Many pregnant people find that desire for sex changes during pregnancy or fluctuates in certain trimesters. Most people describe a decrease in their sex drive while pregnant, but other people experience it staying the same. If you’re pregnant, horny, and wondering if it’s safe to use a vibrator while pregnant, the answer is usually yes, in most cases.
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Is it safe to use a vibrator while pregnant?
Sex, masturbation and use of vibrators in pregnancy are safe for most people experiencing a low-risk pregnancy. Pregnancies are considered low-risk when the pregnant person is healthy and there are no concerns about the baby. If your pregnancy is low-risk, keeping yourself sexually active is a great source of pleasure and stress relief. If you are not sure if your pregnancy is a low-risk one, you should ask your healthcare provider (1).
Can using vibrator while pregnant hurt the baby?
Despite what some think, your baby is very well protected inside your uterus. There are several mechanical and chemical barriers between the baby and the outside world. During pregnancy the baby stays inside a bag of amniotic fluid inside the uterus and mucous plug has substances to avoid the entrance of microorganisms. So, sexual activity, including using a vibrator, won’t hurt the baby.
What vibrator is best for pregnant people?
There is not a specific vibrator that is universally recommended for pregnant people, but there are a few types of vibrators that may be more comfortable because of their design. We recommend these types of vibrators for pregnant people.
- Air suction vibrators for a softer touch. If your body is feeling more sensitive during pregnancy, try an air suction vibrator. They tend to be better for those with a sensitive clit because it sends pulses of air around the clit rather than direct vibration. Explore our list of best air suction vibrators to find one that’s right for you.
- Longer vibrators for easier reach. Your body changes might make it harder to reach your vulva and to stimulate your clit. For that reason, a longer vibrator can be a better choice while you’re pregnant. We recommend trying a wand massager, like the famous Hitachi Magic Wand.
- Hands-free vibrators that won’t move. A hands-free vibrator can be especially good in later trimesters when reaching your vulva is more difficult. Vibrators like Dame Eva II, for example, are designed to fit snugly under your labia majora so you don’t have to fumble with the toy at all.
- App-controlled vibrators for partnered play. App-controlled vibes are a great way to involve your partner in play during your pregnancy. Your partner can take over the app and control the modes and intensities you feel while you place the vibrator on your clit. We recommend the We-Vibe Jive.
How to use a vibrator when you’re pregnant
How you use a vibrator when you’re pregnant may vary because the way you experience stimulation might feel different than it did before you were pregnant. During pregnancy, for example, your pelvic area might be more sensitive. Pay attention to your changing body and the types of stimulation you enjoy. Oftentimes, you’ll need to do a bit of experimenting to discover what feels good. Most vibrators come with multiple vibration speeds, patterns, and intensities. Learn your toy’s buttons, remote, or app to control the modes. Experiment to discover what works for you.
If your body is feeling more sensitive, for example, you might want to stick with lower intensity settings. On the flip side, if you’re feeling like you want something more, try dual stimulation with a rabbit vibrator which is meant to stimulate the G-spot and clit simultaneously.
Your vaginal lubrication might also change during pregnancy so applying lube will make it easier to use your vibrator(4, 5). Water-based lube can be used is compatible with most sex toy materials.
Best positions for using a vibrator while pregnant
Given that your body changes during pregnancy, certain positions might feel more comfortable than others.(4, 5). You may also consider getting pillows or furniture that can better support your body as you lean into what feels best. When using a vibrator, try these positions for more comfort:
- Sitting. You can sit on a recliner or your bed and have your back supported, that will release the weight from your pelvis and give you comfort while you enjoy your vibe.
- On your side. Laying flat will get harder while pregnancy goes on, so try to enjoy laying on the left side, and you can either use a long vibrator or a hands-free one.
- All fours. Use a large pillow under your elbows and rest your weight on your knees. This position might be great using a hands-free vibrator.
When is it not safe to use a vibrator in pregnancy?
If you have a condition in your pregnancy that can be complicated by sex, your provider will recommend “pelvic rest”, which means no vaginal penetration or clit stimulation. In these instances, sex can increase the risks of bleeding or infection (1, 2). Examples of conditions where you should not have sexual stimulation are when your placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. This is a rare condition called placenta previa. Others will be more common, like after your water breaks (1, 2).
How often should you use a vibrator during pregnancy?
You should use a vibrator as often as you like during pregnancy. This will depend on how often you desire sex, however. For multiple reasons, most pregnant people and their partners will experience some decline in their desire to engage in sex or masturbation during pregnancy (3).
The sex drive for the pregnant person will depend more on how they feel during the pregnancy, usually declining in the first trimester due to more intense initial symptoms. As these symptoms get better, the desire gradually increases, and then declines again as they get closer to the delivery. How often you use a vibrator may vary throughout your pregnancy as your desire for sex and masturbation fluctuates.
Should you stop using a vibrator at some point in pregnancy?
If you are having a healthy pregnancy, it is safe to keep using your vibrator as long as you are comfortable.
It is important to know what to expect: you might experience some cramping after using the vibrator, because having an orgasm in general will cause some uterine cramps. No need to worry about that. It will not induce labor and will not hurt the baby. But if you’re experiencing pain, discomfort or bleeding, stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider.
The bottom line
If you’re having a healthy pregnancy, it is safe to keep your usual activities, including having sex and enjoying sex toys like vibrators. Try to feel your body and if anything feels odd, just take a break. Talk to your provider if you have any questions or concerns. If you’re interested in using a vibrator during pregnancy, explore our list of best vibrators for clitoral stimulation to find one that’s right for you.