Oh, baby! You’re pregnant, your body is doing the absolute most, and suddenly, everything comes with a caution sign. Sushi? Suspicious. Coffee? Limited. Google searches? At an all-time high.

It makes total sense. You're literally growing a tiny human in there, so naturally, you wanna be careful. Especially when it comes to things about your physical body. 

Can you actually have sex? What about sex toys? Can you still use them? Are they safe? Will your vibrator accidentally poke the baby? (Spoiler alert: No, that’s not how anatomy works.) Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of keeping your pleasure game strong.

Are Sex Toys Safe During Pregnancy?

Short answer: Yup! Sex toys are generally safe to use during pregnancy as long as you don’t have any medical complications. The fetus is chilling inside the uterus, while your sex toy is doing its thing outside in the vagina or on the clit. So no, you’re not about to vibrate your baby’s world weirdly. Plus, your mucus plug in your cervix safely seals off the uterus - and your little one - from the outside world.

However, there are some situations where you might need to put a pause on the party, especially with internal toys.

• Incompetent cervix: If your cervix is weak, opens too soon, or shortens early in pregnancy, stimulating it could increase your risk of premature labor.

• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.): If you're carrying more than one mini-you and have a higher risk of early labor, avoid cervix-stimulating toys.

• Persistent bleeding in the 2nd or 3rd trimester: Conditions like placenta previa might mean avoiding anything inside the vagina.

• Infections: If you have a vaginal infection like Group B strep, using internal toys can spread the infection further - big nope.
  

A tiny heads up though: An orgasm can trigger mild cramps, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which will slowly fade away. These are normal and nothing to worry about unless they become regular and more painful. In this case, contact your doctor.

And if you’re unsure, maybe due to any history, one bleeding episode, or absolutely anything at all, go talk to a professional. There’s zero shame in reaching out and rechecking. That’s what they are here for!

The Perks of Pregnant Playtime

Okay, so now that we’ve established that sex toys are generally safe, let’s talk about why they’re actually a fantastic idea while you’re pregnant. See, your hormones are on a rollercoaster, your body is doing gymnastics, and your sex drive? Well, it’s either through the roof or MIA. Sex toys can help with both situations.

Orgasms aren’t just a lot of fun, they’re a natural mood booster. When you climax, your body releases a cocktail of happy hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, which can help with stress, anxiety, and even pregnancy-related mood swings. And with all that extra blood flow down there, sensations are heightened, making orgasms feel even better than usual. Seriously, pregnancy can turn your body into a pleasure powerhouse.

Sex toys can also be a lifesaver if your usual bedroom activities are feeling… meh. If your growing belly is making certain positions awkward or uncomfortable, a vibrator can be the MVP that keeps your sex life spicy. 

Another perk? That post-orgasm relaxation hits differently when you’re dealing with pregnancy exhaustion. A little solo (or partnered) playtime can help you unwind and even improve your sleep. And let’s not forget about the pelvic floor - using toys can help strengthen those muscles, which will come in clutch when it’s time for labor. Who knew orgasms were part of prenatal prep?

Pro Tips for Safe & Satisfying Pregnant Play

When it comes to positioning, comfort is the main character. Stack those pillows like you’re building a luxury fort, avoid lying flat on your back for too long (circulation matters, bestie!), and if your toy is waterproof, take the fun to the bathtub. The water can help relieve pressure on your joints and make everything feel extra comfort-y.

If you’re using internal toys, go for different angles, not straight shots. Aim them slightly to the right or left instead of going full speed ahead to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your cervix. And for the love of all things holy, stick to body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone. Please no sketchy, mystery plastics near your bits!

Hygiene is extra crucial when you’re pregnant, so wash your toys before and after every use. Sharing toys with a partner? Either use protection or give them a proper sterilization session. Pregnancy is already a wild ride without throwing infections into the mix.

Most importantly, listen to your body. If something feels off - pain, discomfort, unexpected spotting, hit pause and check in with your healthcare provider before you continue.

Now go on, mama - glow, flow, and get thattttt amazeball massager!

Author Bio:

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.