PREMIUM TIMES spoke with Halimat Jimoh, a nurse and midwife, who explained when sex is considered safe during pregnancy, the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and why oral sex also requires caution.
Pregnancy often comes with questions about what women can and cannot safely do, particularly when it comes to sexual activity.
But medical guidance suggests that pregnancy itself is not a reason to stop having sex.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) says most sexual activity is safe for women with healthy pregnancies, noting that the amniotic sac and strong muscles of the uterus protect the developing baby.
However, that reassurance does not apply to every pregnancy. Certain complications can make sexual activity unsafe or require a woman to avoid it on the advice of her healthcare provider.
To provide more insight into sexual activity during pregnancy and the precautions women should take, PREMIUM TIMES spoke with Halimat Jimoh, a nurse and midwife, who explained the circumstances that can make sex unsafe, the risks of STIs and why some precautions are necessary even during oral sex.
Ms Jimoh explained that in an uncomplicated pregnancy, the developing baby is protected inside the uterus by the uterus, amniotic fluid and cervix.
However, she said certain pregnancy complications can change the advice given to a woman.
These may include unexplained vaginal bleeding, placenta previa or other placental problems, leaking of amniotic fluid, some cervical conditions and concerns about preterm labour.
She said this means pregnancy should not be viewed as a blanket reason to stop having sex. Rather, a woman’s individual pregnancy and any complications she may have should determine what is considered safe.
“Pregnancy itself is not a reason to stop having sex; it is certain pregnancy complications or medical concerns that may make avoiding sex necessary,” she explained.
While vaginal intercourse is often the focus of discussions about sex during pregnancy, oral sex is another form of sexual activity that couples may have questions about.
Ms Jimoh said oral sex is generally considered safe during an uncomplicated pregnancy, but certain precautions are necessary.
One of them is that a partner should not blow air directly into the vagina.
Although extremely rare, forcing air into the vagina has been associated with air embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition in which an air bubble enters a blood vessel and interferes with blood flow.
More importantly, oral sex does not eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
The National Health Service (NHS) states that infections, including herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV and hepatitis, can be transmitted through oral sex. The risk can increase when either partner has sores or cuts around the mouth, genitals or anus.
This means that the absence of vaginal penetration does not automatically make oral sex risk-free.
And for pregnant women, an STI acquired through sexual contact can have implications beyond the mother.
According to Ms Jimoh, pregnancy does not protect a woman from contracting an STI.
An infection acquired during pregnancy can affect the mother and, depending on the infection, may also affect the developing baby.
Syphilis is one example.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about eight million adults aged 15 to 49 acquired syphilis in 2022.
The organisation says untreated, late-treated or inadequately treated syphilis during pregnancy can result in adverse birth outcomes in an estimated 50 to 80 per cent of cases, depending on the stage of the infection.
The infection can pass from a pregnant woman to her baby through the placenta and may result in stillbirth, neonatal death, premature birth, low birth weight or congenital syphilis.
WHO also stresses that early testing and treatment during pregnancy can prevent these outcomes.
Ms Jimoh said pregnant women should therefore not wait until after delivery before seeking care for a suspected STI.
“Many STIs can be treated or effectively managed, and early testing, diagnosis and appropriate treatment during pregnancy can help protect both the mother and baby,” she said.
Among the infections requiring particular attention during pregnancy is genital herpes, particularly because of the risk of transmission to the baby around the time of delivery.
Ms Jimoh explained that genital herpes can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
