Sex during pregnancy
You can have sex when you are pregnant.
Some women want to have sex more often when they are pregnant, others want it less:
- In the first months of pregnancy, many women have little interest in sex: they have nausea, tiredness and painful breasts. Many couples are also worried about the future and feel stressed during this period.
- However, the vagina, clitoris and nipples are more sensitive. Some women feel like having sex more often.
- For some women, sex during pregnancy is too painful.
Some men find it difficult to have sex with their pregnant partner for fear of hurting her or the foetus.
Not harmful to the foetus
Sexual intercourse is not dangerous for the foetus. The uterus protects the foetus. The entrance to the uterus (cervix) is closed. Semen cannot enter the uterus.
There is no risk of miscarriage, but do not have sexual intercourse if the doctor advises you not to.
Sex is more than penetration. There are different kinds of sex. You can also masturbate, caress, massage, cuddle or have oral sex with your partner.
Pregnant woman standing. The focus is on the internal sexual organs with the foetus inside the uterus.
Pregnant woman standing. The focus is on the internal sexual organs with the foetus inside the uterus.
Detail of the internal sexual organs of a pregnant woman. The foetus is inside the uterus. A penis is penetrating the vagina and cannot reach the foetus.
Detail of the internal sexual organs of a pregnant woman. The foetus is inside the uterus. A penis is penetrating the vagina and cannot reach the foetus.
Different positions
You can try different positions that are more comfortable and less painful.
Sexual intercourse during pregnancy example 1: The pregnant woman sits on top of the man.
Sexual intercourse during pregnancy example 1: The pregnant woman sits on top of the man.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 2: The man and pregnant woman lie on their sides, the man is behind the woman.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 2: The man and pregnant woman lie on their sides, the man is behind the woman.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 3: The pregnant woman is on her hands and knees. The man sits on his knees behind her.
Sex intercourse during pregnancy example 3: The pregnant woman is on her hands and knees. The man sits on his knees behind her.
Protection against STIs
Protect yourself against STIs with a condom. You can infect your foetus with an STI.
Condom
More information or help needed?
Family doctor
You can talk to a family doctor about almost every intimate issue. If necessary the family doctor can refer you to a specialised health professional. Find a family doctor in your neighbourhood:
Community health centre (wijkgezondheidscentrum)
You can visit a family doctor in a community health centre. Other care professionals such as nurses and social workers also work at community health centres. Care is provided free of charge. Find a community health centre in your neighbourhood:
Midwife
A midwife helps pregnant women before, during and after delivery. Find a midwife in your neighbourhood:
Aquarelle
Prenatal and postnatal care for women who migrated to Belgium
02 535 47 13
Prenataal steunpunt - Bevrijdingslaan
Free prenatal care
078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - Brussel
Free prenatal care
02 229 50 17, 078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - De Sloep
Free prenatal care
09 234 38 58, 078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - Mechelen
Free prenatal care
078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - Pothoekstraat
Free prenatal care
078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - Sint-Bernardsesteenweg
Free prenatal care
03 285 44 36, 078 150 100
Prenataal steunpunt - Willy Vandersteenplein
Free prenatal care
078 150 100
Kind en Gezin
Assistance to (prospective) parents with information, practical tips and medical follow-up until the child is 3 years of age. Services are for free.
078 150 100
Gynaecologist
In Belgium, you can make an appointment directly with the gynaecologist without a referral from your family doctor. However, your family doctor can help you find a gynaecologist.