Um, Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?

Can you use a vibrator while pregnant? Ah, the million-dollar question that crosses the minds of many pregnant people, especially when you’re dealing with fluctuating hormones and the need for some relaxation. The short answer: yes, in most cases, it’s safe. But, as with many things during pregnancy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to make sure you and your growing fetus stay safe and healthy.

Here, we break down what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to keep your peace of mind while using your favorite bedroom toys.

Can you use a vibrator while pregnant?

As long as you’re having a healthy pregnancy without complications, yes, vibrator play is super safe for you and the fetus, Staci Tanouye, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and sex education advocate on TikTok (@dr.staci.t), tells Well+Good. The reason why it’s safe? Your body’s design.

“A vibrator, penis, or anything else can’t get past your vaginal canal,” says Dr. Tanouye. That’s because it’ll hit a roadblock around your cervix—the narrow passage that connects the uterus (i.e., your womb) to the vagina.

During pregnancy, your cervix is sealed shut by a mucus plug (a large clump of mucus) to help prevent infections. Beyond the cervix, which is about 4 centimeters long, the fetus is also well-protected in the uterus by a fluid-filled barrier called the amniotic sac, Dr. Tanouye adds. So, rest assured that when you use a vibrator, the fetus is safe and sound behind several barriers (and can’t tell what’s going on either).

Safety aside, using a vibrator during pregnancy might also come with a few benefits. Here are some reasons to whip out the sex toys, per Dr. Tanouye and the American Pregnancy Association (APA):

• Increased pleasure: Thanks to hormones and an increase in blood flow to the vaginal area, you might have stronger sensations in your vulva and vagina (read: potentially better orgasms).
• Relaxation: When you climax, your body releases endorphins—feel-good brain chemicals that make you feel happy and calm.
• Exercise: Knocking boots, even with your vibrator, help you burn calories and stay active.
• Closer bond with your partner: If you involve your partner in vibrator play, it can help you two maintain a close emotional connection, which is especially important during a time of so many changes like pregnancy.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t use a vibrator while pregnant?

Generally, using a vibrator is safe during pregnancy unless your healthcare provider says otherwise. While most pregnancies don’t have restrictions, some high-risk cases may require “pelvic rest” (a break from sexual activity) and avoiding vibrator use or other types of penetrative sex. Dr. Tanouye and the APA say examples of these high-risk cases include the following:

• A history of premature birth or labor
• Preterm premature rupture of membranes (when the amniotic sac breaks open before labor begins)
• Cervical insufficiency (when the cervix begins to dilate or expand prematurely)
• Placenta previa (when the placenta covers your cervical opening partly or all the way)
• Placenta abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus before delivery)
• A history of miscarriage
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
• If you or your partner has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

What other sexual activity is safe during pregnancy?

Unless you have pregnancy complications, most sexual activity—including vaginal penetration, external stimulation, and oral sex—is fair game during pregnancy, Dr. Tanouye says. Still, your body goes through a lot of changes when you’re pregnant (hello, belly), so you might need to make a few tweaks during sexy time for a better experience.“Because things can be more sensitive, sometimes adjustments need to be made to keep everything comfortable and pleasurable,” she says.

Try these tips to help you enjoy sex to the fullest during pregnancy:

1. Switch up positions

“During penis-in-vagina sex, certain positions provide a deeper angle” that may push on the cervix and feel unpleasant in pregnancy, Dr. Tanouye says. “Also, as the uterus grows, simply laying in certain positions, like flat on your back, may get uncomfortable.”

On top of this, “during pregnancy, joints and the support structures of the pelvis become more lax, which can lead to more hip discomfort,” Dr. Tanouye says. But switching up positions can be a simple fix. The APA notes that being side by side or on top, for example, can be more comfortable positions for your pregnant body.

You can also use pillows to support or prop you up in certain places (you’ll have to experiment to see what works best for you), Dr. Tanouye says. Plus, there are even products on the market like OhNut rings ($75) to help if deeper penetration is painful, she adds. These stackable rings go around the base of a penis, dildo, or vibrator, acting like a buffer, so you can adjust how deep you want it to penetrate.

2. Explore other types of touch

Some parts of your body—like your genitals—may feel uber-sensitive during pregnancy. That’s because more blood is pumping to your pelvic region, swelling up your private parts and heightening your sensation down there. While this might ramp up the pleasure factor for some pregnant people, it can be a little too much for others.

The same goes for your breasts: With all the changes happening—i.e., your boobs getting way bigger as they prepare for your milk to come in—they may be more tender and sorer to the touch.

All this to say, certain foreplay you enjoyed before pregnancy might be less comfortable now. Talk to your partner about it. Together, you can explore new ways of touching that feel good to you in the moment.

