Can You Use A Vibrator When Pregnant? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
By Andi Breitowich
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By Andi Breitowich
Finding out you’re pregnant opens a world of possibilities and leads to an overwhelming number of questions. Can you drink coffee? Is it safe to work out? Do you need to buy all new skincare? Can you have sex? Can you use a vibrator while pregnant? Keeping you and your baby healthy and safe likely consumes your thoughts and is at the forefront of all decisions, but every pregnancy is unique and brings about a slew of challenges, miracles, excitements, and a whole lot of joy.
But let’s be honest, taking care of your physical and mental health is of the utmost importance throughout your pregnancy journey, and you deserve to feel valued, confident, loved, and sexy. Luckily, that’s where we, Pepper, come into play. Sexual pleasure should not take the back burner when you’re expecting, so we talked to experts to find out: can you use a vibrator while pregnant?
Of course, everyone’s pregnancy journey is different, and you should always talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to use a vibrator while pregnant, but keep scrolling to see what experts have to say.
Simply put, yes. Most people can safely use a vibrator or have sex during pregnancy, unless their medical provider has a different concern or reason to avoid this, such as in higher-risk pregnancies, says Adrienne Ton, ARNP, FNP-BC, a family nurse practitioner and the director of clinical operations at TBD Health, a sexual-wellness brand that provides affordable and shame-free reproductive care. That said, not all sex toys are created equal, and you should avoid sharp objects that are inserted into the vagina or anus, adds Ton. Additionally, it’s imperative to make sure vibrators are cleaned properly between uses to avoid infections, she explains. That means cleaning *all* sex toys after every use with a designated sex toy cleaner to reduce the risk of infection and the spread of bacteria. Not to mention, thoroughly cleaning your toys after each use will keep them in tip-top shape.
You should also be careful about what kinds of products you use and avoid using extra scented lubricants and/or sweetened massage oils, adds Ton. Just be mindful because fragranced products may lead to vaginal irritation or infection, she explains.
Not only can you use a vibrator while pregnant but there are also a myriad of benefits! Whether you’ve used a sex toy before or you're looking to explore for the first time, a vibrator can feel widely good when pregnant. In fact, some women even orgasm for the first time during pregnancy! But like anything else, vibrators should bring a sense of pleasure, connection, and intimacy – whether you’re alone or with a partner. The following are just ~a few~ benefits of using a vibrator while pregnant, but you’ll have to explore for yourself to see what we mean. Of course, after your doctor gives the thumbs up.
“When pregnant, people often report missing their body or feeling that their body has been ‘hijacked’,” says Dr. Sophia Murphy, a certified sexologist and the director of wellness at TBD Health. “Masturbation can enhance one's awareness of their body and improve their intrapersonal connection,” she explains. In other words, the additional stimulation of a vibrator, can heighten your experience with receiving pleasure and foster a sense of personal appreciation.
Plus, using a vibrator can serve as a reminder of what your body is capable of doing while pregnant. Creating a human life is no small feat, and you deserve a little thank you.
Many women may experience low libido while pregnant, often due to fluctuating hormone levels, feeling physically unwell, or lacking confidence in their (beautiful!) changing bodies. As a result, exploring with a vibrator may increase your sex drive and increase blood flow to the genital area.
Not to mention, many women feel unfamiliar with their pregnant body, and exploring with a sex toy can help foster new desires, cravings, needs, and wants. Who knows, you may just find a new mind-blowing technique or discover a steamy kink.
Anything that supports an orgasm has positive mental health benefits, says Dr. Murphy. “The orgasm itself also supports stress management and can prompt relaxation of the body during the resolution phase,” she explains. In fact, if you choose to masturbate (or have sex) before bed, research has found that an orgasm can actually help you fall asleep faster. This is because an orgasm releases oxytocin, prolactin, and other endorphins which act as sedatives and induce a pleasant and relaxed feeling.
Orgasms and sex can also reduce levels of the hormone cortisol which is associated with stress. “Using a vibrator can increase interoception by increasing one's internal awareness of their body of emotions,” says Dr. Murphy. This can support stress management and relaxation in an otherwise trying period of life, she explains.
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’re prepping for baby number three, pregnancy can be a stressful time for you and a partner. You’re each navigating a new way of life, and the excitement or nerves of a new addition may make you feel out of touch or misaligned with your loved one. Because of this, sex toys can be an excellent tool to explore exactly what you each need. Explore together and let your partner guide the pulsating vibrations as you introduce a fresh intimate connection.
