we know that it poses no problem for either the pregnant woman or the baby. This belief is part of the many myths surrounding female sexuality, and although things are changing, some misconceptions still persist, causing many expectant mothers to feel fearful about continuing their sex lives. Relax! :) Having sex during pregnancy, whether or not it involves penetration, is safe . Moreover, in the case of penetrative intercourse, you should know that the mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy keeps the baby completely protected in the uterus from the outside. Additionally, the muscles of the uterus are strong enough to prevent any problems, and the amniotic fluid also keeps the baby safe. The body is very wise!

Another common concern is the belief that sexual activity can trigger preterm labor. Several studies have concluded that vaginal intercourse during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.

Only in cases where the matron or gynecologist considers it a high-risk pregnancy might they recommend avoiding sexual intercourse throughout the entire pregnancy or only during certain stages. So if you have sexual desire and your partner does as well, there is no reason not to enjoy sex during pregnancy. It can even be beneficial—very much so. Sexual arousal releases a hormone called oxytocin , which is known as the hormone of love and happiness. So, no worries.

When should sex be avoided during pregnancy?

We mentioned earlier that while sex during pregnancy generally does not pose any problems, there are some cases in which caution should be exercised:

• If you have a vaginal infection during pregnancy

• If bleeding occurs or you feel pain during sexual intercourse

• If there is placenta previa or a loss of amniotic fluid

• If, during any trimester of pregnancy (especially the first trimester), there is a risk of miscarriage

• If there is a risk of preterm labor during the third trimester of pregnancy

How does pregnancy influence sexual life?

During pregnancy, many changes occur on both physiological and psychological levels, and many of these can influence your sexuality. Hormones and increased blood flow are closely related to this. Pay attention to these three changes:

Greater sensitivity of the sexual organs

During pregnancy, blood flow increases, and this also affects the sexual organs. This increase in flow results in a larger size of these organs, which means the clitoris becomes more sensitive. This can enhance the intensity of orgasms and significantly improve sexual relations.

Increased lubrication

You may have noticed that vaginal secretions change during pregnancy. Many women experience increased vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes, which can increase lubrication. In the case of penetrative intercourse, this added lubrication can make sex more comfortable and may help you reach orgasm more easily.

Vaginal dryness

Sometimes, instead of increased vaginal flow and lubrication, vaginal dryness occurs. In these cases, if you want to have penetrative sex, you can use a neutral pH lubricant to improve lubrication while avoiding harsh chemicals. It’s also a good idea to consult your gynecologist or midwife about the best option so you can enjoy sex during pregnancy comfortably.

What is sexual desire like according to the trimester of pregnancy?

Sex during pregnancy varies from woman to woman, but the trimester you are in also has a significant influence, since it depends heavily on your level of desire and how you feel physically and emotionally. Let’s start from the beginning. During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience nausea, fatigue, and discomfort, which can greatly reduce libido. If this is your case, don’t worry—these sensations do not last forever. Feel free to share these feelings with your partner, and never feel forced to do something you don’t want to. Communication is the key.

When the second trimester of pregnancy arrives, these ailments often disappear and hormonal changes can make you more receptive to sex, so desire returns . However, this doesn’t happen for everyone. For some women, the loss of desire in the first trimester continues into the second. If this is your case, don’t worry—it’s normal. Remember that you’re going through many changes. Be compassionate with yourself.

Finally, during the third trimester of pregnancy, sexual disinterest may return (or persist if you experienced it during the second trimester). Physical changes have a significant influence here: your belly has grown, and it can be harder to move or find a comfortable position. In the case of penetrative intercourse, you can try different positions to find what feels best for you based on these physical changes. Side-lying positions are often favorites during the third trimester.

If you do not feel comfortable with penetration, you can opt for other ways to enjoy your sex life, such as masturbation or oral sex. Remember that communication is very important. If you have a partner, talk to them about what you need, what you feel like, and above all, let them know how you’re feeling.