3. Use condoms

Sex during pregnancy is generally safe if you’re in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners are aware of the other’s STI status. But if you’re with new or multiple partners, there’s a chance of contracting STIs, many of which can harm pregnancy and the fetus. If you’re in this type of situation, always wear condoms during sex to reduce your risk.

Types of sex to avoid in pregnancy

While most sexual activity is okay in pregnancy (as long as you take the above precautions), certain forms of sex might be too risky or potentially unsafe while pregnant. Try to avoid these types of sex when you’re expecting:

1. Inserting sharp objects or other objects not meant to be inserted into the vagina

This can cause injury or infection, Dr. Tanouye says. When it comes to penetration, it’s safest to stick to penises, fingers, and properly cleaned sex toys.

2. Blowing air into the vagina during oral sex

While this may feel pleasant when you’re not pregnant, the APA notes that blowing air into the vagina can form air bubbles that reach the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development. And, while rare, trapped air in the vagina can create pressure and potentially cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to spotting or bleeding, says Dr. Tanouye. “This has been reported in some literature, but there are only a couple of case reports ever,” she adds.

3. Anal sex

The APA says anal sex during pregnancy isn’t typically recommended for a few reasons:

• Hemorrhoids: Pregnancy can cause hemorrhoids or swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower rectum. This can make anal sex painful and increase the risk of bleeding or rupture, which can be serious and require medical attention.
• Infections: Certain infections, like Giardia and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), can cause issues for you and the fetus. Giardia may lead to chronic diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition, while GBS can pass to the fetus during delivery. Both can spread from the rectum to the vaginal tract if you don’t practice proper hygiene, such as washing your vagina and anus thoroughly.
• STIs: Anal sex increases the risk of STIs, which can have serious effects on a developing fetus, such as low birth weight, infection, or brain damage.

Just a note

Anal sex involves any type of penetration in the anus (i.e., with a penis, sex toys, fingers, or stimulating the anus with the mouth or tongue).

Can sex induce labor or cause contractions?

“In general, no,” Dr. Tanouye says. “There’s no real evidence that sex can induce labor or contractions.” However, having an orgasm can make the uterus contract and cause cramping. Just keep in mind that these contractions—which only last a short time and fizzle out—aren’t the same as the ones you have in labor.

Unlike sex-related uterine contractions, labor contractions get progressively stronger and more intense. “Labor contractions are very coordinated, organized waves of muscle contractions that work to push a baby down,” Dr. Tanouye says. So, if you feel a little tightness or cramping after sex, most often, it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, though, if you have a healthy pregnancy, you’re at full-term, and you want to encourage the process of labor to begin, sex might be helpful. The orgasm itself can’t induce labor, but it might help stimulate the uterus, Dr. Tanouye says.

Similarly, allowing your partner to ejaculate inside your vagina during sex (if they have a penis) might help with the onset of labor, too. This is because “semen has some prostaglandin-like properties,” i.e., hormone-like substances that help regulate uterine contractions, per Dr. Tanouye. It’s possible that semen can stimulate the cervix, too.

Just a Note

It is normal to have cramps (or spotting) after penetrative sex or orgasm. However, if you have severe, persistent cramping or heavy bleeding (like a period), call your healthcare provider ASAP to rule out any complications.

Tips to safely use a vibrator while pregnant

Whether you’re in the mood for a little solo sexy time or a bit of fun with your partner, safety should always come first. These vibrator safety tips will give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

• Get the “okay” from your provider. If you’re feeling unsure, check in with your healthcare provider to confirm it’s safe for you to use a vibrator.
• Make sure your vibrator is clean. A sterile vibrator can help reduce your risk of infection. Check the sex toy’s manual for any special care instructions, but in most cases, a little scrub with gentle soap and water will do the trick.
• Start on a slower setting. In pregnancy, “both clitoral and vaginal stimulation could be more sensitive,” Dr. Tanouye says. So you might find it a little uncomfortable if you go full speed ahead with a vibrator. Instead, try using a lower setting. This can help you feel things out, literally, to see what feels good or too intense to you.
• Be gentle with insertion. It’s best to “avoid forceful movements that could cause injury or bleeding,” Dr. Tanouye says.
• Pay attention to your body. “If you experience any pain, bleeding, or leakage of fluid, stop and call your provider,” Dr. Tanouye says.

Final takeaway

“Most vibrator use is healthy and safe during pregnancy,” Dr. Tanouye says. “It may even be more pleasurable than usual.” As long as you have a low-risk pregnancy without complications and follow a few safety precautions, feel free to experiment to your heart’s content.

And remember: It’s normal for your sex drive to change during pregnancy. You might love it, or you might just not be into it—both are completely fine. There are plenty of ways to show love and intimacy beyond sex. If you have a partner, talking with them openly about how you’re feeling toward sex can help.