B’sha’ah tovah!

Relations are fully permitted during pregnancy. In fact, the mitzva of onah (a husband's obligation to satisfy his wife's sexual needs through regular relations) applies even during pregnancy, though it can be waived by the wife.

The Talmud indicates that there might be concerns with the effect of relations on the woman or the baby during the first trimester. However, more recent halachic authorities maintain that today we do not need to be concerned about relations during the first trimester. The same passage states that relations from the second trimester and on are beneficial for the baby (although this is not an independent obligation beyond the mitzva of onah).

Husband and wife should remain sensitive to each other’s needs at all times, including during pregnancy. We hope you and your husband can have an open discussion to clarify and address his and your concerns.

If at any point during pregnancy you feel the need to try different positions for vaginal intercourse, whether for your own comfort or perhaps to allay some of your husband’s concerns, this is halachically permitted.

As you consider together what makes sense for the two of you, it is also worth noting that you are likely to be in niddah for a month or two after childbirth.

Even at times when the two of you decide not to have intercourse, other forms of physical affection may still be able to keep you connected and provide comfort.

If you have trouble working this out together in a way that meets your needs, you might consider meeting with a counseling professional for help talking it out.

We wish you a healthy pregnancy. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.