You’re lying in bed, the mood is perfect – but suddenly one of you pauses. “Is it safe for the baby now?” Many couples are familiar with this moment of uncertainty. In fact, about 50 percent of all expectant parents believe in myths about sex during pregnancy that are completely unfounded. The good news: Most of these fears can be safely tossed aside.

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The Most Stubborn Myths – and What’s Really Behind Them

Old wives’ tales about pregnancy persist remarkably long. Some date back to times when medical knowledge was limited. Others arise from misunderstandings or excessive caution. Let’s take a closer look at the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: "Sex Harms the Baby"

This classic myth is still going strong. The truth is: Your baby is well protected by the amniotic sac, amniotic fluid, and the cervix. Sex during pregnancy is usually completely safe and can even enhance your couple’s bond. The baby feels nothing of your intimate moments – it swims safely in its own little world.

In fact, sex during pregnancy is a wonderful thing for your relationship when both partners are willing. It contributes to your well-being and strengthens your emotional connection during this exciting time.

Myth 2: "Orgasms Trigger Premature Labor"

Many women forgo orgasms out of fear. But here’s the deal: Your body knows exactly when it’s time. The contractions during an orgasm are completely normal and differ fundamentally from real labor contractions. As long as your body is not ready for birth, an orgasm cannot trigger labor.

Interestingly, towards the end of pregnancy, sex is sometimes even recommended to gently stimulate labor – but only if the body is already close to delivery.

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Myth 3: "Orgasm Leads to Oxygen Deprivation for the Baby"

This old wives' tale is particularly persistent. The idea: During orgasm, everything tenses up, and the baby gets no oxygen. Complete nonsense! The orgasm is supposed to lead to hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation for the fetus – this is a myth and remains an old wives' tale.

The blood flow to the placenta is not impaired by an orgasm. On the contrary: the increased blood flow during arousal can even be beneficial.

Myth 4: "Semen Harms the Baby"

Some couples fear that prostaglandins in semen could be problematic. In fact, the amount of prostaglandins in semen during a healthy pregnancy is not capable of triggering labor – unless the body is close to delivery.

Semen is completely harmless to the baby. The natural barrier of the cervix provides reliable protection.

When Should Caution Be Exercised?

Not all pregnancies proceed the same way. With certain risk factors, you should indeed exercise caution or forgo sex. Be sure to talk to your doctor if any of these points apply:

  • Bleeding during pregnancy
  • Shortened cervix or cervical incompetence
  • History of premature labor
  • Low-lying placenta (placenta previa)
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Multiple pregnancies with complications

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor and get personalized recommendations. However, in most cases, there are still ways for intimacy and closeness.

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How Myths Can Burden Your Relationship

Misconceptions about sex during pregnancy have real effects on your partnership. If one of you forgoes intimacy out of unfounded fear, misunderstandings often arise.

Typical Effects of Myths:

  • One partner feels rejected while the other is overly cautious
  • Intimacy becomes a taboo topic rather than a bonding element
  • Uncertainty replaces spontaneity and desire
  • Emotional distance grows at a time when closeness would be especially important

About 50 percent of people believe in these myths – that’s a lot of couples putting unnecessary pressure on themselves or forgoing beautiful moments together.

The Path to Accurate Information

Where can you get reliable information? Aunt Gertrude’s advice comes from a good place, but it’s not always helpful. Here are your best sources:

Trustworthy Resources

  • Your midwife or gynecologist: They know your individual situation and can answer specific questions
  • Childbirth preparation classes: Myths are often directly addressed here
  • Reputable medical websites: Look for sources with scientific backing
  • Books by professionals: Current guides are based on the latest findings

Important: If you hear something that unsettles you – ask! Better to ask once too often than to live with unfounded fears.

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Open Conversations Instead of Silent Suffering

The most important thing for your relationship: Talk to each other! Many couples remain silent due to false shame about their insecurities. Yet open communication is crucial right now.

How to Talk About Myths and Fears

  • Choose a calm moment, not directly in an intimate context
  • Share your feelings without accusations: “I heard that... and it unsettles me”
  • Listen to each other without belittling each other's concerns
  • Research together or ask professionals together
  • Find compromises that both feel comfortable with

For all the babies in the world, it would be wonderful if women and couples stopped believing these myths. Open communication helps to debunk myths and create a healthy environment for your child – an environment in which your relationship can also thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sex be safe in every trimester?
In an uncomplicated pregnancy, sex is safe in all three trimesters. Your body and preferences may change, but basically, there’s nothing against it.

Should I avoid certain positions?
Avoid positions that are uncomfortable or put pressure on the belly. Listen to your body – it will tell you what feels good.

What if I have no desire at all?
Completely normal! Hormonal changes, fatigue, and physical discomfort can affect libido. Talk about it and find other ways for closeness and intimacy.

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Myths about sex during pregnancy are persistent – but you are stronger. With accurate information, open conversations, and mutual trust, you can fully enjoy this special time. Your intimacy is valuable, and it deserves to be based on facts rather than old wives’ tales.