Is Lubricant Safe While Pregnant?

Lots of women insist that pregnancy makes them friskier than ever. (Others want no part of the act that “got them into this mess in the first place,” but we’re not talking about them here.) Still, it’s hard to feel your sexy best when your lady-parts are parched—and pregnancy-related hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness in some women, explains Hilda Hutcherson, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center and the author of What Your Mother Never Told You About S-e-x. (Those same hormones can cause excessive lubrication, so remember that the spectrum of “normal” is ginormous.) If you fall into the parched-and-playful category, water-based lubricants aren’t only safe but recommended.

So what about putting other things down there? Oil-based and warming lubes are fine, too. But pregnant women are often sensitive to the warming lubes, so use a tiny amount first to test that it doesn’t irritate you. As far as sex toys are concerned, those are also considered safe during pregnancy, as long as your doctor has given you the okay to have sex.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.