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When you’re pregnant, every twinge can send your mind into a spiral — especially when it comes to sex. Is it still safe? Could it trigger labor? And what if you’re in the mood but worried it’ll cause your water to break?
Let’s be real: navigating intimacy during pregnancy comes with a lot of feelings. The physical changes, hormonal shifts, and random advice from strangers (thanks, Karen) don’t help either.
So here’s everything you need to know about sex and preterm labor — what’s safe, what’s not, and when to check in with your healthcare provider.
Can sex cause preterm labor?
In most pregnancies, sex does not cause preterm labor. So unless your doctor or midwife has specifically told you to avoid it, getting busy is generally considered safe — even in the third trimester.
That said, there’s a nuance here. Sex can lead to uterine contractions, especially during orgasm, but these are usually mild and temporary. They’re often what's called Braxton Hicks contractions — also known as practice contractions — and aren’t a sign that labor is starting.
Research backs this up. A 2023 study found no clear association between sexual activity in pregnancy and preterm labor in people with uncomplicated pregnancies. Another study also concluded that sexual intercourse did not significantly increase the risk of preterm birth in most cases.
However, if you’ve been told you have a high-risk pregnancy — like a shortened cervix, placenta previa, multiples, or signs of preterm labor — your healthcare provider may advise you to avoid sex, penetration, or orgasm. If you notice any bleeding, severe cramping, or leaking fluid after sex, then it’s worth consulting your provider, just in case.
Can sex make your water break?
No, not in a typical, healthy pregnancy. Despite what TV shows might suggest, your water doesn’t just burst dramatically because of sex.
Your "water" refers to the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby. In most pregnancies, this sac stays intact until labor begins naturally. In fact, only around 10% of people experience their water breaking before labor starts.
Sex — including penetration, orgasm, or nipple stimulation — doesn’t usually rupture the membranes unless they were already weakened or labor was imminent anyway.
Of course, if you feel a gush of fluid after sex (and it’s definitely not from arousal or semen), call your doctor or midwife. They’ll likely want to check whether your membranes have ruptured and assess your risk for infection.
Can too much sex cause early labor?
Here’s the deal: there’s no official definition of “too much sex” in pregnancy — it depends on what feels good and safe for you. There’s no evidence that frequent sex leads to preterm labor in people with low-risk pregnancies.
Semen does contain prostaglandins — hormone-like substances that can soften the cervix. But while these may play a role in inducing labor when the body is already getting ready, they’re unlikely to do much if your cervix is still firm and closed.
A recent study (though admittedly small) found that while prostaglandins in semen might affect cervical ripening late in pregnancy, there was no proof that sexual activity actually caused early labor.
The key takeaway? Frequency doesn’t equal danger — unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise due to medical complications.
If you’re ever unsure, ask. There’s zero shame in checking in with your provider about how much sex feels safe for your body and pregnancy.
Is sex good or bad for labor?
Sex might help bring on labor — but only if your body is already gearing up for it. If you're full-term (37+ weeks) and looking for natural ways to nudge things along, sex could be one option.
Here’s why: Orgasms release oxytocin, the same hormone that causes uterine contractions during labor. Nipple stimulation can increase oxytocin production, too (if you’re into that kinda thing…). And semen contains prostaglandins that may help soften the cervix.
Some experts suggest that having sex near your due date might slightly reduce the length of pregnancy or help kickstart labor. But others, like the UK NHS, say there’s not enough solid evidence to recommend it as a reliable method of induction.
But for many people, sex is a great way to relax, connect with their partner, and release feel-good hormones — all of which can help create a more positive mindset as birth approaches.
TL;DR: Sex is more “supportive” than “solution.” It won’t magically start labor, but it might be one helpful piece of the puzzle.
When to avoid sex during pregnancy
There are some situations where your provider might tell you to hold off on sex, penetration, or orgasm during pregnancy. This is usually to avoid triggering contractions or bleeding in already sensitive circumstances.
You might be advised to avoid sex if:
- You have placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix)
- You’ve had unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Your cervix is dilating too early or is deemed “incompetent”
- You’ve gone into preterm labor previously
- You have signs of a vaginal infection or ruptured membranes
- You’re carrying multiples and your provider advises caution
In these cases, sex may not feel comfortable or safe, and that’s okay. It’s all about what your body needs right now — and what helps protect your pregnancy.
What if sex feels different now?
Sex during pregnancy might feel different — physically, emotionally, or both. That’s normal. As your belly grows, you may need to explore new positions, communicate openly with your partner, and get creative.
Changes in libido are also common. Some people feel more turned on than ever (hello, hormones), while others want nothing to do with it — and both are totally valid.
If you're not feeling it, that doesn’t mean something is wrong. If you are feeling it, that doesn’t mean you’re putting your baby at risk. Trust your instincts, check in with your provider if needed, and honor what feels right for you.
Do what feels right for you
Sex doesn’t cause preterm labor in most healthy pregnancies. If your provider hasn’t told you to avoid it, then go ahead and enjoy it — however that looks for you.
It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to change your mind. And it’s more than okay to prioritize intimacy, pleasure, and connection while pregnant — as long as it aligns with your body’s needs and medical guidance.
If anything feels off — bleeding, pain, leaking fluid, or just that gut feeling that something isn’t right — call your provider. That’s what they’re there for. You deserve answers that are respectful, non-judgmental, and rooted in science.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Fertility Mapper, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.