Pregnancy can be both wonderful and challenging. Increased stress and hormones alike can make you want to reach for your favourite sex toy. But is it safe to use while you're pregnant?
For many pregnancies, it's safe to use insertable sex toys such as vibrators or dildos and external toys such as clitoral stimulators. However, if you have any questions about safety, it's always best to ask your doctor or gynae and heed their advice. This is especially true if your pregnancy is high-risk when orgasms and any sexual activity, including using sex toys, are off the table.
Hygiene is of the utmost importance. Dirty toys can lead to infections whether you're pregnant or not. You can purchase specialty toy cleansers with antibacterial properties or simply wash with soap and warm water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse your toys after cleaning them.
Stop any masturbation or sexual activity if you experience vaginal bleeding. Contact your doctor and follow any directions to keep you and your fetus safe. Even if you don't bleed, pause if you experience any discomfort when using sex toys while pregnant. For example, your cervix may become more sensitive, so softer toys or more shallow thrusting might make masturbation more comfortable. Fortunately, many people successfully use sex toys during pregnancy without any adverse effects.
Of course, being pregnant can make using some sex toys difficult. Consider toys with longer handles to work around your belly. Sex toys that you can straddle or mount to a flat surface with a suction cup can give you an easier hands-free session. You'll find sex pillows with holes to insert toys. For example, Liberator makes a mount for the Original Magic Wand vibrator. Finally, you can also enlist the aid of your partner to use toys on you for pleasure and relief.
Lube is also beneficial when using sex toys, especially if you find yourself drier than normal during pregnancy. Water-based lubricants are compatible with every toy, and you can use silicone lubes with most toys. However, if using a silicone toy, you can check compatibility by applying a dab of lube to the base and rubbing vigorously for a few minutes. If the toy becomes sticky, only use water-based lube with it.
Finally, make sure the position you're in is safe and comfortable. If you experience any pain or body parts falling asleep, change positions. Use pillows to aid in comfort or lift your upper body if heartburn is an issue.
Most of the common sense advice about using sex toys while pregnant applies all the time, so as long as you're a savvy sex toy user and don't have a high-risk pregnancy, you should be good to go!