Finding yourself single and pregnant is probably not what you planned for, but you’re not in it alone. Lots of women find themselves dating while pregnant, and it’s absolutely possible for you to have your happy ever after.
Whatever your reason for being pregnant and single, making the decision to start dating again is a huge step, so congrats for coming this far!
But we know that doesn’t make it any less complex, and we’re sure there are 101 questions whirring around that baby brain of yours.
Let’s stop you right there, because there’s no shame in dating while pregnant.
Zilch.
It’s just about finding the right person to accept where you’re at in life, support you, and love you through your journey.
If you’re looking for a little advice and comfort, we’ve answered some of the most common questions around pregnancy and dating, which should hopefully put your mind at ease and get you back out there.
Here’s what we cover…
Can You Date While Pregnant?
Absolutely, you can!
While it might be a little unconventional, there’s nothing stopping you from going out, meeting new people, and dating.
Whether you’re dating to find a serious relationship or just want to keep things casual and fun, your pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from doing so.
With that being said, dating during your pregnancy (unless you’re right at the start) will come with some significant changes from when you were dating before.
Mostly it’ll be physical changes on your part, but you might have to deal with different reactions from potential partners.
In reality, though, you’re looking for someone who will accept and support you, baby bump and all.
If you’re seeing someone and they’re not making an effort to understand and accommodate your pregnancy, they’re not the right person for you.
It’s important to communicate openly and honestly with anyone you’re interested in dating during your pregnancy.
Let them know that while there may be some challenges, it’s important for you to continue living your life and finding happiness. You deserve that just as much as anyone else.
The (Normal) Challenges of Dating While Being Pregnant
Now, we’re not here to gaslight you into thinking that dating as a mumma-to-be will be all smooth sailing. There are definitely some things you’ll face that’ll be a bit tricky — some emotional, some physical, and some just plain awkward.
BUT, with the right mindset and support, you can totally navigate through it.
Here are a few common challenges (and how to deal with them)…
Finding the Right Sort of Partner
Not everyone will be ready or emotionally mature enough to date someone who’s pregnant, and that’s okay.
You’re not looking for everyone.
You’re looking for someone who sees you and your situation as something to embrace, not avoid.
This process may naturally filter out people who aren’t aligned with your values, which can actually be a good thing.
Focus your energy on people who show understanding, respect, and curiosity, not judgment.
Learning to Love Your New Body
Your body’s changing fast, and that can mess with your confidence. Whether it’s a growing bump, swollen ankles, or just feeling ‘different’ in your own skin, it’s easy to feel self-conscious when putting yourself out there.
Try to reframe the narrative: your body is doing something incredible.
Own your glow.
You don’t need to shrink yourself — emotionally or physically — to be seen as sexy or desirable.
The right person will recognise your beauty because of what you’re going through, not in spite of it.
Dealing with the Mental & Emotional Rollercoaster
Pregnancy hormones don’t mess around. One moment you’re buzzing about a great date, the next you’re crying over a dropped piece of toast.
Dating during this time means being honest with yourself and the people you’re seeing.
You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, change your mind, or just not be up for it one day.
The emotional highs and lows are part of the deal, and anyone worth your time will understand that.
Let Your Pregnancy Empower You
It’s easy to view pregnancy as something that makes dating harder. But it can also be a powerful filter and confidence booster.
You know what you want. You don’t have time for games. And you’re literally creating life. That’s a big deal.
Use this phase of your life to date with purpose and self-assurance.
Your needs matter, and dating while pregnant can be a reminder of just how strong and worthy of love you really are.
8 Top Tips to Make Dating While Pregnant Fun
Dating while pregnant might feel a bit different from dating before, but honestly, there’s no reason you can’t meet new people and even find love during this time.
Here are 8 tips to help you navigate dating during pregnancy and make the most of this new chapter in your love life.
1. Decide What You Want to Get Out of Dating While Pregnant
Before you jump on that dating app, take a moment to figure out what you’re really looking for.
Whether it’s a one-night stand, a casual hookup, or something more serious, there’s absolutely no shame in dating while pregnant.
Just make sure you’re clear about what you want before bringing someone else into the mix.
Remember: You Can Change Your Mind!
What you want from dating while pregnant might change over the course of your pregnancy.
While you might start out wanting a long-term relationship, you could find that you’d rather keep things casual while you figure out this new chapter of your life or vice versa!
