While I may not be in the motherhood club myself, I've been on speed dial for my pregnant friend who's experiencing every twist and turn of this wild ride. From the nausea-filled mornings to the sudden cravings for pickles at midnight, it's been a roller coaster of emotions. Amidst her questions—some serious, some hilariously offbeat—one recurring thing she said to me was, “I’m so horny at the moment, can I have sex or what?”

It’s also one of the questions that keep popping up even on online forums like Reddit and Quora : Can I have sex during pregnancy? Now, amidst the myths and misconceptions floating around about sex and pregnancy, I decided to bring the real facts for you, so you never have to google it after this.

Let’s break this down :

What is safe? Explaining the basics of sex during pregnancy.

Short answer: Yep, totally safe. But let's spill the tea and clear up all the questions.

First up, will your partner’s penis hit the baby? Absolutely not! Your little one is chilling in the amniotic fluid and surrounded by the strong muscles of your uterus. Plus, your cervix is the ultimate bouncer, keeping things separated.

And about another common fear: Can sex cause a miscarriage? Nope, not a chance. Most miscarriages happen because the fetus isn't developing as it should. It has nothing much to do with the action you’re having. So, you’re good, babe.

Physical and emotional benefits: How intimacy can strengthen the bond.

OMG, the benefits of sex during pregnancy are seriously amazing. Let’s talk physical first!

1. Orgasms on Steroids - Pregnancy brings you a 20-30% blood boost. That extra flow heads south when things get spicy, leading to mind-blowing orgasms that are easier and better than ever. Plus, your breasts and nipples are extra-sensitive, so it's prime time to enjoy all those feels!

2. Calorie Burning and Physical Fitness - Sex is a total workout. It’s got you moving, your heart pumping, and muscles working. This fun cardio sesh helps you stay a bit fit during pregnancy and keeps your body feeling healthy and strong. Go ahead and break a sweat!

3. Better zzzzzzzs - Pregnancy orgasms can totally relax your entire body, giving you way better sleep. If stress or those annoying pregnancy discomforts are keeping you up, a good orgasm might just be the magic trick you need for some quality shut-eye. For added pleasure and relaxation, explore our range of sex toys in India.

And helllo, I know I focus a lot on the physical (pun intended), there’s a ton of emotional perks too!

1. Lesser Stress : 

When you have sex, your body releases endorphins and oxytocin, the ultimate 'feel-good' hormones. These awesome hormones help reduce stress and boost your overall psychological vibe. Feel-good time, literally!

2. Better Bonding :

Sex during pregnancy feels like an ultimate support system. It makes you feel loved, cared for, and totally in it together. This connection boosts your emotional resilience, reminding you that you've got someone by your side through all the ups and downs. It’s like the best reassurance ever!

3. Feeling sexier :

Pregnancy brings with it major changes, including weight gain, breast enlargement and multiple other alterations in how you look. This might trigger self-doubt or body image issues. You might start to feel unattractive and constantly low on self esteem. Sex can flip this script. It makes you feel desirable and reminds you of your allure. This boosts confidence,  empowering you to embrace your changing body.

4. Stronger communication :

Having sex while pregnant is a whole different ball game from your usual sex life. Even without the baby bump, sex demands open communication. Now, with a baby on board, it’s next level. You need to be more open, discuss fears, anxieties, and all the changes your body and mind are going through. This brings you and your partner closer like never before.

Medical conditions: Conditions where sex during pregnancy may not be recommended.

All bodies are unique, and pregnancy throws a whole new spin on things. If there are complications, it’s very much possible that your doctor might say "no way" to sex.

Conditions like placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix will mean no bedroom olympics for you. If you have any cervical issues, like premature opening or weakness, that’s a stop sign too.

Unexplained vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid? Head to the doctor ASAP. These are also times when sex and intercourse is off the table, until a doctor confirms otherwise.

And last but not the least, if you have a history of preterm labor or any complicated birth history, always check with your doctor first. Better safe than sorry, always!

Best positions: Exploring comfortable positions for each trimester.

During your first trimester, nausea and fatigue are your sidekicks. Your body's adjusting big time, so if you're not feeling it, no worries. It's totally normal! If you’re feeling up for it, try being on all fours. This position puts minimal pressure on your belly, and feels comfy.

By the second trimester, your libido’s on fire! With all that extra blood flow, orgasms can be next-level amazing. It's prime time for some sexy fun! Just skip positions where you're flat on your back—your growing uterus can squeeze your main artery, messing with blood flow to the placenta. So, what's the plan? Spooning! Lying on your side keeps it cozy and safe. For an extra treat, try a suction massage with the LIT suction massager to enhance your pleasure.

As the third trimester kicks in, your body might not be as down for sex, and your drive could take a dip. But if you're still feeling it, steer clear of lying on your back. The baby's extra weight can squeeze your organs or blood vessels. Stick to positions that go easy on your belly, like side-lying or sitting. Keep it comfy and safe!

A go-to comfy position throughout pregnancy is you taking the lead. With you on top, you control everything - speed, depth, the whole shebang. Go fast, slow, or deep as you please. It's all about keeping you comfy and in control. Bonus: zero pressure on your belly! For added stimulation, explore our range of vibrators online.

Open communication: Importance of talking openly about concerns and preferences.

You know our sex drives are as diverse as our playlists, right? And when pregnancy hops into the mix - you say hello to all the hormonal changes, schedules, self esteem, mental health, your relationship with your partner and the countless physical changes.Your sex drive gets impacted. On some days, you just want to curl up in a bed. On another day, you’d crave for a lot of sex and intercourse to feel better. Some want only oral, some just want their LIT and some want to try only a particular position. All of this is perfectly normal, valid and very okay!

The key? Lots of talk. Your partner might think that they already have your preferences because duh, y’all have been together for so long! But babe, a lot of things are evolving - your needs, desires, choices, preferences - everything. Chat it out. Share what feels good and what’s not hitting the mark. This might also involve playing around a little during each trimester, and check what’s stimulating and also comfortable for you. This will also bring you and your partner so close to each other!

Armed with all this info, go ahead and share these facts with all your about-to-be-mom girlies. And if you happen to be expecting, consider this as your sign to bang bang!

Frequently Asked Questions on Sex During Pregnancy

Is it safe to have sex while pregnant?

Absolutely! Just keep an eye on any complications like preterm labor or placenta issues. If in doubt, always check with your doctor about having sex during pregnancy.

Can sex during pregnancy harm the baby?

Nope! Your baby is well-protected by the amniotic fluid and the strong muscles of your uterus. As long as there are no complications, you’re good to go.

Which trimester is best for having sex while pregnant?

The second trimester is the sweet spot—high libido and amazing orgasms, just avoid lying on your back. It’s the perfect time to explore new, comfy positions.

How does sex during pregnancy affect sex drive?

It’s a rollercoaster! Hormonal changes, body image, and discomfort can all mix things up. Your sex drive might spike or plummet, and that’s totally normal.

What if there's bleeding after having sex while pregnant?

Head to the doctor ASAP! It's better to get it checked out and stay safe. Bleeding can be a sign of something that needs medical attention.

About the Author:

Hemali (she/her) is an explorer of the realms of sexuality, intimacy, and dating. She talks endlessly about the evolving landscape of feminist narratives on the big screen and makes you reanalyze the portrayal of women in mainstream culture. If you're looking for alternative conversation starters, take your pick from: Biryani, Art Fairs, or Spoken Word Poetry.