Are Sex Toys safe to use during Pregnancy?

There’s no denying that women need a little bit of extra TLC during pregnancy. And morning sickness, back pain, and moodiness aside, let’s address the elephant in the room… an increased libido!

As hormones begin to fluctuate, mums-to-be may find that they’re increasingly more aroused in their second trimester (this could be different from woman to woman though).

Why do some Pregnant Women have a High Libido?
Some women experience a high libido because there’s an increase in blood flow to her sexual organs, like her breasts and vulva, and there’s an increase in vaginal lubrication. This makes her more sensitive in those intimate areas, and often brings about stronger and more pleasurable orgasms.

Having said all of that, it’s no surprise that women want to know whether sex toys are safe to use during pregnancy. And the short answer is, yes! Hallelujah!

According to sex and intimacy expert, Lou Paget:

“Anything you’ve used before, chances are that you can still use it. While pregnant, you’re likely to feel sensation more intensely, so you might need to try a different toy or a smaller toy, or to use it in a new and different way.”

Dr. Michael Ingber, who is a physician at the Center for Specialized Women’s Health, also weighed in by saying:

“In general, we tell patients sexual activity, foreplay, and orgasms are all very healthy and encouraged throughout pregnancy. The mechanical action of a dildo going in and out of the vagina, hitting the cervix, is no different than a penis doing the same thing.”

And what can we gather from all of this expert advice? Whether you’ve got a sexual partner or not, it’s perfectly fine (and encouraged) to go to town whilst pregnant (unless otherwise stated, see below)!

To get started on your pregnant sexual journey, here are a few guidelines on how to use sex toys during pregnancy, as well as a few questions you may have, answered:

Keep your Toys Clean
Good, clean fun is the name of the game when it comes to using sex toys during pregnancy. If you persist to use the same toy without cleaning it, it may cause bacteria to enter the vagina. An overgrowth of bacteria could then lead to preterm labour.

Pregnant women can too get a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) from using sex toys that haven’t been cleaned.

Another thing to remember is that you shouldn’t use the same toy in the vagina and then in the anus (and vice versa) without having cleaned it thoroughly before mixing and matching.

The golden rule for pregnant women using a sex toy is to keep it clean, and pee after use.

Avoid using Sex Toys during Pregnancy if:

• You have a placental normality
• You have any kind of cervical incompetence
• You are predisposed to preterm labour

Is it normal to Bleed a little after using an internal Sex Toy?
During pregnancy there is an increase in blood flow, especially to the genitals. So when an internal sex toy is used and in contact with the cervix, the already-sensitive cervix may cause a bit of spotting. If the spotting or bleeding persists for more than 48 hours, it’s advised to contact your doctor.

Dr Yana Markidan, OBGYN, says:

“It will usually start as a pink or bright red spotting that progresses to dark brown discharge and is resolved within 48 hours.”

Can having an Orgasm result in Early Labour?
You may have heard of the expression that having sex near the end of pregnancy can help induce labour. Turns out, it doesn’t.

In a study, it showed that women who engaged in penetrative sex that resulted in orgasm in the last few weeks of pregnancy actually carried their babies, on average, four days longer than those who didn’t engage in sexual activity!

This result could then directly correlate to sexy solo time play, given the pregnant mum-to-be has an orgasm.

So while an orgasm in women includes the tightening and relaxation of the uterine muscles and labour too involves uterus contractions, having an orgasm (near the end of pregnancy) almost always doesn’t result in early labour.

If you find that your orgasm contractions persist for longer than usual however, a doctor’s consultation may be the best option.

Why should (almost) all Pregnant Women be enjoying many Orgasms?
An orgasm a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away! It also leaves us feeling more relaxed, happy, and at peace! So if you are experiencing a normal/ low-risk pregnancy, here’s why you should be enjoying all the orgasms:

• It boosts the immune system: a study found that those who had sex once or twice a week had 30 percent more antibodies than those who didn’t.
• It increases your pain threshold: an orgasm has the ability to produce a pain-blocking effect.
• You’ll be happier: an orgasm releases oxytocin (the ‘love’ hormone), and brings about a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
• It encourages better sleep and healthier skin: after orgasm, the/sex-toys/dildos

Now’s the perfect time to get Sexually Creative!
By now, the argument is pretty compelling for pregnant women to use sex toys during pregnancy. Which is why we’ve rounded up our top three picks when it comes the the best sex toys to use during pregancy, based on its design, material, easiness to use, and other important factors.

Moxie by We-Vibe
It’s Bluetooth-controlled, which means it’s hands-free (yay), and is a discrete number that is worn inside your panties. And because of its slip-proof magnet, you can get on with doing you while Moxie sits comfortably against the clitoris and vulva.

Womanizer Premium
The Womanizer Premium uses technology called PleasureAir to gently stimulate the clitoris. It’s not as invasive as other vibrators, which is an added bonus for pregnant women who feel overly-sensitive ‘down there’.

Mimic Plus Massager
This small silicone vibrator fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and has a design that is non-intimidating. It’s made for clitoral stimulation, and is shaped in such a way that it has ‘wings’. These wings are flexible enough so that you can contour them to your body, making this toy extra comfortable.

So dear mums and mums-to-be all over the world… just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your sexuality, and have solo time or partnered fun. In fact, for low-risk pregnant women… it’s encouraged!

So get those toys out, it’s play time!

Written by Helena Lorimer