Sex During Pregnancy

Overview

If your pregnancy is progressing without problems, it's okay to have vaginal intercourse. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or questions.

• Sex during the first trimester will not cause problems. Having sex won't harm your developing baby (fetus). The fetus floats in amniotic fluid that acts as a cushion.
• Sex during the second or third trimesters usually will not cause any problems. Orgasm close to your due date may start uterine contractions.

Your doctor will probably advise you to avoid sex if any of the following occur:

• The placenta covers or partly covers your cervix (placenta previa).
• Your "water" (amniotic sac) has broken.
• Contractions start earlier than 37 weeks. This is called preterm labor.

Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during pregnancy can cause serious problems. If you think you or your sex partner might have an STI, it is safest to avoid sexual contact. While condoms can reduce the risk of getting an STI, the best way to protect you and your baby is to not have sex until you and your partner are tested and treated.