Can Sex and Orgasms Cause a Miscarriage?

Here's what you need to know about sex, orgasms, and miscarriage during pregnancy.

Updated on February 7, 2023

If you and your partner are enjoying an active sex life now that you're pregnant, first of all, good for you! Sex during pregnancy has a whole host of benefits, including increased intimacy between you and your partner, strengthened pelvic muscles, better sleep, and even a possible boost to the immune system.

But having sex or experiencing an orgasm while you're pregnant may also lead you to wonder how safe it is. For some pregnant people, orgasms during pregnancy can be extra-intense and may cause you to feel like you're having a full-on uterine contraction. You may wonder if that extra uterine activity can be dangerous or even lead to a miscarriage. The good news is, in most cases, having sex or an orgasm during pregnancy cannot cause a miscarriage.

That being said, there are some cases that your doctor may advise you to avoid sexual activity and orgasms during pregnancy. Read on to learn more about when orgasms and sex are safe during pregnancy, and when you may want to avoid intimacy.

Can Pregnancy Sex Lead to a Miscarriage?

Having sex or experiencing an orgasm during pregnancy cannot lead to a miscarriage in most cases. The majority of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, which means there is a physical problem with the embryo and it cannot develop properly. In these cases, there is nothing that can be done to stop, prevent, or cause the miscarriage, including sex or orgasms.

As pregnancy progresses and your uterus grows, you may feel the uterine contractions that can happen with an orgasm more intensely. Elizabeth Stewart, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School, explains that all people who have a uterus actually experience uterine contractions anytime they have an orgasm. But during pregnancy, you're more likely to feel them more intensely because your uterus is swollen and blood flow is increased. But in a normal pregnancy, these contractions won't lead to anything dangerous, including a miscarriage.

Your unborn child is well-padded against any sexual activities by a fluid-filled amniotic sac and strong uterine muscles. Additionally, your baby is guarded against infection by a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix.

Benefits of Sex During Pregnancy

Not only is sexual activity usually safe during pregnancy, but it can be beneficial as well. Partnered or solo sex can bring pleasure—in some cases different and more intense pleasure than non-pregnant sex—as well as relieve stress, increase blood flow, and as you approach your due date, maybe even prepare you for delivery.

Some people may find they enjoy sexual activity even more during pregnancy, thanks to different hormones, increased blood flow, and changes in their body. In general, and as long as your doctor approves it, it's safe to partake in any sexual activities, including partnered sex, solo sex, and sex with toys. In fact, pregnancy may be a time for you to experiment with different types of sexual activities.

Who Should Avoid Sex During Pregnancy?

While enjoying sex while you're pregnant is generally a safe and healthy thing to do, Dr. Stewart explains that there are some people who may need to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy.

Your doctor will best advise you on what you need to avoid during pregnancy, but in general, people who have any of the following may need to avoid all sexual activity and orgasms during pregnancy:

if you have had a threat of miscarriage during this pregnancy
a prior premature birth
if you are having premature contractions
if your cervix is incompetent or dilated
if you're experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding or discharge
If you have fluid leaking

Additionally, if you have any concerns whatsoever or any questions about what sexual activities are safe during your pregnancy, be sure to speak to your doctor.

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