2. Only Tell Your Prospective Partner About the Baby When You’re Ready
Of course, you’re going to have to tell a prospective partner about your pregnancy at some point (if you’re looking for something long-term, that is!), but you don’t have to tell them straight away.
During your first trimester, you might prefer to keep your situation private to keep things within your personal comfort levels. Making excuses about having to get up early can be enough to explain why you’re on virgin cocktails or soft drinks.
For more serious dating, you should disclose your pregnancy as soon as you’re comfortable with it so the other person can make an informed decision about the relationship.
However, if you’re only looking for one-night stands, they don’t really need to know.
Remember: The Details Aren’t Important!
You don’t need to disclose the details of any previous relationship breakup or the circumstances of your pregnancy if you don’t want to.
Whether you opted for a sperm donor or the father of your unborn child is, that’s a story you can save for more serious relationships.
3. Make Sure Your Date Plans are Pregnancy Friendly
As a pregnant woman, there are going to be some common date night ideas that are less pregnancy-friendly than others, so you might have to be more involved and intentional when planning dates than you were before.
For example, where you might once have gone to a club or bar for a date, you might now prefer a coffee shop, park date, or even just a quiet restaurant.
When choosing a pregnancy-friendly date, consider things such as:
- Toilet access
- The range of alcohol-free beverages
- Seating availability
- The food being served (cravings and aversions)
4. Make Sure You’re Having Safe Sex
Whether you choose to have sex on a first date or have been dating the same person for a while, it’s still important to make sure you’re having safe sex with any and all partners.
The biggest concern when having sex with dates during your pregnancy is STIs.
Even though a pregnancy scare isn’t likely to be high on your list of concerns, you should still be protecting yourself and your baby from STIs with condoms throughout your pregnancy. There are plenty of STIs that pose a significant risk to your and your baby’s health.
While it’s extremely rare to get pregnant while you’re already pregnant, it’s still a slim possibility and should be considered when having sex during your pregnancy.
5. Always Prioritise Your Well-Being
We all know that hormones are all over the place during pregnancy, and this can lead to some fairly significant swings in mood and desires.
With online dating, it’s easy to strike up a conversation and set up plans to meet for a date or sex when you’re really in the mood, but when the time comes, you might not be feeling it.
In these moments, there’s no shame in changing plans or cancelling them altogether.
Although you might feel like you’re messing people around, it’s important to prioritise your well-being throughout your pregnancy.
Of course, you have to remember that this might put the other person off meeting up with you again, so you have to roll with the punches, so to speak!
6. Always Tell Someone Where You Are
This is fairly standard safety advice for women who are dating, especially if you’re meeting people you’ve only talked to online.
Always make sure someone knows where you are and how long you’re planning to be there.
Things can still go wrong on dates, and you might feel less able to protect yourself while you’re pregnant, especially in the second trimester and beyond, so having someone who’s looking out for you can take a weight off your mind.
7. Be Prepared for the Physical Changes
Of course, physical changes are to be expected during pregnancy, but they extend far beyond the obvious growing bump and boobs.
Your body is likely to react in ways it didn’t before, and you should be prepared for this so you can explain it to your lovers or help them prepare, too.
One of the most common changes is that the things you liked in the bedroom before don’t work anymore. This is an important one to discuss with any casual lovers you’ve been seeing since before your pregnancy.
On the less sexy side of pregnancy, there will be changes to how you sleep, including snoring and what positions you can lie in.
You might also find that you’re more gassy than before, which can hinder romantic encounters.
8. Make Sure You Have Fun!
Dating during pregnancy might present its own challenges and considerations, but it’s essential not to lose sight of the primary goal — having fun!
This unique time in your life provides opportunities to meet new people and form meaningful connections while preparing for your baby’s arrival.
Allow yourself to enjoy this experience, laugh at the new challenges, and seek joy in the moments you spend with others.
What to Look Out for When Dating While Pregnant
While dating during pregnancy can be a wonderful experience that’s full of new relationships and self-love, there are also some things you should look out for or be aware of when embarking on this new journey.
Beware of Pregnancy Fetishists
A pregnancy fetish, also known as maiesiophilia, involves a sexual fascination with pregnant women.
Pregnant women navigating the dating scene should be cognisant of this fetish because, while seeking genuine connections, they may inadvertently attract individuals more interested in their pregnancy status than in forming a respectful, meaningful relationship.
Understanding this potential dynamic helps in assessing potential partners’ intentions and ensuring emotional and physical safety in dating encounters.
