Safety of Sexual Activity During Pregnancy

Sexual intercourse is generally safe for healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies. 1

General Safety Considerations

Sexual activity during normal, uncomplicated pregnancies does not increase risks for adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes 1
Many couples experience changes in sexual patterns throughout pregnancy, with overall sexual activity typically decreasing as pregnancy progresses 2, 3
Approximately 90% of couples engage in sexual intercourse during the first and third trimesters, though frequency often decreases 3

About 49% of pregnant women worry that sexual intercourse may harm their pregnancy, despite lack of evidence supporting this concern in normal pregnancies 2
Concerns about sexual activity causing preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes tend to increase as pregnancy progresses 2
Many pregnant women (58%) report decreased sexual desire during pregnancy 2

Only 29% of pregnant women discuss sexual activity with their healthcare providers, with half of these women initiating the conversation themselves 2
The majority (76%) of women who haven't discussed sexual activity during pregnancy with their provider believe these issues should be addressed 2
Many women feel uncomfortable raising the topic themselves, highlighting the importance of providers initiating these discussions 2

Pregnant women should be screened for STIs as part of routine prenatal care 4
Recommended screening includes tests for syphilis, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV 4
Pregnant women may actually be at increased risk for STIs compared to non-pregnant women, with studies showing higher rates of chlamydia (17.2% vs 10.9%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (23.4% vs 17.7%) 5
Condom use tends to decrease during pregnancy, potentially increasing STI risk 5

For pregnancies with complications (such as placenta previa, threatened preterm labor, or cervical insufficiency), sexual activity restrictions may be recommended, though evidence supporting specific restrictions is limited 6
Women with high-risk pregnancies should receive individualized counseling regarding sexual activity based on their specific condition 6

On average, couples resume sexual intercourse approximately 7 weeks after delivery 3
At one month postpartum, only about 19% of couples engage in sexual intercourse, compared to 90% by 4 months postpartum 3
Women who deliver by cesarean section tend to resume intercourse somewhat earlier than those who deliver vaginally 3
Breastfeeding women may experience less sexual activity and satisfaction in the early postpartum period compared to those who are not breastfeeding 3

Healthcare providers should proactively discuss sexual activity during pregnancy with patients, as many women are hesitant to raise the topic 2
Accurate information about expected changes in sexuality during pregnancy and postpartum can help couples navigate these transition periods 3
Screening for STIs remains an important component of prenatal care 4