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Is it safe to use vibrators when you're pregnant?

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Contributor: Sera Sera
I have a friend who is wondering. What do you think? I've never seen it listed on any website!

I know this doesn't make a good poll question, but popularity votes could play a distinct role in answering this question.
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Selective Sensualist , MuffysPinguLove , deadpoet , Waterfall , Carrie Ann , Sanjay , aleong , Passionate Pastor , Midway through , Dusk , Sweet-Justice , lovehurts , butterflygirlxo , Aly890 , RosesThorns , hick2087 , darthkitt3n , Airekah , Mistress Kitty , Lucidity , Miss Anonymous , Ghost , Bignuf , Jazz , MaryExy , Keegski , Miss Morphine , TheeGirlNextDoor , Leaving Love , Ryuson , Nissa Nissa , Screen Door , Kayla , meitman , That Man from Mars , Collogue , LunaLuthor , aznbbgirl
38
Sera , Pleasure Piratess , deadpoet , Lady Venus , Love Buzz , Lollie , SexyySarah , SydVicious , Fun Lover , Darling Jen , Gatita , Danielle1220 , Hot'n'Bothered , TheSexista , Sohotdinosaur , socceras , wondertoes , ToyGeek , null , Kimbertrees , Persephone's Addiction , Airen Wolf , Unconventional , Shellz31 , Latsyrc728 , potstickers , lucymalfoy , Tart , northstar , joja , DeliciousSurprise , Tess , Misfit Momma , mariah , LavenderSkies , Xavier7 , Stujen , sasweetheart89 , daniel and frances , padmeamidala , PiratePrincess , big b , slynch , lovemuscle n cookie , lick123 , RedGoddess , Ms. Spice , bayosgirl , Leaving Love , kinksters , lanky , playtimeohsofun , angel142stx , ParisLove , eggiweg , The Curious Couple , FaerieLove , JRabbits , mizzmilla , Chaotic Rantings , BellaDonna2884 , Apirka , sweetpea12 , mama2007 , ghalik , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , hybridinsurge , epiphanyjayne , Peggi , Soundside46
70
Total votes: 108 (106 voters)
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08/17/2010
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Contributor: Sera Sera
I think they're safe, personally.
08/17/2010
Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
It's an in between - it's safe for some, and in some circumstances, but not for all. In pregnancies where there's any risk of premature birth, because an orgasm can begin premature labor, it's considered a major no-no. A sharp or very long toy (because almost all toys are more rigid than having a penis inserted into you) can also do damage to the placenta if used too harshly in women with certain conditions. Also, in any situation where the mother or baby are at all immune-compromised, it's probably a bad idea. Most studies do agree that as long as the mother is not at risk for pre-term labor, using a vibrator on your clitoris is safe. The medical community does not seem to have made a decision yet as a whole on whether or not penetrative toys should be considered safe.

What is most recommended is that every individual woman speak with their physician about their specific situation.
08/17/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
wow...never thought of that. It seems outside stimulation would be fine...don't think an internal vibe would be great though.
08/17/2010
Contributor: Selective Sensualist Selective Sensualist
My instruction/owner's manuals from LELO caution against using a vibrator during pregnancy. I would think that outside stimulation of the clitoris and labia would be fine, but internal vibration of the vaginal canal would definitely impact the fetus since the vibrations carry through tissue. For example, when using a vibrator vaginally, a partner can feel the vibrations when penetrating anally (and vice versa: when using a vibrator anally, the partner can feel the vibrations when penetrating vaginally).

Vibrations could possibly impact or disrupt the neurological development of the fetus and there is a remote (but possible) chance that it trigger early labor. Like choosing to chance a sip of wine during pregnancy, I would chalk this up to be something one should approach with caution. I see nothing wrong with using a non-vibrating dildo for gentle thrusting, however. Just don't thrust vigorously enough to bump the cervix.
08/17/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Selective Sensualist
My instruction/owner's manuals from LELO caution against using a vibrator during pregnancy. I would think that outside stimulation of the clitoris and labia would be fine, but internal vibration of the vaginal canal would definitely impact the ... more
SS makes sense, completely.

