Sex during Early Pregnancy: 15 Must-Know Facts to Play it Safe

So, you found out you’re having a baby! You’re in for an adventure, but you’re wondering whether or not you can have sex during early pregnancy.

What is the first thing you think of when you find out you’re pregnant? Aside from “oh my god, I’m going to have a baby” is, “so… can I have sex during early pregnancy?” And you know what, these are perfectly fine questions to ask yourself.

No one really tells you what pregnancy is like, you end up just finding out along the way or reading a ton of baby books and articles, like this one.

That’s really how you find out the ins and outs of pregnancy. Well, in this article, I’m going to help you figure out sex during early pregnancy. [Read: The amazing benefits of having sex when you’re pregnant]

Sex during early pregnancy

Your baby is still looking like a tadpole at this phase, and you definitely don’t want to do anything to harm your child. So, is sex during early pregnancy okay? Or is it something to shy away from?

Well, actually, sex during pregnancy is something you should look forward to *if you’re in the mood for it—you know how it goes with hormones*.

Of course, I’m going to talk to you about it, but before you do have sex when pregnant, make sure you check with your doctor first. Your doctor just needs to give you a thumbs up and tell you that you’re healthy and able to have sex. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, sex may be out of the question for you during the first trimester.

#1 Yes, you can have sex. First of all, you should make sure that your doctor gives you the okay for having sex during early pregnancy. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, they may suggest you wait. However, if you’re cleared by your doctor, then sex during early pregnancy is perfectly healthy and normal. [Read: 16 non-sexual touches to feel connected and loved]

#2 Sex doesn’t hurt the baby. You both may be freaking out that having sex will hurt the baby. It’s time to break that myth. Having sex, whether early pregnancy or late into pregnancy, will not hurt the baby. The sac that’s surrounding the baby is extremely strong, plus the penis can’t even reach the baby. [Read: These commonly accepted sex “facts” aren’t actually real]

#3 You may not feel like having sex. Sure, you can have sex but when your body is going through a hormonal shift, you may not even feel the need to have sex. Symptoms of pregnancy are different for every woman.

Some may feel more arousal while others feel a decrease in arousal. Plus, if you’re experiencing morning sickness, the last thing you will want is a penis inside of you. Just sayin’.

#4 Don’t forget about STIs. I don’t know your partner or the arrangement you have with them but be highly aware of their sexual history and health before having sex with them when pregnant. This is because if your partner has herpes or Hepatitis B, for example, these can be transmitted to you and your baby. So, this is something you to be aware of.

#5 You can have oral sex. There’s more to sex than just penetration. Having oral sex when you’re pregnant is actually safe. However, you should not blow into the genital area. If you force air into the vagina, it could cause an air embolism which is a life-threatening air bubble. Okay, I know that sounded dramatic. It’s very rare but let’s be safe than sorry.

#6 Can you have sex in any position? You may be wondering if some positions are better or worse than others and the answer to that is yes. Of course, it’s safe to have sex, but staying away from some positions which apply pressure onto the stomach is a good idea.

#7 Positions to not have sex in. These are the positions you should stay away from when having sex. The standing position and missionary position are both positions which apply pressure to your stomach. With the missionary position, it is possible to use that position, but you’ll need to place a pillow underneath your stomach for support.

#8 Positions to have sex in. I know you were waiting for this, and I don’t blame you. So, here are some of the positions that most pregnant women feel comfortable doing. The side-by-side position, cowgirl, doggy style, and sex on the edge of the bed are usually top choices. [Read: How to spice up these 7 common sex positions]

#9 Bleeding isn’t good. If you see any bleeding after or during sex, that isn’t a good sign. The minute you see bleeding when you’re having sex when pregnant means you need to call your doctor as soon as possible. In general, bleeding when you’re pregnant is always something you should seek medical attention for.

#10 Stay away from the lube… for now. You may love using scented lubricants, but during the first trimester, it’s best to stay away from it. This is because scented lubricants have been found to harm the lining of the vagina. And that’s something you don’t want to happen when you’re pregnant. So, for now, take a break from the lube.

#11 Your favorite positions may not be comfortable anymore. You’re literally growing a human being in your body, things are shifting around whether you like it or not. So, some of your beloved sex positions may not be doing you justice anymore. In this case, ditch those sex positions and find one that isn’t causing you discomfort.

#12 Your partner may be terrified to have sex with you. You’re growing a baby inside of you and it’s growing pretty close to where the penis goes inside. You know female anatomy, you get where I’m going with this.

Your partner is probably terrified of doing anything that will harm the baby. But you need to assure them that their penis can’t reach that far. They’ll love hearing that. What an ego boost, right?

#13 If it doesn’t feel right, call your doctor. If you feel that anything is wrong in your body when you’re having sex, call your doctor. Don’t mess around with this and assume it’s nothing. Most likely, it is nothing. It’s always better hearing that from a doctor who’s checked everything out.

#14 If you don’t want to have sex, it’s okay. I know you probably feel that you should have sex, but if you’re really not feeling it, don’t push it. Your body is going through a lot right now. It’s okay to not have sex. Sit down with your partner and talk about it so that they understand what’s going on. [Read: How to talk about sex without sounding like a pervert]

#15  You will have sex again after the delivery. You’ve watched some birthing shows and pretty much decided that you’ll never have sex again after the birth. Listen, you will. Give yourself around six weeks after the delivery of your baby, and you’ll be all ready to have sex again.

I know it’s a scary thought but just relax. Let’s just get through the pregnancy first.

[Read: The earliest signs that tell you if you’re pregnant]

Naturally, there are some things you need to be mindful of when having sex during early pregnancy, but other than that, enjoy the experience.