Vibrators are sex toys that can be used alone or with a partner to stimulate sensitive areas like the vagina, clitoris, nipples, anus, and penis for orgasm. They can help reduce stress, relieve tension, and increase natural lubrication to make penetration easier.
Just be sure to keep your vibrator and all sex toys clean to prevent infection, as pregnancy hormones can make you more susceptible to germs.
Yes
Using a vibrator while pregnant is not only safe but also a great way to relieve stress. It’s a nice, low-impact way to explore your clitoris and enjoy some orgasms (or, you know, just masturbate). Just be careful not to insert too deeply or use any vibrators with sharp edges. The sensitivity of the area increases during pregnancy, so you may feel things more intensely. Plus, you’ll probably experience some Braxton Hicks during orgasms, which are a type of mild contraction that doesn’t cause damage or harm to the baby.
It’s important to keep in mind that a pelvic infection can interfere with the pregnancy, so make sure you clean your vibrator and any other toys you use during masturbation before and after each use. Check for cracks, scratches and any other areas where bacteria can hide. And always use a body-safe lubricant, recommends Bartos.
For the most part, a regular vibrator should be fine to use throughout your pregnancy – but be sure to choose a small, soft one with low vibration frequency. Any toy that’s intended for clitoral stimulation (like egg vibrators or a clitoral hood) should be ok, but avoid anything with extra large size or intensity, because it could poke the c-spot – your cervix – and feel uncomfortable.
A vibrator won’t cause a miscarriage, but it won’t help either if you’re having complications with the pregnancy or if it’s a high-risk one. If you’re experiencing any abdominal pain or bleeding, talk to your doctor before using a vibrator – especially in the first trimester.
No
Unless your doctor has told you that sex toys are off limits, most types of vibrators (and other sexual wellness products) are OK to use during pregnancy as long as you’re not suffering from high-risk pregnancy symptoms or complications. You’ll also want to make sure your sex toy is clean before each use to avoid any infections that could harm both you and the baby.
If you’re having a low-risk pregnancy, it’s safe to use a vibrator during the third trimester, especially if your sex life starts to feel boring and uncomfortable as your belly grows. You may want to start with a lower vibration frequency and work up to the highest setting, but remember that you’ll be extra sensitive to stimulation thanks to hormonal shifts and increased blood flow to your genital area.
Even if you’re not having sex, masturbating alone or with a partner is still a great way to feel sexy and relax. In fact, research from the University of Rome Tor Vergata has shown that orgasms can help improve mood and even increase happiness scores, probably due to those oh-so-satisfying hormones.
During the first trimester, however, it’s best to be more cautious and only use a vibrator with a partner for sex or masturbation if necessary. The reason is that the first trimester is the window of time when miscarriages are at their highest risk, so it’s important to watch out for any spotting or bleeding after using a vibrator.
It’s also a good idea to stick to the lower settings for most types of vibrators during the first trimester, as you may find that you’re more sensitive to stimulation during this time. You’ll also want to be careful not to insert the vibrator too deeply as this can cause damage or discomfort.
It’s OK
As long as you get the go-ahead from your doctor or midwife, using a vibrator while pregnant is usually safe. They’ll likely want to make sure that you don’t have high-risk pregnancy issues, such as placenta previa, a short cervix post-surgery, or leakage of amniotic fluid.
They’ll probably also ask that you avoid dildos with sharp edges and keep your hands clean, as infections are more common during pregnancy. They’ll also want you to wash your dildo after each use and to clean the vibrator before and after you use it, especially if you’re not using it solo.
Generally, most types of vibrators are OK for use during pregnancy as long as they’re body-safe and not oversized. You can even enjoy non-penetrative foreplay with a wand style vibrator like the Lovely Wand.
Just be careful during the first trimester, when the window of miscarriage is open wide. Having an orgasm can cause the womb to contract, and this is the most likely time for unexpected early labor to occur.
In general, as long as your pregnancy is healthy, it’s OK to enjoy foreplay and sex with a vibrator during the third trimester, too. However, you might find it harder to find a comfortable position to enjoy yourself as the pregnancy gets closer and the baby starts getting bigger.
You may have to slow down the intensity of your sex and orgasms at this point, though, as it can be difficult to reach the most sensitive spots now that your uterus is so big. Also, an orgasm might trigger Braxton Hick contractions, those “practice” labor pains that prepare the womb for the real thing. These are normal, but can be a bit painful. If they become more frequent or intense, talk to your doctor.
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