Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Love and Sex: Is it okay to use sex toys (like a vibrator) during pregnancy?

Is it okay to use sex toys (like a vibrator) during pregnancy?

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Valerie Davis Raskin, MD

By "okay," I think you're asking about safety, not sexual propriety. I hope so, because I applaud your enthusiasm for sensuality as you become a mother. Hang on to it, because, alas, our culture makes it challenging to see ourselves as being good mothers and sexy women all at the same time. You're off to a great start as a mom by being comfortable taking on both roles.

Using a sex toy in pregnancy is somewhat controversial, no doubt because no one has ever conducted a scientific study to establish safety. What experts do agree on is this: orgasms, even powerful vibrator-induced ones, are safe for most pregnant women.

The exceptions are women with conditions that increase the risk of premature delivery and/or infection, such as pre-term labor, premature rupture of membranes and bleeding. If you have anything but a normal pregnancy, or any history of problems in previous pregnancies, ask your doctor or midwife if sex is okay. If you aren't absolutely clear that he or she means it's okay to climax, ask.

But if you don't have any sexual restrictions during pregnancy (which is true for the overwhelming majority of pregnant women), experts agree that using a vibrator externally -- to stimulate the clitoris -- is safe in pregnancy. Where experts disagree is whether it's safe to insert a sex toy (such as a vibrator or dildo) into the vagina. Some say, "Yes," but others have the same concern that I have: A vibrator is much harder than the hardest penis. My own advice would be to keep it outside. If you crave internal G-spot stimulation, your partner's finger (with good hygiene) is a better idea.

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About the author: Valerie Davis Raskin, MD, is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago. Her latest book is Great Sex for Moms: Ten Steps to Nurturing Passion While Raising Kids.