A lot of women wonder, “are vibrators safe to use during pregnancy?” The short answer is yes if you are having a low-risk pregnancy.
Using body-safe silicone and metal sexual wellness tools is okay during the third trimester as long as you are not experiencing any high-risk issues like placenta previa, a short cervix, etc.
1. Talk to Your OB-GYN
If you’re wondering whether or not vibrators are safe to use during pregnancy, it is important to talk to your OB-GYN first. This is especially true if you have a high-risk pregnancy or complications. Your OB-GYN will be able to tell you whether or not it is safe to have sex and use a vibrator at specific times during your pregnancy.
If your OB-GYN gives you the okay to continue using your vibrator, make sure that you always clean it well between uses and keep it away from anyone else who may want to try it. Sharing sex toys can lead to the spread of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and vaginal infections.
It is also important to note that some pregnant women find their libidos skyrocket during pregnancy while others experience a lower-than-usual drive throughout the entire term. If you find your libido drops, it may be time to switch to a different type of vibrator or sex toy.
Another thing to consider is the lubrication that you choose. Body-safe lubes are the best to ensure that your experience is comfortable and pleasurable. Some of the most popular lubes include aloe vera and tea tree oil. The key is to use only lube that your doctor approves of and be sure to use it in moderation.
2. Listen to Your Body
When it comes to sexual pleasure during pregnancy, every woman’s body is unique. Some women find their libido drops significantly during the third trimester, while others experience heightened sensations that may make even the lowest settings on a vibrator feel too intense to handle.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s important to take a break from the vibrator until the pain subsides. It’s also common for pregnant women to experience Braxton-Hicks contractions during this time, which can be uncomfortable (although completely harmless and normal).
While it’s perfectly safe to use a vibrator as long as you receive the go-ahead from your doctor and are not experiencing pregnancy complications, it is important to remember that sex toys are meant for two people. It is always best to avoid sharing sex toys during pregnancy, as viruses and bacteria that can cause STIs and vaginal infections can easily be transferred.
If your doctor has given you the green light to continue using a vibrator, it’s important to keep it clean. Washing your sex toys frequently is crucial during pregnancy and will help prevent bacterial infections, as well as ensure the cleanliness of any toys you are sharing with your partner.
3. Keep Your Toys Clean
In general, sex and masturbation are safe to do while pregnant as long as you have a low-risk pregnancy. That said, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you may have and whether you might need to use a condom while using a vibrator. This is because certain pregnancy complications like placenta previa can lead to bleeding during or after sexual activity, so you’ll need to be extra careful about how and where you insert your vibrator.
In addition, your libido will fluctuate during pregnancy as your hormones surge and then start to decline in the third trimester. Orgasms, however, are a little more intense than usual during pregnancy due to the surge in blood flow, so you may be able to achieve climax a bit more easily.
Even during penetration, your baby is completely protected by amniotic fluid and the myometrium muscle in your uterus. That’s why it is important to clean your sex toys before and after each use to avoid infection. That’s also why it is a good idea to switch out your toys every month or so to prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria on their surface. And, as always, if you experience abdominal pain or bleeding after using a vibrator, speak to your doctor right away.
4. Don’t Overdo It
In the end, as long as you’re following your doctor’s orders and have the go-ahead from your doctor to use a vibrator, there isn’t any reason why you can’t enjoy some pleasure. The key is to use it wisely.
Don’t go too crazy and start having a sexy time to the point of orgasm, but instead enjoy your vibrator in a masturbatory way (by yourself or with a partner) to have some fun. The arousal you feel during orgasms is good for the baby, and may actually help them develop and grow.
Also, remember that it is important to not have any vaginal penetration when using a vibrator during pregnancy, so make sure you’re only using it in the areas your doctor has approved of for this purpose. And always be sure to use a body-safe vibrator—many brands will slap the term “body-safe” on their toys, but double check that they are made from a safe material. It is best to avoid any plastics or older jelly type rubber, which can potentially harbor bacteria.
Many people find that their sex drive changes when they become pregnant, and some experience a higher libido in certain trimesters. Whether or not you want to continue having sex with your partner after childbirth will depend on how you feel, and if you are comfortable.
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