Can you have sexual intercourse while pregnant?

This is another common question frequently asked by pregnant women and expectant mothers. While sexual intercourse during pregnancy is not absolutely prohibited, ensuring maternal and fetal safety remains the top priority. If intercourse is unavoidable, its frequency should be minimized. Specific precautions must be observed during each trimester—early, mid-, and late pregnancy.

Let me explain these in detail. During early pregnancy, sexual intercourse is generally discouraged. In the first trimester, vaginal bleeding may trigger uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

During mid-pregnancy, the uterus is relatively stable; however, if intercourse occurs, frequency must still be carefully controlled. Vigorous activity should be avoided, as it may adversely affect both the fetus and placenta—for instance, potentially triggering placental abruption or miscarriage—and may lead to other complications.

In late pregnancy, semen contains prostaglandins that may stimulate uterine contractions, raising the risk of preterm labor. Therefore, intercourse is best avoided during this period.

Finally, to summarize: Sexual activity during pregnancy should be kept to a minimum. If complete abstinence is not feasible, intercourse must be gentle, hygienic, and performed with care to maintain external genital dryness and cleanliness.

Additionally, sexual intercourse is strongly discouraged during early pregnancy. It may be cautiously resumed in moderation during mid-pregnancy. However, during the final trimester—specifically after 28 weeks (late pregnancy)—the risk of preterm labor increases significantly; therefore, intercourse is not recommended. This is our professional recommendation for expectant mothers.