You are growing a baby, your body feels different, and your libido does too. So where does sex fit into all of this? Sex during pregnancy is a common concern for many couples – here is what obstetricians have to say.
For women, there’s no miracle quite as wondrous as pregnancy, of the life that can be formed within your own body, but let’s be honest – it changes a lot of things. Your sleep, your cravings, your mood…and yes, your sex life. And for many couples staring down the next nine months of gestation, one big question that eventually pops up is: “Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?”
The answer?
According to Dr Shilla Mariah Yusoff, a Singapore-based obstetrician and gynaecologist, the response to this perennial query is “yes”.
“If you are in the mood for it, go for it – it is very normal for couples to have sex throughout pregnancy,” she added.
It will help to know that your baby is quite well-protected from any jerking or jostling, even during sexual activity. Imagine your little one floating peacefully in amniotic fluid within the thick, muscular walls of the organ that is your uterus. Intercourse will have such little impact that it’s even possible to have sex close to or past the estimated delivery date.
Can Sex Cause Miscarriage or Early Labour?
So if you’re wondering whether it could cause miscarriage or early labour, both are unlikely to occur in a healthy pregnancy. Miscarriages are normally the result of chromosomal or hormonal issues, while the contractions of an orgasm are different from that of labour, and labour isn’t induced unless your body is actually ready for delivery.
In fact, if it’s been determined that you do not have a high-risk pregnancy, your gynaecologist may even encourage you to continue having sex, as the act is associated with plenty of benefits during this period.
Not only does it help maintain intimacy between you and your partner throughout the pregnancy, orgasms also release “feel good” hormones like endorphins and oxytocin that can improve your mental wellbeing and ease any discomfort.
In addition, due to the boost in blood flow to the vagina, the area can become especially sensitive, enabling more powerful orgasms and more satisfying sex.
How Libido Changes Across Each Trimester
It is worth noting that the desire for sex during pregnancy isn’t a universal experience. While the libido is kicked into high gear for some, others just do not feel it.
It is also completely normal for the need to come and go. Research shows that throughout the trimesters, your interest in sex can fall, then rise, then fall again.
- First Trimester: Many find that their sex drive dips in these first few months. After all, the hormonal shifts your body is going through can lead to greater nausea and fatigue, which isn’t the sexiest combination.
- Second Trimester: Your nausea fades, energy returns, and blood flow increases, empowering you and your partner to find your sexual rhythm again.
- Third Trimester: Your libido is a little unpredictable here, and comfort becomes a major factor amidst all the backaches and swelling. Regardless, if you’re in the mood for sex, it’s also an opportunity to practice gentler forms of intimacy.
And be sure to try out different positions as your belly grows, to ensure the act is safer and more comfortable for you. Side-lying or spooning reduces pressure on the abdomen, while positions where the woman is on top offer more control over movement and depth.
When Sex Should Be Avoided
There are times when having sex is not okay. You should stay clear of it if your amniotic fluid is leaking. And while some spotting after penetrative sex isn’t unusual, if you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, prioritise a visit to your doctor.
Your gynaecologist might also recommend avoiding sex if you have certain conditions, including:
- Cervical incompetence, when your cervix opens early
- Placenta previa, where the placenta is partially or fully covering the cervix
- A history of premature labour
If you are unsure, always check with your doctor. Gynaecologists regularly address these concerns and can provide personalised guidance based on your pregnancy history.
Discussing Sex During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of enormous physical and emotional change, and while it can make the most confident communicators feel some awkwardness over sex, open conversation between partners is essential. Do not be afraid to share your needs and concerns, and check in frequently, since your libido can fluctuate.
But if you or your partner just are not feeling sexual, exploring non-sexual forms of intimacy could be what you need to continue enjoying a close relationship during this period.
And don’t be hesitant to seek out a little reassurance from your gynaecologist. If it helps put things into perspective, your doctor will probably have received such concerns numerous times – they will not think twice if you bring it up.
At the end of the day, if you and your partner feel good about it – and your doctor hasn’t advised against it – pregnancy sex can be highly enjoyable and perfectly healthy.
External References
- Cadman, B. (2025, August 26). What to know about sex during pregnancy. Medical News Today. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321648
- Chatterjee, C. (2025, September 29). Is It Safe To Have Sex While Pregnant? Health. Retrieved from: https://www.health.com/condition/pregnancy/6-things-you-should-know-about-sex-during-pregnancy
- Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 27). Is It OK To Have Sex When You’re Pregnant? Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sex-during-pregnancy-your-questions-answered
- Marcin, A. (2020, January 29). Get It On and Get It… Out? Can Having Sex Induce Labor? Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sex-to-induce-labor
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, July 24). Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318
- Rahman, I. H. A. (2024, March 10). Too shy to ask about sex? A gynaecologist gives us the answers. CNA. Retrieved from: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/women/awkward-questions-about-sex-385161
- Taylor, R. B. (2023, February 22). Sex During and After Pregnancy. WebMD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/baby/sex-and-pregnancy
- Thomson Team. (2025, October 30). Sex During Pregnancy: When It’s Safe & When to Avoid It. Thomson Medical. Retrieved from: https://www.thomsonmedical.com/blog/sex-during-pregnancy
- Wójcik, M., Aniśko, B., & Siatkowski, I. (2024). Quality of life in women with normal pregnancy. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 12434. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11139910/
