Sex during pregnancy
You can have sex when you are pregnant.
Some women want to have sex more often when they are pregnant, others want it less:
- In the first months of pregnancy, many women have little interest in sex: they feel nauseous, tired and have painful breasts. Many couples are also worried about the future and feel stressed during this period.
- However, the vagina, clitoris and nipples are more sensitive. Some women feel like having sex more often.
- For some women, sex during pregnancy is too painful.
Some men find it difficult to have sex with their pregnant partner for fear of hurting her or the foetus.
Not harmful to the foetus
Sexual intercourse is not dangerous for the foetus. The uterus protects the foetus. The entrance to the uterus (cervix) is closed. Semen cannot enter the uterus.
There is no risk of miscarriage, but do not have sexual intercourse if your midwife or gynaecologist advises you not to.
Sex is more than penetration. There are different kinds of sex. You can also masturbate, caress, massage, cuddle or have oral sex with your partner.
Pregnant woman standing. The focus is on the internal sexual organs with the foetus inside the uterus.
Detail of the internal sexual organs of a pregnant woman. The foetus is inside the uterus. A penis is penetrating the vagina and cannot reach the foetus.
Different positions
You can try different positions that are more comfortable and less painful.
Sexual intercourse during pregnancy example 1: The pregnant woman sits on top of the man.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 2: The man and pregnant woman lie on their sides, the man is behind the woman.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 3: The pregnant woman is on her hands and knees. The man sits on his knees behind her.
Protection against STIs
Protect yourself against STIs with a condom. You can infect your foetus with an STI. This can have consequences for the child.
Condom