With so much talk about what you can and can’t do during pregnancy (what was that about eating soft cheeses again?), you may be wondering what’s allowed in the bedroom.

If your pregnancy is low risk and progressing normally, your OB-GYN may have let you know that sex during pregnancy is fine, but what about using your favorite vibrator? Is that OK?

Simply put, yes — it’s probably safe to use your vibrator.

For most low-risk pregnancies, sex, masturbation, and yes, internal or external use of your vibrator is safe. In fact, these can all be great forms of stress relief, take your mind off some of the discomforts of pregnancy, and give you the opportunity to get to know your pregnant body.

Your baby is safely protected by the amniotic sac and uterine muscles. The mucus plug also seals the cervix and helps guard against infection. Rest assured, even during penetration, a penis or vibrator will not come into contact with your baby.

That said, when using a vibrator during pregnancy, you may want to keep some things in mind:

  • Make sure to keep your vibrator or any other sex toys clean to avoid infection.
  • Listen to your body and stop using it if you experience bleeding or discomfort. Hormonal and physical changes due to pregnancy may mean you need to add lube or try different positions.
  • Discontinue using it completely if your water has broken or your OB-GYN suggests avoiding sexual activity.

When in doubt about what sexual activities your OB has approved or which activities are safe, don’t be afraid to ask.

Many of the safe sex practices that are necessary during pregnancy are the same ones that would apply at any other time.

  • The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is still very real during pregnancy. In fact, some STIs can harm your baby and pregnancy, so be extra careful if you’re unsure about the sexual history of any partner you’re with.
  • If you choose to receive oral sex, ask your partner to avoid blowing air into your vagina. While extremely rare, this could result in an embolism that may prove fatal for you or your baby.
  • Reconsider some sex positions as your pregnancy progresses. For example, after about 4 months, you may not want to have sex while on your back, as this can put added pressure on some major blood vessels. Try to embrace this as an opportunity to talk with your partner and enjoy some creativity.

While sexual activities can lead to Braxton-Hicks-type contractions, the contractions you may experience after an orgasm during your pregnancy are highly unlikely to cause a miscarriage or trigger labor too far out from your due date.

If there are concerns about preterm labor, your OB may ask you to avoid sexual activity toward the end of your third trimester, particularly penis-in-vagina intercourse, in which sperm can act as a cervical softener.

However, many people are able to continue having sex throughout their entire pregnancy, and it may even be a natural way to induce labor when the time comes.

Remember, your sex drive and the types of activities that bring you sexual pleasure may change during pregnancy. It’s important to be open and discuss any changes in desire or feelings with your partner(s), as some things may be more or less desirable than usual.

If your partner has their own concerns about hurting the baby by having sex, you may want to encourage them to come with you on your next visit to the OB-GYN.

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean that you have to give up all things sexual! Unless your OB has placed you under certain restrictions, it’s OK to go where your libido takes you.

Your sex drive may ebb and flow, with different sex acts becoming more or less desirable during your pregnancy. However, with a low-risk pregnancy, many sexual activities are safe if you’re interested, and this usually includes using a vibrator.

Just make sure to listen to your body, keep any toys clean, and protect yourself.