Is it safe to have sex whilst pregnant?

Yes, it is safe to have sex while you are pregnant, unless you have been advised not to by your doctor or midwife.

Sex will not harm your baby and if you have a normal pregnancy with no complication, sex will not increase your risk of early labour or miscarriage.

When to avoid sex during pregnancy

  • you have heavy bleeding in pregnancy

  • you have any problems with your cervix

  • you are in the later stages of pregnancy and have had an early labour in a previous pregnancy, or you are having twins

  • your waters have broken


Reviewed by
Dr Paula Baraitser, Medical Director, SH:24
Last updated at: 02 February 2024
Published on: 12 August 2022