Third-trimester sex supports maternal wellness - Expert reveals

A Principal Midwifery Officer at Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Felicia Martey Dodoo, has stated that sex during the third trimester of pregnancy can be beneficial for women with low-risk pregnancies.

In a viral video shared by GTV Ghana on April 8, 2026, she explained that while sexual activity may support wellbeing, it should not replace regular physical exercise during pregnancy.

“In as much as you are having sex to stay healthy and all of that, you need other body parts also to be healthy. So, you just don’t go straight to sex and say because you are doing it, you are not going to do any form of exercises,” she said.

She stressed that engaging in full-body exercises helps improve muscle tone and blood circulation, which benefits both mother and baby.

“All the ones that we’ve mentioned here are highly recommended for you when your pregnancies are low risk,” she noted, adding that some women may even find sex uncomfortable during pregnancy.

“So, try and then do all that involve all your body parts in the exercises to improve your muscle tone and then blood flow to the baby and in your circulation,” she added.

According to her, exercise can also improve sleep and overall wellbeing.

“There’s a chance the exercises maybe improve your sex life during pregnancy you can get good sleep even when you are stressed,” she said.

Having sex during pregnancy is medically advisable – Senior Midwife

Felicia Martey Dodoo further indicated that sex in the third trimester may help prepare the body for labour due to certain chemicals present in semen.

“One thing is that sex is recommended in the third trimester. We have a chemical in the semen called prostaglandins during the third trimester you need it to soften your cervix so that it can open easily for the baby to come out,” she explained.

She added that similar substances are sometimes administered medically to induce labour when it is delayed.

“When you come to the hospital and labour is being delayed, we have the artificial form which we can give to you to start the contractions for your cervix to open,” she said.

However, she cautioned that such recommendations apply only to women without complications.

“If you have certain conditions like recurring miscarriages, you should not do any form of exercise unless your doctor advises you,” she warned.

Watch the video below

Sex in the third trimester of pregnancy? Yes, it’s highly recommended, says Felicia Martey Dodoo, Principal Midwifery Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

But it doesn’t replace exercise—watch as she explains why 👇#health#gbcnews#gtvbreakfastshow pic.twitter.com/QuLQ6BJ1W4

— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 8, 2026