Sex is perfectly safe in a normal healthy pregnancy and does not harm your unborn baby, right up until your waters break.
It’s a good thing to keep your sex life going throughout pregnancy if you’re feeling sexy and well enough. Having satisfying sex during this time is good for your relationship, both now and after your baby has arrived. It is normal though for both men and women to experience changes in their desire for sex during pregnancy. If sex has been an important part of your relationship before pregnancy, it is very likely to come back in time. You can maintain closeness with warm, physical contact that does not necessarily lead to sex.
Check with your midwife or doctor if you have a history of a low lying placenta, bleeding, vaginal infection or cervical weakness.
You may find that some positions feel uncomfortable, especially in later pregnancy. Experiment until you find a comfortable position for you and your partner.
Page last updated: July 1, 2024