Can You Use a Vibrator While Pregnant?

Many pregnant people experience a change in their libido, and some even find that it decreases. However, a vibrator can be safe if your doctor hasn’t put you on pelvic rest (which means no vaginal penetration or clit stimulation) for a medical reason.

Internal Vibrators

Most people’s libido drops or fluctuates during certain trimesters of pregnancy. However, if you’re feeling horny and your doctor has cleared the use of a vibrator, it’s safe for most women to enjoy internal use of sex toys (and lubrication). You may just have to adjust how you position your body. Ross says, “You can try things like sitting down, laying on your side or spooning sex.” Just make sure to always listen to your body and stop whenever something feels uncomfortable.

When using an internal vibrator, it’s best to go slow and use a softer setting to avoid any potential discomfort. Likewise, use a softer lubricant that’s free of scents and flavors. And remember to clean the toy regularly, especially if you’ve shared it with a partner. This will prevent the transmission of STIs, vaginal infections and bacteria that could potentially harm your baby.

While most experts agree that sexual activity and masturbation are safe for women experiencing a low-risk pregnancy, it’s important to always speak with your healthcare provider before trying new toys or intensifying current ones. And be careful with any internal clitoral stimulation if you have a condition called placenta previa, where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. If this happens, attempting to penetrate the cervix with any object—even a vibrator—can cause severe bleeding and possibly result in an early labor.

Orgasms and sexual activity are also known to trigger Braxton-Hick contractions, which help prepare the uterus for birth. This can cause anxiety and worry, especially if the contractions seem to be getting closer together. Fortunately, most people experience these “practice” contractions as harmless and normal and can be soothed with a few deep breaths, or even some light stretching or massage.

If you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy or have other medical concerns, you’ll want to consult with your healthcare provider before attempting any sexual activity or using any sex toys. They’re your best resource for personalized advice to keep you and your baby safe throughout this unique and transformative chapter of life. We believe that intimacy is possible, safe and important during every phase of life. Woo More Play offers a variety of sex toys designed with your safety, privacy and comfort in mind. We also offer a wide range of premium lubricants and sex aids to help you find the perfect fit for your unique needs.

External Vibrators

While sex and external vibrators can be used during pregnancy, it’s best to avoid internal toys, which go inside the vagina. Using internal sex toys during pregnancy can stimulate the cervix and trigger early labor, which is why many healthcare practitioners advise against them.

If you’re interested in using an internal vibrator while pregnant, try to find one that doesn’t have sharp pieces or edges. These can irritate the vulva and cause discomfort. It’s also a good idea to use clean hands when masturbating and, if possible, lube. A UTI (urinary tract infection) is a common problem in pregnancy, and stimulating the vulva can make it worse.

Vibrators that don’t penetrate the cervix may still feel great, especially if you can explore erogenous areas like the clitoris or nipples. However, if you’re at risk of premature labor, it’s generally best to avoid nipple play as it may trigger the contractions that jump-start labor.

The safest way to enjoy pleasure during pregnancy is through sex with a partner or masturbation. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, talk to your OB-GYN or health care provider. They’re well-versed in discussing these kinds of topics and can help you find the type of pleasure that’s safe for you, your baby and your uterus.

Whether you’re enjoying sex with a partner or masturbating alone, it’s important to remember that orgasms during pregnancy can be quite intense. This is due to the increased levels of oxytocin in your body, which can cause emotional thoughts, bonding and maternal instincts. While these contractions aren’t harmful, they can be uncomfortable and can even cause uterine pain, which is why it’s so important to listen to your body. If the pain or discomfort gets too much, stop what you’re doing and let your body heal.

Hands-Free Vibrators

If you have a low-risk pregnancy, most doctors agree that it’s safe to continue masturbating with vibrators and other erogenous stimulation tools. However, it’s always important to be mindful and practice proper hygiene. For example, make sure to wash your hands before touching any sex toys and use special toy cleaners to ensure they are clean before each use. You should also avoid any lubricants that contain perfumes, flavors or colorings, which can irritate delicate tissues or cause infection.

Some women find that orgasms can be more powerful during pregnancy, which could lead to a longer pleasure experience and increased satisfaction. In general, it’s also a good idea to be mindful of the fact that climaxing and orgasms can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions — those “practice” contractions that prepare the uterus for labor and delivery. If these contractions become too strong, it’s best to take a break and try again later.

In addition, you should never use a hands-free vibrator if your doctor has put you on pelvic rest for a medical condition like vasa previa, placenta previa or cervical incompetence, Dr. Yana Markidan, a Princeton, NJ OBGYN, explains. In these cases, the cervix is partially or completely covered by the placenta, and any inserted object can puncture the cervix and cause bleeding, abruption or miscarriage.

For most women who want to enjoy clitoral stimulation while pregnant, a hands-free vibrator is a great option. The Lovense Domi 2 is a petite portable personal massager that easily fits in the palm of your hand and features 10 vibration patterns and 13 levels of intensity. It’s rechargeable via USB and comes with an app for added customization and control. In addition, this vibrator is made from 100 percent silicone, which means it’s odorless and hypoallergenic. It’s also completely waterproof, making it a great choice for bathing or shower time.

Egg Vibrators

Using an egg-shaped vibrator is another great way to get pleasure during pregnancy. Most of these toys are designed for vaginally or anally use, but you can also enjoy clitoral stimulation with some. These toys are typically made from medical-grade silicone, so they’re super slick and easy to clean. They are usually quiet enough to use in public and come with a string that doubles as a retrieval cord for discreet use. Some even sync with music for rhythmic patterns and a more sensual experience. Some of the best options include the Ella Neo, Lovense Flexer and Ohmibod Esca 2.

While it’s important not to pierce or puncture your clitoris during pregnancy (because that can increase your risk of infection and cause damage), don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pleasure toys during this profound time in your life. You may find that your clitoral sensations are more intense or that you prefer a certain type of texture while pregnant. And don’t worry if you feel a little pain: The mucus plug in your cervix keeps the baby safely sealed off from the outside world, and pain doesn’t necessarily equal endangering the pregnancy.

If you have a partner, sharing your sex toy during pregnancy can add to the fun and intensity of the experience. Just be sure to use a condom for every transfer and swap. In addition, make sure to avoid any porous sex toys that can harbor bacteria. And always wash your egg-shaped vibrator after each use to prevent infection.

It’s also a good idea to have a couple of different toys on hand so that you can switch up the fun during masturbation sessions or sexy encounters with your partner. That’s because a certain toy might work well for one session but not the next. And don’t forget to keep a stash of lubricant on hand, too. When shopping for lubricant, look for ones that are non-comedogenic and talc free. And don’t be fooled by the buzz term “body-safe”: It’s best to read and understand the full list of ingredients for a truly safe lubricant during pregnancy.