Sexual intimacy is generally safe during pregnancy

Sexual intimacy can be part of a healthy pregnancy.

Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the chief concern when it comes to risks for most pregnancies.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, discuss pregnancy sex risks with your healthcare provider.

A couple enjoys a walk in the park during pregnancy

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Several sexually transmitted infections have the potential to affect pregnancy outcomes.

If there is any risk of STI transmission during pregnancy, it is advisable to usebarriers.

Before taking a new sexual partner during pregnancy,STI screeningis also a good idea.

Over the course of a pregnancy, certain types of sex can become less comfortable or enjoyable.

Healthcare providers tend to be more concerned about high-risk pregnancies, but again there is very little data.

People who are concerned about pregnant sex should discuss their individual risk/benefit calculations with their providers.

Air can sometimes also be forced into the vagina during penile or other penetration.

Coping With Pregnancy Sex

Sexual desire and interest can change substantially over the course of a pregnancy.

For some people, pregnancy may be a time when they feel highly sexual.

They may seek out more sexual intimacy with their partners.

Other people may feel less sexual during pregnancy.

This can be because of changes in how they feel about their body and their overall sense of well-being.

This can include activities such asmutual masturbationor one partner holding the other while they masturbate.

Although perineal massage doesnt have to be sexual, it certainly can be.

In many ways, perineal massage is like carefulfingeringand other types of digital sex.

A Word From Verywell

Can you have sex during pregnancy?

Yes, if you want to.

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