"Can I do ____ in pregnancy?": Massages, sex, and coffee!

Instead of myths or fear mongering, let's talk evidence and facts!

Pregnancy comes with a whirlwind of questions, especially when it comes to what you can or can’t do. Here’s the lowdown on three common concerns that expectant parents often have – with REAL evidence-based answers.

Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash

Can I Get a Massage While Pregnant?

Good news! For most parents-to-be, a massage is a great way to relax and pamper yourself as you prepare for your little one’s arrival. If you’ve got a high-risk pregnancy, you can check in with you OB provider before making your appointment, but there’s very few reasons I can think of where a relaxing massage isn’t a FANTASTIC idea.

Important tips:

• Make sure you find a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage and who can position you safely and comfortably. A therapist trained in prenatal techniques will know how to apply just the right amount of pressure.

• Remember to hydrate well before your appointment since massages can sometimes cause a slight drop in blood pressure.

• Get up sloooowly afterwards, and ask for a helping hand if you feel a little wobbly.

• And don't be shy—speak up if anything feels off or if you need a bathroom break!

Can I Have Sex While Pregnant?

If you’re in the mood and your doctor or midwife hasn’t advised against it, go for it! Pregnancy can be a time of fluctuating feelings about sex. While some pregnant people may not feel up to it, others might experience a spike in their libido. It’s all about what feels right for you.

As your pregnancy progresses, you might need to get a little creative with positions to stay comfortable, but sex is generally safe. However, certain conditions might make having sex a no-go, such as placenta previa, risk of preterm labor, a ruptured amniotic sac, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask us—we’ve definitely heard it all before!

And for any worried partners out there: rest assured, the baby is well-protected by the cervix and amniotic sac. Just be aware that the cervix can be more sensitive during pregnancy, so spotting after sex is common. If it’s heavy, includes clots, or doesn’t resolve quickly, it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider.

No, you cannot poke your baby with your penis during sex. Yes, I’ve been asked this.

Can I Drink Caffeinated Beverages During Pregnancy?

Yes, you can still enjoy your caffeine fix! Most experts agree that keeping your daily caffeine intake under 200mg is perfectly safe during pregnancy.

Caffeine is a hot topic because some studies have suggested a link between high caffeine intake and miscarriage. However, many of these studies weren’t conducted very well, leading to unnecessary worry. Sticking to less than 200mg of caffeine a day is generally considered safe.

But how much caffeine is that really? Here’s a quick guide as not all drinks are created equal!

• One shot of espresso: 50mg

• 16oz Starbucks latte: 150mg

• 16oz McDonald’s coffee: 100mg

• 16oz Starbucks Pike Place coffee: 310mg

• 8oz green tea: 58mg

• 12oz Coca-Cola: 34mg

• 12oz Mountain Dew: 54mg

• 2oz Five-Hour Energy drink: 200mg

Quick tip: You can search for your drink of choice and its caffeine amount here at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

So, go ahead and get the massage, have the sex, and enjoy that morning cup of joe — just be mindful of a few safety parameters and you’ll be good to go!

Leave me a comment to let me know what questions of “Is ____ safe in pregnancy?!” you want answered!

Until next time,

Dr. Jen

Reference:

1. The American College of Obstetricians/Gynecologists. Committee Opinion Number 462 (Reaffirmed 2023): Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2010/08/moderate-caffeine-consumption-during-pregnancy