In the same vein, a vibrator can also serve as a roadmap for your partner. If your desires have shifted while pregnant (which is totally normal and okay!), a vibrator can help you identify precisely what you need. From there, you’ll be able to communicate to your partner exactly what it is you desire.
If you feel shame or guilt around self-pleasure, using a vibrator can be a great way to reclaim your body and create a healthy relationship with the idea of arousal - even when pregnant. “The best way to manage stigma is to face it head-on,” says Dr. Murphy. “Recognize where the messages come from and challenge them.” Just because there are larger stereotypes you may hear or see in the media – like it's not sexy to be pregnant or you shouldn’t feel sexy while pregnant – certainly does not make them fact, she explains.
Recognize that sex is a natural need. It's important to normalize new desires and/or maintain whatever sexual practices felt good pre-pregnancy unless of course there is a medical concern or if certain activities are not feasible while pregnant like BDSM activities, adds Dr. Murphy.
First things first. Always talk to your doctor before using sex toys while pregnant. It may seem like a silly question, but depending on your overall health and the health of your baby, your doctor can provide specific advice and/or concerns depending on your current situation.
That said, the main risk of using a vibrator while pregnant is an infection, which can cause problems during pregnancy, says Ton. Please remember to always clean your toys and maintain proper personal hygiene. If you are with multiple partners while pregnant, you (and all partners) should also get screened for sexually transmitted infections, adds Ton. “The other risk we think about [when using vibrators while pregnant] is increasing the chance of early labor or delivery,” Ton says. “This is more likely to happen in someone with a higher-risk pregnancy such as someone who has a low-lying placenta, or weakness of the cervix,” she explains. Because of this, approval from your doc is a-must.
We may sound like a broken record, but normalizing having a discussion with your healthcare provider before using sex toys will keep you and your baby healthy. By asking a professional can you use a vibrator while pregnant you are allowing them to assess your individual set of circumstances and give you tailored advice and peace of mind.
Once you get the A-okay from your doctor, check out the following five vibrators. You can’t go wrong with some rumbling intimacy, and we’ve hand-selected the best of the best. And don’t worry, they’ll feel just as good post-baby!
It’s small but mighty, so don’t be fooled by this bullet vibrator's petite stature. The velvety-soft exterior will feel luxuriously smooth, and the powerful motor brings a wave of pleasure. Plus, it’s small enough to toss in your purse or keep it next to your bedside table. Even better? Snag two so you’re never left alone.
Sometimes all you need is a hands-free sex toy – especially when pregnant – and this wearable vibrator checks all the boxes. It’s made with body-safe silicone, free from phthalates, BPA, and latex, water resistant, and allows for 85 minutes worth of pleasure per charge. Not to mention, if you physically can’t reach your vagina while pregnant, this toy does the hard part for you. Sit back and relax!
This powerful vibrator perfectly fits in the palm of your hand (or your partner's hand) and is coated with a silky smooth and sleek exterior. Just don’t be fooled by its stature because this body-safe toy packs a major punch. You know what we say… good vibes only! Literally.
If you’re looking to explore with vibrators for the first time, this magic wand is perfect for starters. The rechargeable massager features 10 powerful speeds and six vibration patterns so you can experiment with what feels best for you, and the cordless design is great for fun anytime and anyplace.
Hear us out. Sometimes you just need a little extra fun in your day – especially when you're pregnant – so slip this petite remote-control vibe into your underwear and go about your business. The remote-controlled vibe is perfect for a little pregnancy TLC around the house or out to dinner. You’re welcome.
We would be remiss if we didn’t emphasize the importance of lube, so make sure you lather on this unscented and unflavored water-based lubricant. The non-staining formula will leave your skin feeling soft and supple, and the ethically sourced ingredients won’t leave your sensitive areas irritated or dry. After all, you can never ever go wrong with more lube.
Pregnancy is a beautiful milestone, and as a soon-to-be new mama, you deserve some love. Whether you’re a total newbie to the wonderful world of vibrators, or you’re an experienced pro, remember that you *always* deserve to feel pleasure.
Remember to talk with your doctor to make sure vibrators are a safe option for you, but don’t forget that every part of you is relevant during pregnancy. Find what makes you feel your best, explore personal intimacy, and indulge in all forms of self-care. Our mantra? You and your body deserve it and all people deserve pleasure.
