Can You Use Lube While Pregnant? OBs and Real Moms Get Personal

Some women love having sex during pregnancy and have no issues. I, unfortunately, didn’t fall into this camp. During both of my pregnancies, I felt awful and my sex drive was pretty much non-existent. Normally, I’d turn to some good old lube for help, but I worried lube for pregnant women would be off-limits. (And nothing gets you out of the mood faster than worrying about harming baby.)

So, can you use lube while pregnant? While lube is generally safe during pregnancy, not all lubricants are created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for (and what to avoid). Read on to learn what experts have to say.

Key Takeaways

• Can you use lube while pregnant? In general, it’s safe to use lube during pregnancy.
• The biggest concern about lube while pregnant is that it could cause irritation or disruption to your vaginal environment, which can lead to infections.
• What’s the best pregnancy-safe lube? Water-based lubricants without additives are best for use during pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Use Lube While Pregnant?

The short answer is yes, it’s safe to use lube while pregnant—but there are nuances. “Choosing a formula made with pregnancy-safe ingredients is essential,” advises Dr. Prati Sharma, MD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist at CReATe Fertility Centre in Toronto and medical advisor at Bird&Be. “Sticking to water-based lubricants and avoiding anything with potentially irritating additives helps reduce the risk of [discomfort] or disruption to the vaginal environment.”

In case you’re worried, rest assured that choosing the wrong lube won’t hurt baby. “Baby’s protected inside the uterus by the cervix and amniotic sac and other natural barriers,” explains Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, DO, an ob-gyn and urogynecologist in New Jersey, and founder of the International Pause Institute and the Pelvic Floor Store. “Under normal circumstances, lubricants used in the vagina don’t travel through the cervix and reach baby.”

That said, it’s still important to use a pregnancy-safe lube to prevent infection. “Pregnancy already changes the vaginal environment, which can make some women more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal imbalances,” Dr. Greenleaf explains. “These infections may increase the risk of complications such as preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes.”

Best Pregnancy-Safe Lube Types

There are a few guidelines to follow when it comes to lube for pregnant women, according to experts:

• Make sure it’s water-based. Water-based formulas tend to have fewer chemicals and are less likely to cause irritation than silicone- or oil-based options.
• It should be pH-balanced to support the vaginal environment.
• The formula should be free of unnecessary additives or fragrances.
• Many lubes are also clearly labeled safe for pregnancy—it’s best to go with one of these.

Ingredients to Avoid in Lube While Pregnant

When it comes to choosing a pregnancy-safe lube, experts suggest steering clear of the following ingredients:

• Silicone-based formulas (unless you know you can tolerate them well)
• Oil-based formulas
• Petroleum jelly
• Warming, cooling or stimulating products
• Flavored products
• Fragrances
• Parabens
• Propylene glycol
• Natural oils, such as coconut oil
• Ingredients not specifically meant for vaginal use

Essentially, if it’s a lube with fancy features, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy. Opt for very basic, water-based formulas.

Benefits of Using Lube

There are plenty of benefits to using lube both during and outside of pregnancy. It’s designed to reduce friction and has been found to generally improve sexual wellbeing. Lube can be used in a variety of ways during intimacy, which can make the experience gentler and more enjoyable.

During pregnancy, lube is especially helpful if you have vaginal dryness. “Vaginal dryness [during pregnancy] is more common than many people think,” explains Dr. Sharma. “With hormonal fluctuations, specifically elevated progesterone levels, some women experience vaginal dryness and irritation during sex, which can make intimacy less comfortable.”

Dr. Greenleaf adds that pregnancy can affect how sex feels, and that lube can help. “A good lubricant is good for women who may become more sensitive, swollen or irritated, even if they didn’t need [to use lube before pregnancy].”

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are a few more bits of advice to consider when it comes to choosing a pregnancy-safe lube:

• It might take some trial-and-error. It’s okay to try a few different kinds, notes Dr. Greenleaf. “What works for one woman doesn’t work for another,” she adds.
• Do a patch test if unsure. If you’re new to lubricants, it’s helpful to do a patch test on your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause any irritation before trying it during pregnancy.
• Keep using your TTC lube, if it works. Dr. Sharma points out that if you used a water-based lube during the trying to conceive (TTC) phase, chances are it’ll still be a good option during pregnancy (assuming it’s free of additives and ingredients listed above). She also notes that many lubes marketed as fertility-friendly are also pregnancy-safe, “which makes them a great option across multiple stages of the reproductive journey.”

When to Reach Out to Your Doctor

It’s important to stop using a lube and call your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions. “If a lubricant causes burning, itching, irritation, recurrent UTIs or changes in vaginal discharge, it’s a sign that the product may not be compatible with that person’s vaginal microbiome,” Dr. Greenleaf explains.

While vaginal dryness during pregnancy is common, if it’s painful, you should also reach out to your provider.

To Sum It Up

If you’re feeling dry and could use just a little support getting things going during pregnancy, rest assured that lube is safe to use. Just remember to look for a water-based formula without any extras to avoid disrupting your delicate vaginal environment. “Think of lubricants as part of your vaginal wellness, not just your sexual wellness,” says Dr. Greenleaf.

How We Developed This Article

We know that pregnancy can come with lots of unpleasant symptoms, including vaginal dryness. With so many products marked as off-limits during pregnancy, it’s no wonder that some moms-to-be are concerned about using lube while pregnant. To help provide guidance on this topic, we spoke to two ob-gyns. We also consulted several sources including the journal Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Ashley Ziegler is a mom of two who experienced some very rough symptoms during pregnancy—including struggles with intimacy. She’s also an experienced health, pregnancy and parenting writer with work appearing in publications including Scary Mommy, Romper, Pregnancy & Newborn, Everyday Health and more.

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.