Personally, I wouldn't use one during pregnancy. There is a lot going on in the growing mind and body of a fetus. I, too, have seen warnings on the boxes of vibrators not to use during pregnancy, although they don't all have them.

I think a dildo, if used gently, is not much different than PIV sex, but the vibrations possibly could trigger uterine contractions which could trigger preterm labor.

I didn't use vibrators during any of my pregnancies. The problem is the medical profession doesn't know a whole lot about sex toys and I don't really know how to get a good answer, IF anyone even has a good answer.

Pregnancy is a body state where, a lot of the time, if you have to ask, "Should I?" and have ANY concerns, the answer is probably "Don't take the chance." Regular sex practices are OK during a normal pregnancy, but often High Risk pregnancies can be threatened by everything from semen (a prostaglandin which can trigger labor) to orgasm, which can start contractions. I wasn't supposed to "have sex" during the last 6 months of all my pregnancies and wasn't "supposed" to even have orgasms. We were VERY careful, he never came inside, I had most of my orgasms on my own, because they are not as intense as the ones I have with him, and if I had had ANY preterm contractions, we didn't have any sexual contact (except for me giving him a BJ) at all.

I'd be more worried about triggering preterm labor than any neuro damage, but as we don't have data on either, it's better safe than sorry.

It sucks, but it's for a short time. The fetus, if you decide to carry one, is so vulnerable. I wouldn't take a chance. I just wish we had more evidence based data on this subject.
08/17/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Those vibrating chairs all come with warnings not to use during pregnancy...

?
08/17/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
Those vibrating chairs all come with warnings not to use during pregnancy...

?
Carrie Ann, there is a LOT of CYA (cover your ass) warnings about pregnancy on just about every product. There were so many ludicrous law suits in the 80s and 90s by women who claimed everything from autism to ADHD to cystic fibrosis was caused by everything from antacids to tanning products to anything with moving parts that most things carry "do not use while pregnant or nursing" warnings, whether ANYONE has done any research or not. And, usually there is no research done.
08/17/2010
Contributor: Love Buzz Love Buzz
If you have a high risk pregnancy, have previously misscarried or theres a chance of premature labour I'd avoid using internal sex toys as the stimulation of the cervix could cause premature labour.

That said, If you are close to your due date, or are past due using a vibrator or dildo could help you to go into labour. Often doctors will manipulate the cervix manually to try to encourage labour to begin and they can be quite rough about it too, so if your at the 40 week mark go for your life!!

Also towards the end of a pregnancy using larger toys to help stretch both the vaginal canal and the perineum, especially if done whilst using vitamin E oil can help to prevent tears during vaginal delivery.

But if in doubt I'd always check with your Dr first.
08/17/2010
Contributor: Sanjay Sanjay
Quote:
Originally posted by Sera
I have a friend who is wondering. What do you think? I've never seen it listed on any website!

I know this doesn't make a good poll question, but popularity votes could play a distinct role in answering this question.
Wow, I had NEVER thought of that! Personally I'd probably be paranoid about using vibes during pregnancy, but I've never heard anything about it one way or another.
08/18/2010
Contributor: SexyySarah SexyySarah
I'm pretty sure they are safe, both my kids are fine, and I used them during both pregnancies! lol
08/18/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by Tori Rebel
It's an in between - it's safe for some, and in some circumstances, but not for all. In pregnancies where there's any risk of premature birth, because an orgasm can begin premature labor, it's considered a major no-no. A sharp or ... more
Thank you. That was a GREAT answer!
08/18/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
SS makes sense, completely.

