The Bump and the Bedroom: A Shame-Free Guide to Sexual Wellness During Pregnancy

For most people with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, sex is safe right up until the water breaks. The baby is protected by the amniotic sac and the muscular walls of the uterus. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained bleeding, leaking fluid, or if you have a history of preterm labor or placental issues.

In a healthy pregnancy, orgasms do not cause miscarriages or premature labor. While orgasms cause mild uterine contractions, these are temporary and different from the contractions that signal labor. If you are at high risk for preterm labor, your doctor might advise against it, but for most, the oxytocin released is actually beneficial for stress reduction.

A drop in desire is extremely common, especially in the first and third trimesters. Nausea, fatigue, and physical discomfort play huge roles in this. It is important to communicate this to your partner so they don't take it personally. Focus on other forms of intimacy, like cuddling or massage, until you feel more like yourself.

Side-lying (spooning) and 'woman-on-top' (where the pregnant person can control depth and pressure) are generally the most comfortable. Avoiding lying flat on your back is important after mid-pregnancy to prevent the uterus from compressing the vena cava, which can cause dizziness and reduce blood flow to the placenta.

Minor spotting can occur because the cervix has an increased blood supply and is more sensitive during pregnancy. While it is often normal, you should always report any spotting or bleeding to your midwife or doctor just to be safe and to rule out any complications.