Can I have sex during pregnancy?

1 min read June 3, 2025Week 20

Key takeaways

1 min

Confirm that sex is completely safe during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise for specific medical reasons.
Understand that your baby is protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid, and strong uterine muscles during intimacy.
Recognize that changes in sexual desire during pregnancy are normal and vary between partners.
Know that sex and orgasms will not cause miscarriage or premature birth in uncomplicated pregnancies.
Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about intimacy during your healthy pregnancy.

Sex during pregnancy is completely safe unless your doctor advises otherwise. Your baby is protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid, and strong uterine muscles. Sex will not cause miscarriage or premature birth in healthy pregnancies.

Track your pregnancy in the app

Personalized content for your pregnancy week

Download App

Can I have sex during pregnancy?

It is completely safe to have sex during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you not to for specific reasons. Physical intimacy does not hurt the baby. The baby is safe in the uterus, and the penis cannot penetrate beyond the vagina.

The baby is also protected by amniotic fluid, as well as the strong muscles of the uterus. If your pregnancy proceeds without complications, sex and orgasm will not increase the risk of premature birth and will not cause a miscarriage [1].

During pregnancy, the relationship to intimacy can change, both in women and in partners. For some, the desire fades. Others experience increased sex drive. Both experiences are absolutely normal.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, sex is completely safe during pregnancy unless your doctor has advised against it for specific medical reasons. Your baby is protected by the uterus, amniotic fluid, and strong uterine muscles.

No, sex and orgasms will not cause miscarriage or premature birth in healthy pregnancies without complications. The baby is safely protected in the uterus during intimacy.

Yes, it's completely normal for sexual desire to change during pregnancy. Some women experience decreased libido while others have increased sex drive.

Avoid sex only when your doctor specifically advises against it due to medical complications. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about intimacy during pregnancy.

No, the baby cannot be hurt during sex. The penis cannot reach beyond the vagina, and the baby is protected by amniotic fluid and the uterus's strong muscles.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated June 3, 2025

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

A Partner's Guide to Pregnancy. ACOG.

Sex positions to avoid during pregnancy

Discover safe sex positions during healthy pregnancy and which ones to avoid. Learn expert tips for intimacy throughout all trimesters. Read more now.

sex

Pregnancy 2 min

Sex is safe during the last stages of pregnancy

Learn why sex is safe during late pregnancy stages. Expert advice on maintaining intimacy while keeping your healthy pregnancy on track. Get essential tips now!

sex

Pregnancy 1 min

Sex and sexy things during the first trimester

Discover safe intimacy options during early pregnancy. Learn why couples reduce sexual activity after a positive pregnancy test and explore alternatives. Get expert advice now.

sexpartner

Pregnancy 3 min

How to ensure you are eating right

Discover evidence-based healthy pregnancy nutrition with Mediterranean & Scandinavian diets. Learn which foods reduce preeclampsia & gestational diabetes risks. Start today!

nutrition

Pregnancy 1 min

Should bacterial vaginosis (BV) be treated?

Learn when bacterial vaginosis needs treatment during pregnancy. Expert advice on BV, ureaplasma, and protecting your healthy pregnancy from complications.

symptomsmedical-tests

Track your pregnancy on the go

Rated 4.8417,594 reviews