Your caregiver will tell you to abstain from sex if you have:
Placenta previa
Premature labor in this pregnancy (even if it has stopped)
Unexplained vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge
Abdominal cramping
Cervical insufficiency
A dilated cervix
Ruptured membranes (your water has broken)
An outbreak of genital herpes or feel one coming on – in you or your partner. If your partner has a history of genital herpes (and you don't), you'll need to avoid intercourse and other genital contact for the entire third trimester, even if he has no sores or symptoms. The same applies to receiving oral sex if he has oral herpes (cold sores).
Other sexually transmitted infections (unless you and your partner have been treated and follow-up testing was negative)
There are other situations in which your healthcare practitioner may advise you to not to have sex. For example, if you had a spontaneous preterm birth in a previous pregnancy, she will probably advise you to stop having sex at some point during the second or third trimester and to remain abstinent until you reach 37 weeks.
Whatever your situation, don't be shy about talking about sex with your practitioner. If she has advised you not to have sex, be sure you understand whether she's talking specifically about intercourse, or about putting anything in your vagina, or about any activity that may bring you to orgasm. (Orgasm can cause mild uterine contractions, as can nipple stimulation and the prostaglandins in semen.)
And, of course, if you notice any unusual symptoms during or following intercourse, such as pain or discharge, be sure to let your practitioner know. If you can't have sex, explore other ways of expressing your love: Cuddle, kiss, give each other long massages, and share your feelings for each other.
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