Has your doctor prescribed pelvic rest during your pregnancy? Pelvic rest isn't the same as bed rest or activity restriction, but it does mean you'll have to limit what might be one of your favorite activities. Read on to find out what pelvic rest means for you and your pregnancy.

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Key Takeaways
  • Pelvic rest usually means limiting sex — and sometimes more. While it often includes avoiding penetrative sex and orgasms, pelvic rest can also involve steering clear of activities that increase pelvic pressure, like brisk walking, squatting, or strenuous lower-body exercise, depending on your situation.
  • Doctors recommend pelvic rest to lower pregnancy risks. It’s commonly prescribed for concerns like bleeding, placenta previa, a short cervix, or signs of preterm labor. The goal is to reduce pelvic pressure and contractions that could lead to complications.
  • Ask your practitioner exactly what’s off-limits — and for how long. Pelvic rest isn’t one-size-fits-all, so be sure to clarify what “no sex” means for you, which activities are safe, and when to call your doctor if symptoms like bleeding, contractions, or pelvic pressure show up.

What is pelvic rest?

Pelvic rest is OB-speak for limiting sexual activity during pregnancy — in other words: no sex. That can feel frustrating or disappointing, especially if intimacy has been helping you feel connected during pregnancy.

But what's exactly off-limits in the bedroom? It depends on your particular circumstances, but your practitioner may advise avoiding penetrative sex or orgasms altogether. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for more specifics if you're unsure.

Pelvic rest can also sometimes include restrictions on activities that might increase pelvic pressure or pelvic muscle contractions. These can include:

"My placenta is low lying," says What to Expect Community member lisannekb. "My doctor said no sex, no lifting anything over 10 pounds, and only light exercise like some walking. She also said to just generally take it easy."

"Recommendations made to me: nothing in the vagina (no intercourse, no internal OB exams, etc.)," says What to Expect Community member Lilalilb. "I was also told no self-stimulation, no new exercise activities, ease up on the heaviest weights, and slow my dog walking pace ... Needless to say, the most challenging of these is the no orgasm!"

Why might you be put on pelvic rest during pregnancy?

Your practitioner may put you on pelvic rest if any of these circumstances apply to you:

Depending on your condition, pelvic rest might not be required for your entire pregnancy. "I was put on pelvic rest at 13 weeksmy last pregnancy due to a low-lying placenta and my placenta moved up by 29 weeks and I was taken off pelvis rest then," says What to Expect Community member spookeybaby.

What to ask your doctor if you're put on pelvic rest

If you’ve been told sex is off the table during your pregnancy and you’ll have to abstain, make sure you get the details from your practitioner of what that means.

Is the sex ban for your entire pregnancy or is it only temporary? What does "no sex" mean: No penetration? Is foreplay okay? Can you use a vibrator? Is oral sex allowed? What about orgasms?

And while pelvic rest isn’t the same as bed rest — meaning you’ll likely be able to continue your normal daily activities — ask your practitioner for the green light on brisk walking, squatting, strenuous lower body exercises, or any other activity that may put extra pressure on your pelvic floor.

If you've been put on pelvic rest, you're not alone. The What to Expect app can help with week-by-week guidance, tools like My Journal where you can write down what you're feeling, tips from experts, and a supportive network of parents who know what you're dealing with.

"I'm on pelvic rest due to SCH [subchorionic hematoma]. My doctor said no sex or orgasms, no lifting, and 'take it easy,'" says What to Expect Community member haleyreneee56.

Benefits of pelvic rest when you’re pregnant

Being told you have to miss out on sex during pregnancy can feel so unfair (especially if you’re feeling — and looking — your sexiest!) but there’s a reason behind the pelvic rest edict. It’s to make sure you don’t do anything that might increase the risk of bleeding or contractions.

After all, those contractions may spell trouble if you’re already at risk of preterm labor, or if you have a history of miscarriage or bleeding during pregnancy. Pelvic rest will help keep your higher-risk pregnancy as safe as possible.

"I still did laundry but got someone else to haul the baskets," says What to Expect Community mom kelgene. "I had someone haul the groceries too and didn't lift my kids. I still held them, though, and either had them crawl in my lap or had my husband put them in my lap."

"Even if we don't get the go-ahead soon, it's worth it to keep baby in and safe as long as possible," says What to Expect Community member tsunami5. "Smexy time will be there afterwards!"

When to call the doctor

All pregnant women should call the doctor if they notice any of the following signs, but if you’re on pelvic rest, it means you’re at even higher risk of complications or preterm labor. Be sure to contact your practitioner immediately if you have:

If you’ve been put on pelvic rest and sex is restricted for all or part of your pregnancy, remind yourself that it’s temporary and will help keep your pregnancy and your baby as safe as possible. In the meantime, focus on other forms of intimacy — the G-rated kind!