Sex During Pregnancy: 7 Myths Busted for Peace of Mind

Sex during pregnancy is one of the most whispered-about topics in my clinic. Eyes dart, voices drop, and yet the worry is loud and clear. Can we? Should we? Will it harm the baby?

Let me say this upfront: in a medically uncomplicated pregnancy, sex during pregnancy is absolutely safe. Not just safe, it can be comforting, bonding, and even beneficial for both partners.

But I understand the hesitation because I see it all the time. Just last week, a young first-time mom came to me in tears. She had been intimate with her husband and then read something online that made her panic. She was convinced she had hurt her baby. Her guilt was heartbreaking, and completely unnecessary.

Moments like these make me feel frustrated, even a little angry. A woman who is already growing a life inside her, dealing with fatigue, swelling, emotions, and fear, shouldn’t also have to feel shame for something natural and loving.

I’ve spent over a decade as a gynaecologist, and I’ve been asked these questions hundreds of times. That’s why I’m writing this. Not because I had these doubts during my own pregnancies , I didn’t, even with Shriya or Sreyansh , but because so many women do. And they deserve better than vague warnings or half-truths.

Just look at the kinds of questions I get asked daily:

• Can sex during pregnancy cause miscarriage?
• Can sex during pregnancy affect the baby?
• Can sex during pregnancy cause bleeding?
• What sex positions to avoid during pregnancy?

I live and practise in a city, where at least women have the access and confidence to ask these questions, even if it takes courage. But I often wonder about women in smaller towns or rural areas, where there may be no one they feel safe asking. How many of them live in fear or confusion, silently carrying guilt for something that’s not even wrong?

All of these are real concerns, and all of them deserve compassionate, evidence-based answers.

Let’s bust some persistent myths with warmth, science, and zero judgment.

Common Myths About Sex During Pregnancy

Let’s bust some persistent myths with warmth, science, and zero judgment. These are the common myths I see regularly in my clinic , simple doubts that cause a lot of stress to expecting mothers.

1. Myth: Sex during pregnancy can harm the baby

Fact: Your baby is snugly cushioned inside the amniotic sac, protected by your uterus and the thick mucus plug at the cervix. No position or motion can ‘poke’ or reach them. Unless your doctor has advised pelvic rest, you’re good to go.

2. Myth: Orgasms trigger miscarriage

Fact: No, they don’t. Mild uterine contractions during orgasm are natural and not harmful. Miscarriages are typically caused by chromosomal issues, not by intercourse.

3. Myth: You lose your sex drive completely

Fact: Sex drive during pregnancy varies wildly. Some women feel more sensitive and connected, others feel uncomfortable. All responses are normal. Hormones, fatigue, and body image play huge roles.

4. Myth: There’s only one safe position

Fact: There’s no one-size-fits-all. Many pregnancy sex positions are safe with small adjustments. What matters most is comfort. I’ll soon be writing a full post on safe positions for sex during pregnancy. Keep checking the Bump & Beyond segment!

5. Myth: Bleeding means something went wrong

Fact: Light spotting after sex during pregnancy can happen due to a sensitive cervix. But if it’s heavy, persistent, or accompanied by cramps, contact your doctor right away.

6. Myth: You should stop after the first trimester

Fact: You can continue intimacy in all trimesters, first, second, and third, unless advised otherwise. As your body changes, so will your comfort zones. Talk, adapt, and explore together.

7. Myth: It’s selfish to think about intimacy now

Fact: Intimacy during pregnancy is not selfish. It strengthens your bond, reduces stress, and even helps you sleep better. Emotional closeness matters just as much as physical safety.

Sex During Pregnancy: Quick Guide

If you’ve been told to avoid sex during pregnancy, for reasons like placenta previa, short cervix, or risk of preterm labour, please follow your doctor’s advice strictly. This blog speaks to uncomplicated pregnancies only.

Many women also ask, how to make sex during pregnancy less painful? The key is communication. Use lubrication if needed. Explore gentle positions. Prioritise comfort over performance.

And if you’re wondering, how healthy is sex during pregnancy? Let me tell you. It boosts mood, improves sleep, and deepens emotional bonding. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s safe and even beneficial in most cases.

Let’s also talk about infections. Some women ask if sex during pregnancy can cause a UTI or infection. The answer? It’s rare but possible, especially if hygiene isn’t maintained. Use protection if needed, and urinate after intercourse to reduce risk.

Also, can sex during pregnancy induce labor? Toward the very end of pregnancy, semen contains prostaglandins, and orgasm may stimulate the uterus mildly. But it’s unlikely to cause labor unless your body is already ready. Always consult your doctor if you’re nearing your due date.

If you haven’t read our guide on the crucial week of pregnancy, I highly recommend it!

Final Thoughts from a Gynae Mom

Sex during pregnancy shouldn’t be a scary or shameful subject. It should be a conversation, something ongoing, honest, and safe between you and your partner.

I remember one late evening at the clinic, after back-to-back appointments, a patient waited just to ask one private question. She whispered, “Doctor, I feel like a bad mother for wanting to be close to my husband.” My heart broke. You’re not a bad mother. You’re human.

As a mom and a doctor, I say this , trust your body, talk to your partner, and don’t carry guilt. Every question is valid, every doubt deserves space.

And if more of us can talk openly, maybe fewer women will cry alone in a bathroom googling whether their baby is okay.

You’re not alone. You’re not doing anything wrong. And you’ve got this.

Also, I’ll soon be sharing a dedicated blog on safe positions for sex during pregnancy. It’s a common worry and deserves clear guidance. Do keep checking the Bump & Beyond segment for updates!

Disclaimer: This blog is intended to bust common myths around sex during pregnancy. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and there is no single right answer for every situation. Always consult your gynaecologist for advice tailored to your health. I always encourage my patients to ask me anything that’s troubling them , no topic is too small or too awkward. Honest questions lead to safe, confident pregnancies.

1. Can sex during pregnancy hurt the baby?
No, it cannot. The baby is safely cushioned inside the uterus and protected by fluid and the cervix. Unless there’s a medical reason to avoid it, sex during pregnancy is completely safe.

2. Is it normal to have no desire for sex during pregnancy?
Yes, it’s absolutely normal. Hormones, fatigue, and mood changes affect libido. Many women experience a dip or surge in interest in sex during pregnancy — both are common.

3. Can I have sex during pregnancy if I have spotting?
Light spotting can occur, but you should speak to your doctor before continuing sex during pregnancy if you notice bleeding. It might be harmless, but always better to check.

4. Should we stop sex during pregnancy after the second trimester?
Not necessarily. As long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated and both partners are comfortable, sex during pregnancy can continue even into the third trimester.

5. Are there risks of infection from sex during pregnancy?
There’s a small risk, especially if hygiene isn’t maintained. Safe practices and communication help reduce chances of infections during sex in pregnancy.

Dr Sonia Iyer

Meet Dr. Sonia Iyer — a seasoned gynecologist, mom of two, and trusted voice for women navigating the beautiful chaos of pregnancy and early motherhood. With over 11 years of clinical experience and a deep understanding of real-life parenting, she brings clear, compassionate, and expert-backed advice to every blog she writes.