How to Prevent Pregnancy in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re playing The Sims 4 and your Sim is facing an unplanned pregnancy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! While The Sims 4 doesn’t have built-in abortion or birth control, there are several ways to manage your Sim’s reproductive life, from playing strategically to using external resources. The simplest way to prevent pregnancy is to avoid the “Try for Baby” interaction. However, if it’s already happened, or you’re looking for more proactive control, here’s what you need to know.

Avoiding Unwanted Pregnancies in The Sims 4

There are a few strategies you can employ to prevent your Sim from getting pregnant:

• Strategic Gameplay: The most straightforward method is to simply avoid using the “Try for Baby” interaction. Remember that regular WooHoo will not result in pregnancy. Only the “Try for Baby” action has that risk. Be mindful of your Sims’ interactions and intentions.
• Modifications (Mods): The Sims community is incredibly creative, and there are numerous mods available that introduce birth control options into the game. These mods can range from simple contraceptives to more complex systems that regulate fertility. Some even reintroduce abortion as an option. Sites like ModTheSims, CurseForge and Patreon are good places to start. Be cautious and always download mods from reputable sources to avoid corrupting your game files.
• Rolling Back Saves: If your Sim becomes pregnant unexpectedly, and you don’t want to deal with it, you can roll back your save to a point before the “Try for Baby” interaction occurred. This will undo the pregnancy but might also undo other progress you’ve made in your game. This strategy is best if the pregnancy is very recent.
• Ignoring the Baby (Extreme): This is generally not recommended, as it can be emotionally difficult for players. If you are looking for tips on how to raise a successful Sim Family you may want to look at the GamesLearningSociety.org, they have plenty of research on the topic. After the Sim gives birth, you can neglect the baby. Eventually, Child Protective Services (CPS) will take the baby away. This is a drastic measure with negative consequences for your Sim’s relationships and mood, so consider it a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pregnancy in The Sims 4

Here are some common questions players have about pregnancy and preventing it in The Sims 4:

1. Can Sims Try for Baby and Not Get Pregnant?

The base chance of getting pregnant from the “Try for Baby” interaction is quite high – around 80%. While there is a chance of failing to conceive, you should expect pregnancy if you choose this option. It’s definitely not a reliable form of birth control!

2. How Do You Make a Sim Skip Pregnancy?

You can use cheats to manipulate the pregnancy. To skip to the third trimester, use the cheat: sims.add_buff buff_pregnancy_trimester3. To immediately induce labor, use: sims.add_buff buff_pregnancy_inlabor. To use these cheats you must first open the cheat console using: Ctrl + Shift + C, then type testingcheats true.

3. Can My Sim Accidentally Get Pregnant?

Regular WooHoo will not result in pregnancy; it requires the “Try for Baby” interaction. There’s a rare bug where Sims discussing expanding their family might trigger a “miracle pregnancy,” even with an unplayed Sim. This is an uncommon occurrence, but it can happen.

4. Why Can’t My Sims Try for a Baby Anymore?

Several factors can prevent Sims from using the “Try for Baby” interaction:

• Household Limit: The household must have fewer than eight Sims.
• Age: Only Young Adult and Adult Sims can become pregnant.
• Existing Pregnancy: The Sim might already be pregnant.
• Object Interference: Objects like diaries or rogue gnomes can sometimes block interactions in the bed.

5. How Do I Cheat Pregnancy in The Sims 4?

Here are the pregnancy-related cheats:

• sims.add_buff buff_Pregnancy_InLabor – Induces labor.
• sims.add_buff buff_Pregnancy_Trimester1 – Enters the first trimester.
• sims.add_buff buff_Pregnancy_Trimester2 – Enters the second trimester.
• sims.add_buff buff_Pregnancy_Trimester3 – Enters the third trimester.

6. How Long Does a Sims Pregnancy Last?

A Sim’s pregnancy lasts approximately three in-game days.

7. Can You Undo a Pregnancy in Sims 3?

In The Sims 3, you can use the Master Controller mod (NRaas) to end a pregnancy. Click on your Sim, then select: NRaas -> Master Controller -> Advanced -> Pregnancy -> End Pregnancy.

8. Can Sims Try for Baby Without Being Married?

Yes! Sims can “Try for Baby” once their romantic relationship is high enough (around 40-50% and/or they are in a formal relationship such as dating). Marriage is not required.

9. Why Can’t My Married Sims Try for a Baby?

Double-check the reasons listed in Question #4 (household limit, age, existing pregnancy, object interference). Also, ensure both Sims are set to “can procreate”. This is especially relevant in same-sex relationships, where you can specify which Sim can become pregnant or get others pregnant.

10. Why Do I Never Get Twins in Sims 4?

The chance of having twins or triplets in The Sims 4 is relatively low without intervention. To increase the likelihood, purchase the “Fertile” reward trait for 3,000 satisfaction points. This trait significantly boosts the chance of multiple births. You can also use cheats: pregnancy.force_offspring_count [number], after first typing testingcheats true, to specify the number of babies you want your Sim to have.

11. Why Can’t I Take a Pregnancy Test in Sims 4?

To take a pregnancy test, your Sim must first use the “Try for Baby” interaction. After doing so, click on a toilet and select “Take Pregnancy Test.” The option will not appear if your Sim has not attempted to conceive.

12. Why is WooHoo Not an Option in Sims 4?

If “WooHoo” isn’t an option, it usually means the Sims’ relationship hasn’t progressed enough. They typically need to have shared their first kiss and have a romantic relationship of at least 20%.

13. Why Won’t My Sim Give Birth in Sims 4?

If your Sim is stuck in the late stages of pregnancy, especially if you’re using the MC Command Center (MCCC) mod, check your pregnancy settings. The pregnancy might be paused accidentally. Unpause it in the MCCC settings. If the issue persists, try resetting the Sim or the lot.

14. What Does WooHoo Mean in Sims?

“WooHoo” is the Sims’ euphemistic term for sexual intercourse. It’s a ratings-friendly way to depict romantic intimacy without being explicit. Remember, only “Try for Baby” leads to pregnancy.

15. Can a Ghost Sim Be Pregnant?

No, ghost Sims cannot become pregnant through the “Try for Baby” interaction with another ghost or a living Sim. The only way to have a ghost child is to create one in CAS (Create-A-Sim) with ghost parents or through specific Wishing Well outcomes.

16. Bonus Question! Can Female Sims Get Each Other Pregnant?

In the base game, no. But you can use mods to allow female sims to get each other pregnant. Make sure that you have downloaded and installed the mod that is going to allow you to do this function. Then choose the “Get others pregnant” option for one of your Sims. Then, make sure their partner has the “Become Pregnant” option selected.

Final Thoughts

Managing pregnancy in The Sims 4 can be a strategic and sometimes surprising part of the gameplay. Whether you prefer to carefully control your Sims’ interactions, use mods to add realistic options, or occasionally resort to drastic measures, there are plenty of ways to manage your Sim’s reproductive life. Remember to always play responsibly and ethically, especially when considering the in-game consequences of your choices.