Is It Safe To Have Oral Sex In The First Trimester? What Experts Say

Sex is a big part of the pregnancy equation, seeing as how it’s kind of the thing that got you here in the first place, right? But once you are pregnant, you might start to wonder about the best and safest ways to get between the sheets. It’s important to know that unless you’ve been put on notice by your doctor, sex during pregnancy is OK. But what about other types of arousal during that precious early pregnancy phase? Is it safe to have oral sex in the first trimester?

Kaylyn Easton, CEO and Founder of Chiavare, an all-natural and vegan lube, is giving you the green light. “It is safe to have oral sex and intercourse during the first trimester of pregnancy,” she tells Romper, adding that there are, however, a few precautions you will want to take if you are on the receiving end.

“For oral sex, the only caution would be to not have the partner blow into the vagina, as there is some evidence this could cause an air embolism,” Easton says. “While the chances are low, it is still a potentially dangerous condition for mom and baby.”

Other things to look out for include oral herpes. If your partner has the virus, then it’s important that you do not receive oral sex, according to LoveToKnow. Side note for down the road: If your partner has ever had a cold sore, then it’s important to avoid oral sex completely during the third trimester. Even if there are no visible signs of herpes, you can still get infected, which would then trigger the need for a C-section to avoid infecting the baby, according to Parents.

There are also, of course, a few medical reasons that your doctor might tell you to avoid orgasm during pregnancy, including a risk for premature birth or placental bleeding. But on average, you are good to go.

As for being the giver, you can go ahead and swallow as long as you are game and your partner has been cleared of STDs. In fact, swallowing semen may even be associated with a decreased risk of preeclampsia. Speaking of STDs, Easton says it is especially important that both you and your partner have been cleared if you are not in a monogamous relationship, but it doesn’t hurt for married or monogamous partners to be tested as well. “Safe sex is better sex,” she says.

Just a little adult spin on an after-school special. You’re welcome.