Mothers who are pregnant often wonder the question: is it safe to have intercourse during pregnancy? These concern is even higher in couples who have conceived their first baby. It is imperative to understand that safe sexual practices are perfectly fine as long as your healthcare provider has not forbidden you from sexual intercourse. The next logical question in this regard: is it safe to use a vibrator while pregnant?

The answer: Although so far no study or clinical trial has been conducted that could determine the safety or hazards of using sex toys during pregnancy, most healthcare providers believe that there is no restriction or apparent danger in using vibrator if some cautions are maintained.

Orgasms (the pleasure sensation after sexual intercourse or use of vibrator) is absolutely safe during pregnancy; however, if you are at risk of developing pre-term/ pre-mature labor or you are experiencing frequent uterine contraction, it is better to avoid the use of vibrator and/ or sexual activity to prevent orgasm (and any potential harm to the fetal well-being).

What Are the Precautions to Take When Using a Vibrator During Pregnancy?

After answering the question "is it safe to use a vibrator while pregnant?", you may wonder "are there some precautions you can take when using a vibrator during pregnancy?". A lot of females like using sex toys or vibrators during pregnancy (because the heightened blood flow to vaginal region improve the stimulation and sexual sensation to a great deal, making orgasms more pleasurable). However, precautions should be taken strictly.

• External vibrators are generally a better choice than internal ones. This is mainly because most internal vibrators are manufactured from plastic that always poses a risk of penetration in the cervix. This can irritate the cervical lining and may endanger your pregnancy.
• Maintain extra care of hygiene and cleanliness. Make sure to optimally sterilize it after each use. If you are using the same toy/ vibrator for foreplay or anal penetration, avoid using it in vagina as it increases the risk of bacterial infection several folds.
• Make sure never to use a sex toy back and forth without optimal cleaning or at least washing. You can also cover the vibrator with a condom to minimize the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
• Be gentle when you are using the vibrator since the material is much harder and stiffer than penis (and can likely damage your vaginal lining).
• Use soapy warm water to wash your sex toys/ vibrator and store it in clean place after drying.
• Do not use sex toys/ vibrators if you have low lying placenta/ active vaginal infection or weak cervix.

What Are Some Warning Signs to Watch For?

• If while using vibrator, you feel pain, discomfort or irritation; stop right away.
• If vibrator use is associated with vaginal spotting (even if trivial), make sure to speak to your healthcare provider on next visit.
• If you are experiencing moderate pain or vaginal bleeding even after an hour of vibrator use, speak to your healthcare provider immediately. Same is true for other sex toys or even with male copulating organ.
• If you are near term (any time after 37 weeks of gestation) and orgasm or vibrator use is followed by regular, painful contractions beyond 2 hours; you should contact a healthcare provider to be certain if this is not the beginning of labor.