Every few weeks, Dr. Vanessa Cullins, a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, will be answering your questions here. To ask her your own question, click here.
Dear Dr. Vanessa,
I’m pregnant and healthy. I’ve heard it’s okay to have sex when you’re pregnant. But I just can’t get my head around the idea, at least after seven or eight months when things get crowded. Isn’t there a point when the fetus and uterus get so big that there’s no way intercourse wouldn’t result in indirect poking and prodding? Wouldn’t your cervix descend a little thus resulting in him ramming it during intercourse? Are there precautions that should be taken? Like no deep penetration or no woman-on-top positions?
Bun in the Oven
Dear BITO,
Many women are concerned about the safety of sex during pregnancy. But you needn’t worry — most women are able to safely enjoy sex throughout their pregnancies. In most cases, having sex poses no risk to the fetus. Whatever positions are comfortable and pleasing for the women can be used.
It’s true that sometimes pregnant women are advised to avoid vaginal intercourse. A pregnant woman should not have vaginal intercourse if she:
- has a high risk of miscarriage
- has a high risk of preterm labor
- has broken her water
- has pain
- believes labor has begun
- is unable to find a comfortable position
And none of these situations appear to apply in your case since you state you are healthy. As long as your pregnancy is proceeding in a normal way, meaning you have not been told that you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can have sex without fear of harming yourself or the fetus. If you experience any discomfort, you and your partner need to stop and find another position or engage in alternative sex play.
The key is to do what feels good for you. If vaginal intercourse is uncomfortable, you may still find other forms of sex play satisfying.
Here’s to your healthy pregnancy and to your good sexual health,
Vanessa
Planned Parenthood
Vanessa Cullins, MD, MPH, MBA, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood® Federation of America.