Personally, I wouldn't use one during pregnancy. There is a lot going on in the growing mind and body of a fetus. I, too, have seen warnings on the boxes of vibrators not to use during pregnancy, although they ... more
I wish there were more evidence on the subject too. I doubt that a woman would personally want to be a tester herself. Thank you for the very informative answer. Much appreciated!
08/18/2010
Contributor: Passionate Pastor Passionate Pastor
Note sure, to be safe check with your OB/GYN
08/23/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Sera
I wish there were more evidence on the subject too. I doubt that a woman would personally want to be a tester herself. Thank you for the very informative answer. Much appreciated!
You're welcome. That's the thing about "proof" in pregnancy and breastfeeding and even in pediatrics. It would often be unethical to expose pregnant or lactating women, or small children to certain things, so often NO research is done. Animal studies don't always apply to humans, so often we go on what people have SAID they have done (not the truth all the time, what people DO and what they say they have done are often very different things. Also, people tend to forget things or blame the first thing they think of, when something doesn't go as planned.)

And, as sex toys aren't looked at by the FDA, there are basically no standards. People have to go on their own knowledge or trust the toy companies to keep up with what we DO know.

I know Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis and sushi are considered "out" during pregnancy. (And with the exception of the sushi, these are based on "guesses" we don't KNOW that the heat is dangerous, it just seems logical.) I missed them greatly, but it was only for a short time, and all three of these are safe during lactation, (not much IS prohibited during lactation, is isn't like pregnancy for the woman or the baby at all. A completely different physiological state.) so it's only until after the baby is born and you've healed from the birth.
08/23/2010
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
I'm not a MD, but as a Nursing student I will say I lean toward it being perfectly safe and acceptable under normal, optimal conditions. There are some women or some pregnancies that are high risk, however, so it's not the same for everyone. If you're not in a high risk pool or had specific warnings from your doctor, I say go for it. Just don't do something crazy like the Hitachi on high on your stomach. The poor baby probably won't appreciate that.


@P'Gell - I just finished a class this summer that touched on heat during pregnancy (hot baths, jacuzzis, steam rooms, etc.) and it was scary what they can do to a baby. There's not been any controlled studies done because of obvious ethic reasons, but we DO know that overexposure to high heat basically cooks the body. Even for someone not pregnant, falling asleep in the steam room, for instance, WILL cook you... Ewie.
08/24/2010
Contributor: Gatita Gatita
During my 1st two pregnancies I played with vibrators, externally, like there was no tomorrow. I was young, newly married & not as experienced in prenatal care as I later became with my last two children.

1st 2 kids were both born prematurely. Healthy, brought home within 2 days, but one at 4 wks early & the other at 5 wks early, with no medical reason found as to why.

Last two kids, I was monitored very closely, took it extra easy & wasn't such a toy freak. Both made it to the 39th wk.

Hmmmmm I'm thinking those playing session might have had something to do with it.
08/24/2010
Contributor: Danielle1220 Danielle1220
I have 2 children and always used vibrators throughout both my pregnancies. And..the kids are just fine. So yes it is safe.
10/11/2010
Contributor: Persephone's Addiction Persephone's Addiction
I would think that if it were safe to have sex during pregnancy (ie. if you weren't high risk and your doctor hadn't told you NOT to have sex) then sex toys are fine.
I really don't think the kind of vibrations delivered by a sex toy are going to be a threat to a developing fetus. But, we have women who are afraid to eat a slice of bacon when they're pregnant - so hey, if it makes you feel like a good mommy to not vibrate your whooha, then by all means, don't vibrate your whooha.
10/22/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Sera
I have a friend who is wondering. What do you think? I've never seen it listed on any website!

I know this doesn't make a good poll question, but popularity votes could play a distinct role in answering this question.
A ong as your doctor hasn't restricted you from penetrative sex or from sexual activity (as in he doesn't want uterine contractions) they are perfectly safe.
10/22/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Gatita
During my 1st two pregnancies I played with vibrators, externally, like there was no tomorrow. I was young, newly married & not as experienced in prenatal care as I later became with my last two children.

