4 Things to Know About Sex During The Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is the home stretch — a time anticipation, strange cravings, emotional highs and lows, and swollen feet. It’s often a time of significant stress, too. Particularly if you’re expecting your first child. Dozens of questions are likely racing through a parent’s mind: Is my wife comfortable? Is our hospital go-plan ready? Is our nursery ready? Are we ready? Another question that might be on your mind: What about third-trimester sex? Can we still have sex during the third trimester? Is it even safe?

Third-trimester sex might seem like the wrong idea. After all, the baby looks like it’s getting big. Also, your wife is likely in a great deal of discomfort. Plus, couldn’t she just orgasm the baby right out of her?

The thought of having sex while pregnant can be a source of apprehension, however, these are reasonable pregnancy sex questions (in this situation, it’s always better to ask). The fact of the matter is that if everyone is happy, healthy, and down to do it, sex during the third trimester is perfectly safe — and perfectly fun. Both partners just have to be willing to work with the developing circumstances. Here’s everything to know about sex during the third trimester.

Is Third-Trimester Sex Safe?

Studies show that many pregnant women see an increase in sexual pleasure and desire in the third trimester after a noticeable dip in the first trimester. Yes, there may need to be some consideration as to the right position, but the sex will not be harmful to the fetus. There is also no indication that semen can actually induce labor, which is something people who didn’t know what they were talking about used to say.

However, if there were an asterisk connected to that headline, it would be “under most circumstances.” There are some reasons to not have sex during the third trimester, including:

• History of miscarriage
• Previous preterm labor
• A placenta that covers the cervix (a.k.a. placenta previa)
• The presence of a prematurely erupted membrane
• An incompetent cervix

In most other circumstances, you’ll be able to have sex just fine as long as everyone is in the mood. Just make sure your doctor gives the okay. But, like, way ahead of time, because it would be super awkward to call them on the after-hours line right beforehand.

What Are the Best Third-Trimester Sex Positions

At this point in the pregnancy, your wife’s belly will likely make a lot of positions impossible to perform. So, if there’s one thing to say about sex during the third trimester, it’s that creativity is key.

One option: rear entry. This sex position is popular during the third trimester because it doesn’t require your body to get too tangled up in hers. You could try entering her from behind while she’s standing with her hands against the wall. If that gets stale, then try having her lean over the edge of the couch. You won’t know what you can accomplish until you try.

Woman on top is another excellent option. With you flat on your back, she will have as much room as she needs to navigate sex. This position makes it easy to see, touch, massage, and squeeze your partner’s body in whatever way she finds pleasurable.

Does Sex Contribute to Earlier Delivery?

There’s a pernicious tale about how having sex during the third trimester can lead to premature babies. Well, good news for those who can’t bear the thought of 13 weeks without sex: Not only is this not true, but research suggests the opposite may be. According to a 2001 study, sex late into pregnancy reduces the likelihood of delivery before week 37.

Will You Poke the Baby?

The cervix provides a barrier between the outer wall of the vagina and the baby. A combination of amniotic fluid, and a thick muscular wall prevent the penis from coming in contact with the fetus during intercourse. Unless your partner is suffering from placenta previa or a weakened cervical wall, no, man you wont poke the baby. So just stop thinking about it already, okay?