Don’t Try to Fight Morning Sickness in the First Few Months
Morning sickness is a real challenge in the first few weeks of pregnancy, and attempting to push through it for a date or hookup isn’t advisable.
There’s nothing appealing about feeling nauseous, and it can detract from the experience of getting to know someone new.
Waiting until the second trimester, when morning sickness typically subsides, is often the best bet for enjoying dating or intimate encounters without the discomfort of nausea.
Remember that morning sickness doesn’t always occur in the morning. If you tend to get nauseous at night, it might be best to schedule late morning coffee dates instead of dinner.
Make Sure Partners Are Educated About Kinks & Pregnancy
Exploring kinks during pregnancy can be a delightful aspect of your intimate life, but safety should always come first.
It’s paramount for both you and your partner to thoroughly research and understand which sexual activities are safe during this time. Certain positions or practices might need to be adjusted or avoided to protect both you and the baby.
Open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to safety can ensure that you continue to enjoy a fulfilling and adventurous sex life while expecting.
Watch Your Emotions in the Third Trimester!
The third trimester of pregnancy ramps up hormones, causing intense emotions that can easily overwhelm.
If you’re dating or engaging in casual hookups during this time, be aware of these hormonal changes. Heightened emotions can lead to quick, strong attachments, complicating otherwise simple connections.
It’s crucial to critically assess your feelings to ensure any deep bonds are genuine, not just emotional highs.
Is It Common to Break Up During Pregnancy?
Yes, it’s actually pretty common for couples to break up during pregnancy.
It’s a time full of big emotional, physical, and lifestyle changes, and all that stress can take a toll on relationships.
A lot of it comes down to the pressure of becoming parents — things like worrying about responsibilities, finances, or just feeling unprepared for such a huge life change.
Hormonal changes can also play a role, leading to mood swings and heightened emotions, which can create tension or misunderstandings.
On top of that, any unresolved issues or communication problems in the relationship can become harder to ignore under all the new pressure.
For some couples, pregnancy amplifies pre-existing challenges, and they decide it’s better to go their separate ways instead of moving forward together.
Why Do I Feel Ashamed About Dating as A Pregnant Woman?
It’s very common to feel a sense of shame or discomfort about dating while pregnant, but it’s important to recognise that these feelings often stem from societal judgments or internalised expectations rather than any real wrongdoing on your part.
You’re still a whole person with needs, desires, and the right to seek joy and companionship.
Giving yourself grace means understanding that your situation does not diminish your worth.
Pregnancy is a part of your life, but it doesn’t define all of who you are.
It’s okay to prioritise your happiness and to explore what makes you feel confident and fulfilled outside of preparing for motherhood.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Pregnancy & Dating Safely
It’s entirely possible to enjoy a fulfilling love life during pregnancy as long as you prioritise safety and listen to your body.
Take things at your own pace, communicate openly with your partner, and set boundaries that make you feel comfortable.
Pregnancy is a time of transformation, but it doesn’t mean you have to set aside your desire for connection and joy. Focus on what feels right for you, and ensure your well-being remains the top priority.
You can find more insightful tips and advice for dating at all stages of your life, from first relationships to dating after divorce, on the Wisp blog![CTA button] Read Our Latest Dating Posts!
FAQs
Is It Okay to Date While Pregnant?
It’s absolutely okay to date while pregnant! It’s all about finding someone who respects and supports you during this special time.
Just be open, honest, and clear about what you’re looking for, and you can totally enjoy dating while getting ready for your little one’s arrival.
How to Handle Being Single and Pregnant?
Being single and pregnant can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to focus on yourself and build a special bond with your baby. Take care of yourself, lean on friends and family, and connect with other single parents who get what you’re going through.
There’s no rush to jump into a new relationship — take things at your own pace.
Are Relationships Hard During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can put a strain on relationships, with all the hormonal changes, emotional ups and downs, and the stress of getting ready for a baby.
The key?
Stay open, be patient, and support each other as you navigate this big life change together.
Do Single Mothers Have a Harder Time Dating?
Dating as a single mum can be tricky; there’s never enough time, and finding someone who truly gets your priorities isn’t always easy. But on the flip side, a lot of people really admire the strength and dedication that comes with being a mum, which can lead to some amazing connections.
Are There Singles Nights for Pregnant Singles?
Yes, some venues and online platforms host singles nights or events specifically for pregnant individuals, providing a supportive environment to meet others in similar situations and potentially form meaningful connections without judgment.
Always check local listings for availability.