Maternal health experts are advising expectant mothers to avoid sexual intercourse from the 36th week of pregnancy, citing increased health risks for both the mother and the baby as delivery approaches.
According to gynaecologists, while sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe for most women, it’s best to discontinue intercourse in the final month to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. They stress that sexual activity should always be guided by a woman’s individual medical condition and her doctor’s advice.
Myths vs. Medical Facts
The caution comes amid persistent public misconceptions about sex during pregnancy — particularly in Nigeria — where some traditional beliefs claim it can help induce labour or make childbirth easier.
Experts, however, have clarified that although semen contains prostaglandins, substances thought to help soften the cervix in preparation for labour, there is no solid scientific evidence that sex actually hastens delivery.
‘Stop Intercourse Four Weeks Before Delivery’ – Dr. Akinde
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Joseph Akinde explained that while there may be speculative benefits to sex during pregnancy, couples are strongly advised to stop around four weeks before delivery.
“The main concern at that stage is the increased susceptibility of both the mother and the unborn baby to infections,” Akinde said.
“There are suggestions that prostaglandins in semen might help the cervix become ready for labour, but that evidence is not solid. It’s only speculative.”
He added that although some believe intercourse close to delivery could help induce labour, such claims lack scientific confirmation.
“Yes, there are speculations that if a woman engages in intercourse up to that stage, the prostaglandin in the semen may help prepare the cervix. But the best medical advice remains to stop at 36 weeks to prevent infection,” he emphasised.
Sex in Pregnancy: A Matter of Timing and Caution
Supporting this view, Professor Oluwarotimi Akinola, a former President of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), noted that while sex during pregnancy isn’t medically prohibited, couples should exercise caution, particularly in the early and late stages.
“There’s nothing that prescribes sex during pregnancy as necessary, and there’s nothing strictly against it either,” he explained.
“If you do it, it’s for intimacy and bonding, not for medical reasons. However, one must be careful — early in pregnancy because of miscarriage risk, and late in pregnancy because of infection risk.”
Akinola warned that sexual intercourse late in pregnancy can expose women to vaginal infections, which could complicate delivery or affect the newborn.
“You don’t want to infect the person. Early in pregnancy, there’s a risk of miscarriage, and late in pregnancy, a higher risk of infection. So we advise caution,” he said.
The Truth About Semen and Labour Induction
Commenting on the popular belief that semen can help soften the cervix, Akinola stressed that the claim is largely anecdotal.
“Some people will say sperm softens the neck of the womb, but most of those claims are anecdotal. It’s not a scientific prescription. We don’t tell couples to have sex to induce labour,” he clarified.
Intimacy Still Matters
Despite the medical caution, both experts acknowledge that emotional and physical intimacy remain important during pregnancy. Maintaining closeness, they said, can strengthen relationships — but couples should find alternative forms of affection and connection as delivery nears.
In summary:
Doctors advise that from 36 weeks of pregnancy, sexual intercourse should be avoided to minimise the risk of infection and complications. While intimacy remains important, the health and safety of the mother and baby should always come first.
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