With pregnancy often comes a LOT of questions. What should I eat? What should I avoid? Are these symptoms normal? What should I look out for? The list goes on.
But there’s one important part of pregnancy that also comes with plenty of questions and doesn’t always get talked about enough.
Yep, we’re talking about sex! 👀
And what’s sexier than asking the right questions and getting evidence-based answers? 🥵
This has been a collaboration between with @PWHRCanada.
Resources
Here is some more information about sex during pregnancy.
Can sex cause preterm labour?
The evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that avoiding sex may help reduce the risk of preterm birth in people who are at higher risk, while other studies have found no difference.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends avoiding sex if you are at increased risk of preterm labour [1]. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about what is safest for your pregnancy.
Treatment and Testing of STIs
Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy is an important part of prenatal care. Some STIs can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or health complications for your baby. The good news is that many STIs can be safely treated during pregnancy, helping protect both you and your baby.
In the table below, we have listed some common STIs, when a pregnant individual should get tested, what the treatment is, and if the newborn needs treatment.
If you have any questions about STI testing during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
| Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) [7] | When should a pregnant individual get tested? | What is the treatment for the pregnant individual? Is it safe? | Does the newborn need treatment? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonorrhea [8] | First and third trimester | Antibiotics – 100% safe | Gonorrhea is passed to the newborn during delivery. If an STI test is positive at labour, newborn will receive prophylactic treatment* |
| Chlamydia [8] | First and third trimester | Antibiotics – 100% safe if not using doxycycline | Chlamydia is passed to the newborn during delivery. If an STI test is positive during labour, the newborn will be monitored for symptoms |
| Syphilis [9] | First trimester | Antibiotics – 100% safe | The antibiotics used on the pregnant individual (Penicillin G) will also treat the baby |
| HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) [10] | First trimester (repeat every trimester if the test is positive or if individuals engage in high-risk behaviours such as sharing needles for intravenous drug use or having unprotected sex with multiple partners or a partner who is HIV positive) | Antiretroviral Therapy – 100% safe | Depending on how much of the virus the pregnant individual has at birth, newborn will receive prophylactic treatment* |
| Hepatitis B [11] | First trimester (repeat in third trimester if individuals are high-risk, such as being born in a country where Hepatitis B is common or having unprotected sex with multiple partners) | Those with a large amount of the virus will start anti-viral therapy at 28-32 weeks. – 100% safe A C-section is not recommended because it increases the risk of transmitting Hepatitis B to the newborn. | Vaccinate the newborn against Hepatitis B and give them antibodies that will protect them against Hepatitis B for a short period. |
| Hepatitis C [12] | First trimester | Treatment is not recommended during pregnancy because of limited evidence of its impacts on the baby. | Babies will be tested for Hepatitis C after they are two months old. Babies with Hepatitis C can be treated with antivirals. |
*Prophylactic treatment is proactive treatment to prevent infection before it occurs
- Sex in pregnancy | Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) | April 2011
- Guideline No. 402: Diagnosis and Management of Placenta Previa | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada | July 2020
- Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review | Public Health Reviews | January 2024
- Female Sexual Function During Pregnancy and Postpartum | The Journal of Sexual Medicine – Oxford Academic | February 2012
- Sex and pregnancy | Pregnancy Info – The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
- Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy | Government of Canada
- Booklet: Sexually Transmitted Infections | Government of Canada
- Recommendations on Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Pregnancy | Government of Canada
- Syphilis: Infection during pregnancy | Government of Canada
- HIV Screening in Pregnancy | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada | December 2006
- No. 342-Hepatitis B and Pregnancy | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada | March 2017
- Clinical Consensus Statement No. 458: Hepatitis C Virus in Pregnancy | Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada | February 2025
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