Sex During Pregnancy: A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide

Yes, You Can Still Have Great Sex While Pregnant

Let's get this out of the way first: for most healthy pregnancies, sex is completely safe. The baby is cushioned by amniotic fluid, protected by strong uterine muscles, and sealed off by a thick mucus plug. Your partner is not going to poke the baby. That's not how anatomy works.

Now that we've covered that, let's talk about the more interesting stuff—how to actually enjoy sex during pregnancy, because your body is doing some wild things and your sex life doesn't have to go on pause for nine months.

First Trimester: Survival Mode

Let's be honest. The first trimester can be rough. You're exhausted in a way you've never experienced. Your breasts might be so tender that even a gentle touch makes you wince. Nausea strikes at random times, and certain smells—including possibly your partner's cologne—might suddenly make you gag.

This is not peak sexy time for many people, and that's completely fine.

If you're in the mood, focus on positions that don't put pressure on your chest. Side-lying works well. Let your partner take a more active role so you can conserve energy. And if the thought of sex makes you want to take a nap instead, take the nap. Your body is building a human from scratch. That's exhausting.

Some women experience heightened arousal during the first trimester due to increased blood flow. If that's you, enjoy it. Just be gentle with sensitive areas.

Second Trimester: The Sweet Spot

Welcome to what many call the "honeymoon trimester." For a lot of people, this is when pregnancy sex gets really good.

Nausea usually fades. Energy returns. Blood flow to your pelvic region increases significantly, which means heightened sensitivity and, for many women, easier orgasms. Some report being more aroused than they've ever been in their lives.

Your belly is growing but not yet unwieldy. This is prime time for experimentation. Try different positions. Get creative. Your body is changing and you're discovering new things about what feels good.

Positions that work well now: woman on top where you control the depth and angle, spooning which is comfortable and intimate, hands and knees where your belly hangs freely, and edge-of-bed positions where you lie back and your partner stands.

Pillows become your best friend. Use them liberally for support, comfort, and leverage.

Third Trimester: Finding What Works

By now, your belly is undeniably present. Some positions that worked before are now logistically challenging or just uncomfortable. That's okay—there are still plenty of options.

Spooning becomes a go-to for many couples. You're both lying on your sides, your partner behind you. No pressure on your belly, minimal effort required, and you can control the pace by how you move your hips.

Hands and knees remains viable and can feel great because your belly hangs without pressure. Some women find this position particularly good for G-spot stimulation during pregnancy.

Sitting positions work well too. Your partner sits in a chair or on the edge of the bed, you sit on their lap facing toward or away from them. You have full control over depth and movement.

And don't underestimate the power of non-penetrative intimacy. Oral sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy. Mutual masturbation takes belly logistics out of the equation entirely. Intimate connection doesn't require intercourse.

What's Normal (And What's Not)

After orgasm, you might feel some mild cramping or Braxton Hicks contractions. This is typically normal—orgasm causes uterine contractions, and your uterus is more sensitive during pregnancy. They should pass within a few minutes.

Some women experience light spotting after sex, especially if the cervix is bumped. Usually this is nothing to worry about, but mention it to your healthcare provider.

Stop and contact your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding, fluid leaking, painful contractions that don't stop, or anything else that feels genuinely wrong. Trust your instincts.

The Emotional Side

Pregnancy does a number on your body image. Your body is changing rapidly, and you might not feel sexy even if your partner assures you that you are.

Talk about it. Tell your partner what you're feeling. Sometimes you need more verbal affirmation. Sometimes you want the lights lower. Sometimes you just need them to look at you a certain way to remember that desire is still part of your relationship.

And partners—understand that reassurance matters. Tell them they're beautiful. Show enthusiasm. The pregnant body is remarkable, and helping them see themselves through appreciative eyes makes a difference.

When to Skip It

Consult your healthcare provider before having sex if you have a history of preterm labor, placenta previa, an incompetent cervix, unexplained bleeding, or if you're carrying multiples.

And if you're just not in the mood? That's valid too. Pregnancy affects libido differently for everyone. Some want more sex than ever. Some want none. Both are normal, and your partner needs to respect wherever you are.

The goal isn't to maintain some arbitrary quota. It's to stay connected in whatever way works for both of you.