Is lube safe during pregnancy?
It certainly is.
Pregnancy Safe Lubricants
When it comes to pregnancy safe lubricants, the vast majority of the well known brands are perfectly safe to use while pregnant, however, if we did have to choose one we would have to recommend Astroglide lubricants which uses all natural ingredients, is water soluble and long lasting.
Why You Might Want to Use Lubricant
In addition to being a fun enhancement during sex, lube can also serve a very useful purpose during a pregnancy. Pregnancy makes the hormones in a woman go wild, and that can lead to unwanted and unexpected dryness of the genital region. Because of this, the lubricant can help make sexual activity operate more smoothly and reduce the chances of friction or pain. Sometimes, couples don’t actually need or want lubricants.
During pregnancy, however, most couples are going to absolutely require it for a pleasurable sexual experience.
What’s The Best Type of Lubricant To Use During Pregnancy?
There’s not one brand that stands out above the rest. However, there is one type of lubricant that should be used more than other types. That is the water-based lubricant.
Water-based lubricants are not only healthier and more natural, they also provide more relief to the dry area, rather than just making it smooth.
Will Lubricant Reach The Baby During Pregnancy?
The short answer is just “highly doubtful”. To expand upon it a bit more: Lubricant can reach your baby in the womb, but it would have to pass through the tightly-closed cervix first.
You’d – roughly – have a better chance of winning the lottery or getting struck by lightning than you would having lubricant actually make it’s way into the womb.
However, on the off chance it can, water-based lubricants are still recommended for their natural elements. It wouldn’t harm the baby at all – in any way.
What Type of Lubricants Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Avoid lubricants that have glycerin or parabens. Both of them are harmful to a developing fetus. Furthermore, avoid lubricants with additives (usually added for pleasure purposes) or fragrances (also added for pleasure purposes).
These contain chemicals that could do some damage to the baby growing inside, and that’s the last thing you want to happen. Avoid the substances that will damage your growing child, stick with the water-based stuff, and everything should turn out just fine for you, your partner, and your baby.
What About Other Lube-like Products?
Yes, there are many other lubricants you can use aside from just something designed only for lubricant purposes. These include yogurt, coconut oil, olive oil and many others.
Most of these are natural based and would not cause any harm to the baby. Since the three examples listed above (and plenty more non-lube lubricants) are things you ingest already, there’s no danger in getting them inside you via another route.
What About After Pregnancy?
After pregnancy, your need for lubricant in the bedroom may subside! With hormones returning to normal, major dryness may no longer be an issue for you. But, if you still want (or need) to use lubricant, there’s no danger in doing so. Just like you may have used lube before your pregnancy (or during, if you’ve read this article), you can use lubricant after it as well without any fuss or medical issue.
So is lube safe during pregnancy? Absolutely. It’s fun, it’s natural and it’s harmless! What more could you ask for, really?
Ellen Fetters
Ellen Fetters, is a former Children's and Young People's Nursing Practice with an BSc from the University of Sunderland. After completing her SCPHN - HV she then worked as a Health Visitor within the local community.
In 2017 Ellen left nursing to launch Parenting Click, an online parenting resource aimed at creating happier families through better parenting.
She lives with her husband, beautiful baby girl, and two darling dogs. She spends her free time writing, running and learning how to become a better parent.