Sex toys can really enhance sexual pleasure—and so can pregnancy, thanks to a surge in the hormones estrogen and progesterone that leaves your privates engorged, lubricated, and potentially ultra-sensitive. Put the two together and you just might have a match made in heaven.
However, you may have some questions about safety. For instance, can you use a vibrator while pregnant? What about rings and other playful bedroom things? Unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise, there's likely no reason to keep your erotic toy chest locked during pregnancy. Learn more about how to safely use sex toys during pregnancy.
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Sex Toy Safety During Pregnancy
For most people, it's perfectly safe to masturbate, have sex, and use sex toys like vibrators while pregnant. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect the fetus.
"Anything you've used before, chances are that you can still use it," says sex educator Lou Paget, author of Hot Mamas: The Ultimate Guide To Staying Sexy Throughout Your Pregnancy And The Months Beyond.
The trick is to modify its use, as needed. "As with non-pregnancy toys, listen to your body," Paget says. "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."
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, particularly if you're at risk of preterm labor, your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain sexual activities. However, because there has been a lack of research on the subject, guidelines and recommendations are lacking. Be sure to clarify your doctor's reasoning and what exact limitations they suggest: Some activities (like vaginal penetration) may be off-limits while others may still have the green light.
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Tips for Using Sex Toys During Pregnancy
Sex toys come in many shapes and sizes for your various erogenous zones. Some vibrate, and some don't. Some stimulate you inside; some stimulate you outside. (And some do both!) None of them are strictly off-limits during pregnancy, but there are a handful of guidelines that will keep sex safe, comfortable, and fun while pregnant.
As a general rule, never do anything that doesn't feel good or makes you uncomfortable, and always reach out to your medical provider if you have any questions, experience bleeding, or have other issues of concern, including pain or unusual soreness.
Here's what else you need to know before you're ready to play.
Keep it clean
Hygiene cannot be overemphasized here, especially when it comes to sex toys that are used internally. To protect against infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning your toys with hot, soapy water after each use or touching used toys. Then, store them in a clean place (i.e., don't toss them into a night table drawer that also houses your pedicure tools, for example).
Don't share
Sharing is caring—but that might not be true for sex toys. Studies show that people who share their sex toys are more likely to get vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) than those who keep their toys to themselves. Pregnant people with BV have a higher risk of having premature or low birth weight babies.
Don't mix and match
During pregnancy especially, don't use toys in or around your vagina that also make a rear entry. Introducing fecal bacteria into the vagina can set you up for a vaginal infection. If you're engaging in anal play, proceed with great caution, as many pregnant people develop hemorrhoids that can be irritated when pressure is applied such as during a bowel movement or with a toy.
Read labels
Many erotic lotions and lubes contain scents, flavors, colors, and other ingredients that can irritate sensitive spots or even give rise to infections. “If you wouldn't put it in your eye, don't put it down there, either,” Paget advises. (That's good advice even when you're not pregnant!)
Watch out for products with ingredients like menthe (mint) for "cooling," capsaicin (hot pepper) for "warming," and any other potentially irritating additives. Look for any fine print that says "Not to be used during pregnancy" or "For external use only." Leave those products on the shelf.
You may be tempted to take the "simple" route and use products Vaseline, mineral oil, or baby oil. Don't: Petroleum-based products often irritate genital tissue, and can also break down latex in condoms and other prophylactics.
Check materials
Some plastic toys can contain phthalates, compounds that have the potential to disrupt hormones in the body (which is why they're no longer allowed in baby bottles, pacifiers, and other infant products). If you're shopping for a new plastic toy, make sure it says "phthalate-free."
Be gentle
Depending on what kind of sex play you're into, it also may be wise to take things a bit slower or gentler than normal, especially at first. Try things out on the softer side to see how you feel—then go from there.
Keep in mind, for example, that a dildo is harder and more rigid than an erect penis, and your cervix is more fragile during pregnancy, so start slow and avoid going too deep or pushing too hard. "Your choice and your comfort are the guides when it comes to thrusting," Paget says.
Go easy elsewhere on your body, too. Now may not be the best time to try nipple clamps, for example, as your breasts can be incredibly sensitive during pregnancy. And be careful with bondage, as your joints are looser than usual in preparation for childbirth, and you could accidentally overstretch and get injured.
Get creative
If your doctor has recommended against penetrative sex, you might discover that you enjoy stimulating other erogenous zones, and there are toys for those, too. If you've been advised to avoid sex completely, consider putting old toys to new use. "The large Hitachi wand that was a favorite before for genital stimulation may make the grade now for lower back and leg massages," Paget says.
Key Takeaways
Can you use sex toys like a vibrator while pregnant? The short answer is yes, it's most likely safe to use your vibrator. As long as your health care provider has cleared you for sexual activity, you can enjoy external and internal use of your favorite sex toys. Just be sure to keep safety in mind and to follow your body's lead.
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