Can You Have Sex During The First 3 Months Of Pregnancy?

I'm pretty sure I was more nervous in the first trimester than at any other part of my pregnancy. You have all the symptoms of being pregnant, but you can't feel your baby yet (or see your future adorable bump), so it almost doesn't feel real. Plus, you're beginning to learn all of the things you should avoid in order to have a safe pregnancy and that can be nerve-wracking all on its own. Especially when you start wondering if you can have sex during the first three months of pregnancy.

If the thought of sex while in the early stages of pregnancy sounds like the most awful thing in the world, I hear you. You could be battling nausea, tender breasts, and a whirlwind of hormonal changes that make sex sound terrible. Plus, if you're not allowed to change the kitty litter or eat your favorite lunch meat straight out of the fridge, it's probably not safe to have any type of sex during those crucial three months, right?

Turns out, sex is one joy you don't have to give up when you're pregnant — not even in the first three months.

“Sex during pregnancy is always okay, with a few caveats,” Taraneh Shirazian M.D., OB/GYN at NYU and founder of Mommy Matters tells Romper.

And those caveats, including placenta previa, generally don’t show up until late in the second trimester, she adds. But while miscarriages are more common in the first trimester, “sex can’t cause a miscarriage,” Dr. Shirazian says. (If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, during sex or any other time, you should get evaluated by your doctor.)

As Baby Center reported, you should be safe to have sex in early pregnancy unless there is something wrong, like abdominal cramps, vaginal bleeding, or a history of miscarriages. In those cases, your doctor may put you on pelvic rest, but if your pregnancy is healthy and progressing well, there shouldn't be any issues.

I know it's difficult in those first three months when you can't feel your baby or see your body growing yet, but the Mayo Clinic noted that your little one is totally safe if you decide to have sex. Your baby is protected by both the amniotic sac and your uterus, so no type of sexual activity will affect them. In fact, the only one who may be affected is you. Sex during the first three months may be uncomfortable thanks to all of the hormones raging through your body, but it's still safe.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you do have sex, it's normal to feel some cramping after you orgasm. As What to Expect explained, your uterus contracts during an orgasm and you may be able to feel those crampy contractions up to an hour after you have sex. Unless the feeling gets worse or is accompanied by bleeding, you're good to go.

Of course, if the only thing you're craving in the first three months is a bag of Cheetos and pudding, I get it. You'll probably feel a lot better in the second trimester and even more ready to get it on. (If you can tear yourself away from your baby Pinterest board.)

Experts:

Taraneh Shirazian M.D., OB/GYN at NYU and founder of Mommy Matters