1st 2 kids were both born ... more
There had to be other factors. Vibrator use during pregnancy has been studied and there is no causal link between vibrator use and low birth weight or premature delivery.
10/22/2010
Contributor: Unconventional Unconventional
One of those, "If you're unsure, ask your doctor" questions. Women who are put on strict bed rest are told not to have orgasms at all, so not only are vibrators out of the question, but anything that would lead to an orgasm is as well. With uncomplicated pregnancies, as long as your doc says you can have sex, vibrators are fine.
10/23/2010
Contributor: butterflygirlxo butterflygirlxo
I learned something today! Great topic! (=
10/29/2010
Contributor: hick2087 hick2087
I wonder the samething.......
11/06/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Unconventional
One of those, "If you're unsure, ask your doctor" questions. Women who are put on strict bed rest are told not to have orgasms at all, so not only are vibrators out of the question, but anything that would lead to an orgasm is as well. ... more
Only thing is, most doctors know nothing about sex toys. I have worked in Nursing and worked with doctors. They don't care to say, "I don't know." So they pull shit out of their ass and say whatever they "think" is the right answer, with often no research backing it.

Midwives would probably be a better bet, as long as they are Sex Positive midwives.
11/06/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
There had to be other factors. Vibrator use during pregnancy has been studied and there is no causal link between vibrator use and low birth weight or premature delivery.
I agree, (having worked in maternal and post partum care) IF she had preterm contractions, then it could be a factor (and she would have been told, "No sex, no orgasm." as I was for the last 6 months of all my pregnancies (I cheated, gently. But no toys.) I doubt a completely healthy, low risk pregnancy could be prematurely triggered to Labor from just a sex toy. IF the baby is ready to be born (at term) then orgasm can trigger contractions. IF Mom has an Irritable Uterus, and has contractions which are not just "Braxton Hicks" or may be causing cervical shortening and dilation, then yes. But, a perfect healthy pregnancy, I doubt it.

High risk moms of any kind should be very careful with powered toys and deep penetration, semen (it's a prostaglandin and can trigger contractions ONLY IN women who already have problems holding on to pregnancies) and strong orgasms.
11/06/2010
Contributor: Latsyrc728 Latsyrc728
If you can have sex, you can use a vibrator : )
11/15/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Latsyrc728
If you can have sex, you can use a vibrator : )
Not necessarily. Some high risk women can have gentle PIV sex, but cannot have semen ejaculated into their vaginas, nor are they supposed to have orgasms. (Yeah, sounds frustrating, but both of these cause more contractions than just having PIV sex.)

As there is NO research on vibrators and high risk pregnancies, or even low risk pregnancies, the recommendations if you have a high risk pregnancy, and your body's reaction to them should probably be your guide.

If you have contractions that last more than an hour, or you have more than 4 in an hour after sex, you could be in danger territory. Most women will have a few contractions after intense sex, especially if she Comes, but some do not.

I used to have to take an aspirin after sex when I was pregnant, because I would sometimes end up in the hospital due to preterm labor. The aspirin was an antiprostaglandin and would calm the uterus after sex. We had to alter our sex practices, especially in the second trimester, and due to the problems I was having, I would NEVER have used a vibrator, (the orgasms are TOO intense for a woman with preterm labor) but we could have gentle sex.

I wish there was more research on this.
11/15/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by Gatita
During my 1st two pregnancies I played with vibrators, externally, like there was no tomorrow. I was young, newly married & not as experienced in prenatal care as I later became with my last two children.

1st 2 kids were both born ... more
I don't know about that, but I can see where you might think so. Then again, it doesn't always just depend on toy use. It depends on your hormones, your ability to deal with them and your body, your stress level especially, and many many other things.
11/16/2010
Contributor: Mistress Kitty Mistress Kitty
I read in one of my pregnancy books that it is extremely unsafe to use any insertable toy during pregnancy. Although in my first two trimesters I never had a problem.
12/07/2010