You shouldn’t have sex if you have any of the following conditions or symptoms:
- Placenta previa
- Premature labor in this pregnancy (even if it has stopped)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Abdominal cramping
- Cervical insufficiency
- A dilated cervix
- Ruptured membranes (your water has broken)
- You or your partner has an outbreak of genital herpes or feel one coming on. Also avoid intercourse and other genital contact for the entire third trimester if your partner has a history of genital herpes, even if he has no sores or symptoms. The same applies to receiving oral sex if he has oral herpes.
- Other sexually transmitted infections
There are other situations in which you may be advised to not have sex. For example, if you had a spontaneous preterm birth in a previous pregnancy, she will probably advise you to stop having sex at some point during this pregnancy, and possibly for the whole pregnancy until you reach 37 weeks.
Whatever your situation, don’t be shy about talking about sex with your practitioner. If she has advised you not to have sex, be sure you understand whether she’s just talking about intercourse, or about putting anything in your vagina, or about any activity that may bring you to orgasm.
If you notice any unusual symptoms during or following intercourse, such as pain or discharge, be sure to let your practitioner know. If you can’t have sex, don’t despair: You can still kiss, give each other long massages, and share your feelings for each other.
