Sexual activity during pregnancy will not harm your baby in any way. Your baby is protected by amniotic fluid, as well as strong muscles surrounding the uterus. As long as your pregnancy is proceeding normally, you can have sex as often as you like. Keep in mind, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, nausea and breast tenderness early in pregnancy might lower your sexual desire, and as your pregnancy progresses, weight gain, back pain and other symptoms might dampen your enthusiasm for sex. Make sure to be open with your partner about how you are feeling.

You may begin to find some positions are more comfortable than others as your baby develops, so make sure to listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to adjust and try something new that is more comfortable.

There is also anecdotal evidence to support that sex can actually help trigger labor. Orgasm may help your uterus to contract, the release of the hormone oxytocin during sex may help your contractions along, and semen may help to soften your cervix. Connecting with your partner this way is an added bonus so continue sexual activity as long as you are comfortable.

Keep in mind it is normal to have a small amount of spotting after intercourse, and will resolve in a couple of days. If you experience heavier bleeding, please contact our office immediately.