Among the many changes that pregnancy brings, one of the most delicate – and one that is still talked about too little – concerns sexuality. Many couples wonder if having sex during pregnancy is safe, if it can harm the baby, and if it is “right” during this particular phase.
The truth is that sexuality during pregnancy is a possible, natural, and often enriching experience. But it is also true that, alongside desire, fears, physical changes, and emotional fluctuations can arise, making the topic more complex. Approaching it with serenity means not only reassuring oneself about safety but also opening a new dialogue within the couple.
Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
The question that almost all future mothers ask is precisely this. The answer, in most cases, is yes: if the pregnancy is progressing without particular complications, sexual intercourse does not harm either the mother or the baby.
The little one is protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus, and the closed cervix prevents any disturbance. There is no risk that the baby “feels” or is touched.
Of course, there are particular situations in which the doctor may advise caution or abstinence (threat of premature labor, placenta previa, bleeding, or pain). But these are exceptions, not the rule.
Changes in desire
Pregnancy is a hormonal journey that also affects sexual desire. Some women report feeling more sensual and desirous, with a body that is more sensitive and receptive. Others, on the other hand, feel tired, fatigued, or simply not in the mood.
All of this is normal. There is no rule: each couple finds their own rhythm, which can change from one trimester to another. In the early months, nausea and drowsiness may prevail, while in the second trimester, there is often a phase of greater energy and pleasure. In the third trimester, however, the growing belly and fatigue may make intercourse less frequent.
Sexuality as dialogue
Having sex during pregnancy is not just a physical act: it is a dialogue between changing bodies and hearts preparing to become parents. It means discovering new intimacies, new positions, new ways of being close.
Sometimes, if full intercourse proves difficult, other forms of intimacy can be prioritized: caresses, kisses, massages, moments of closeness that keep the bond alive. Sexuality is not just penetration: it is a broader language that, during pregnancy, can become even richer.
Facing fears
If there are doubts, the best thing to do is to talk about them with the doctor. There is nothing embarrassing about asking for reassurance: it is a way to experience sexuality with more freedom and less anxiety.
It is also important for partners to communicate openly: many fears arise from silence, from the fear of “disturbing” or “causing harm.” Talking, reassuring each other, and accepting changes helps strengthen the bond.
Conclusion
Sexuality during pregnancy is not a taboo: it is a part of life that continues to exist and that, if lived with awareness and mutual respect, can enrich the couple during a special moment. Every experience is different, and there is no right or wrong way to live it.
What matters is listening to one’s body, desires, and limits, and experiencing intimacy as an act of love that accompanies the journey towards birth.
Note: The contents of this page are for informational purposes and do not replace professional advice. In case of symptoms, doubts, or medical needs, always consult a qualified doctor.
