All about masturbation during pregnancy

Masturbation during pregnancy is still a taboo subject, although we are all aware of the effect of hormones on the libido of pregnant women. What are the benefits? Can we masturbate during the third trimester? We answer your most frequent questions.

It is completely normal to wonder if sexual intercourse during pregnancy, as well as masturbation or any other erotic act, can be painful. When you are pregnant, you ask yourself many questions and face many fears. But it is also true that these subjects are still very taboo and / or the subject of myths, and that many women still regard female masturbation as a "secret" to be ashamed of which should not be talked about.

Which is a shame, because masturbation during pregnancy doesn't hurt, just like intercourse. On the contrary: it can have huge benefits. Auto-eroticism is, in general, always good for you (and enjoyable)!

Masturbating during pregnancy is good for your health!

Despite the fears that one may have, masturbating during pregnancy is a good thing.
The future mother's libido varies during these nine months, as does her physical condition. Every woman is different. Some will still feel great, even during the first few months. Others will be more tired and nauseous. There are those who will alternate moments of intense desire with moments of total ataraxia.

The physical, but also psychological, conditions of pregnancy can affect sexuality. But in principle, sex and masturbation are very pleasant during this period, when we are more sensitive from a physical / erotic point of view.

A sexual activity and even recommended, because it allows the release of endorphins, hormones that relieve pain and above all, increase pleasure. Thanks to them, we are more relaxed and at peace with ourselves. And if you are wondering if masturbating during pregnancy is bad for the baby, the answer is no: the fetus is protected by amniotic fluid and will do nothing! Not to caress during this period is to deprive yourself of something pleasant and intimate.

When to avoid masturbation (and sex)?

There are more risky pregnancies than others, and in some cases sex and masturbation should be avoided:

  • Threat of miscarriage or previous miscarriage
  • Presence of infections
  • Risk of preterm delivery
  • Placenta previa
  • Excessive dilation or shortening of the cervix

Of course, you should always consult a doctor before making drastic or hasty decisions, or experiencing motherhood more like a nightmare than a nice trip, to be shared with your partner, in all its aspects.

Masturbation during pregnancy by trimester and month

The body changes during pregnancy and the approach we have to it and its appearance too. In reality, what changes above all is our desire and that of our partner. Not only because of the effect of the hormones, but also because of how the pregnancy was viewed by the couple. Knowing that we are going to become parents can indeed have an impact on intimacy and libido. At the start of pregnancy, they are often more worried about their actions than after nine months. So how to introduce masturbation during this period, depending on the trimester:

  • First trimester and first month: this trimester is the most complicated for masturbation. In general, the woman shows all the most restrictive symptoms of pregnancy: nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, etc. All of this affects her libido and desire, even though intercourse and masturbation can be a remedy for "side effects". If you want to masturbate during this period, do not hesitate!
  • Second trimester : the woman begins to relax and overcome many fears. Physically she feels better. The baby bump is not yet too invasive, and the desire is often intense. If you want to indulge in a moment of sexual intimacy, as a couple or alone, give free rein to your fantasy, of course with all the necessary precautions. Pay particular attention to the penetration, which must be soft, delicate and possibly not vibrating!
  • Third quarter and last month: the fetus is there, still protected by the amniotic fluid, but the belly becomes quite large, which makes intercourse more complex. This is why masturbation turns out to be an excellent ally. You can ask your man to help you in this beautiful path of auto-eroticism, but also proceed alone, preferably with clitoral stimulation, avoiding that of the vagina (no too aggressive penetrations or vibrators). From the seventh month, the uterus descends and you should avoid heavy pressure which could cause bleeding. Thus, in the past month, any sexual intercourse could be accompanied by contractions, which should not be confused with those preparing for childbirth. However, some gynecologists advise having an active sex life during the ninth month, in order to start moving the waters!

How to masturbate during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, we masturbate as at other times in life. The question is: what is the best way to masturbate during this period? Given what has been said about the physical changes, to masturbate during pregnancy, it is enough to be a little more careful.

You can proceed in a conventional way, by stimulating the clitoris with your fingers (or by asking your partner to give you cunnilingus!), By proceeding slowly and by varying the rhythm according to the increase in desire. If you want to penetrate, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. If you then want to enjoy sextoys, alone or in pairs, opt for a classic dildo or a clitoral stimulator.

How to use sex toys during pregnancy and what to avoid?

The use of sex toys to masturbate during pregnancy is no problem. Certain rules must however be observed:

  • Avoid vibrators for vaginal penetration or rotary vibrators. Rotary vibrators in particular are not recommended because they can cause a little too much pressure on the cervix, which could cause bleeding;
  • Pay close attention to hygiene. Generally speaking, when talking about sex toys or masturbation, hygiene is very important. Cleaning these objects of pleasure is essential to avoid any form of infection.


Prefer dildos or clitoral stimulators. The classic dildo, whose penetration rate is entirely managed by you, is authorized, more in the first and second quarter. The clitoral vibrator, meanwhile, is ready to satisfy all your needs, if you know this pleasure organ well.

Also read:

What is the ideal age to get pregnant?

Pregnancy: how to relieve pubic symphysis?

Some sports exercises for pregnant women

Video by Catherine Nowak