Top 10 Pregnancy Sex Positions from Real Moms-to-Be

Pregnancy involves a lot of physical changes — what food you can eat, how often you pee, what your hair looks like… the list goes on. And yes, life between the sheets (or on the sofa or against the counter) may also be getting a revamp. Finding pregnancy sex positions that feel just right for you can go a long way to helping you enjoy this awesome activity while keeping you feeling comfortable and safe.

So let’s get into some inspo for peak pregnancy pleasure. 😏

In this article: 📝

The lowdown on sex and pregnancy

Having sex while pregnant can have some serious perks. For some people, changes in hormone levels and increased blood flow to your pelvic area can make sex simply, well, orgasmic.

It can also help you explore your changing body and boost feelings of intimacy with your partner. Plus, it might even relieve feelings of stress and anxiety and help you sleep better.

And there’s more good news: the risks from having sex while pregnant are low. Current research tells us that sex doesn’t increase the risk of preterm labor or pregnancy loss. And if you’re worried that sex will disturb your baby, they are well protected in their amniotic fluid and by the uterus muscles. [1]

What positions are good for pregnancy sex?

Finding the perfect sex positions while pregnant can be a fun experiment. Provided you’re feeling comfortable and pain-free, there’s no specific rule book here about how to do this right. Our desires and the bodies that house them are all so different.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that certain positions are less comfortable than others, and you want to change things up. The majority of women in this recent study preferred the missionary position in their first trimester. The same study showed that most sexually active in the second trimester when symptoms like pregnancy nausea are not as severe, and your precious cargo is still a manageable size. [2]

As you move into your third trimester, it’s all about taking your bump into account. That’s why positions like spooning can be great to try. This is because, as your pregnancy progresses and your bump grows, lying on your side, especially the left, can boost comfort and increase blood flow to both you and your baby. Also, in the later stages of your pregnancy, you may have some other symptoms to deal with, like aches and pains, constipation, and hemorrhoids. [3]

Listen to your body and do what feels good for you — and talk to your partner about what feels good (and what doesn’t). If you’re not in the mood to have sex, you simply don’t have to. That counts for all phases of your life. You are 100% allowed to say no.

Lastly, before we talk about specific positions, we should cover some situations where you might want to be cautious with sex during pregnancy. If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding, a history of preterm labor, or placenta previa (where the placenta is covering some of your cervix), talk to your doctor first. If you’re carrying multiples, your doctor may also suggest that you wait for now.

How to safely have sex while pregnant

Some tips for staying safe:

• STIs during pregnancy can cause serious complications. If you have new or multiple sex partners, using protection is a good idea. And if you know your partner has an STI, it’s definitely best to steer clear of sex for now. [4]
• If oral sex or sex toys are part of your routine, remember to clean your hands and toys before use. Pregnancy lowers some immune defences, so good hygiene is key to preventing vaginal or urinary infections at this time. [5]
• Sex is linked to mild uterine contractions that can feel like cramps, particularly later in pregnancy. And while these are generally nothing to worry about, they can be alarming. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, stop and rest. And check in with your doctor if you’re at all worried.
• Similarly, in the later stages of pregnancy, the cervix and lower uterus become more sensitive. Again, nothing to worry about, but consider avoiding deep penetration if it causes discomfort or cramps, and opt for gentle positions.
• If anything hurts, stop.

So, if your doctor hasn’t said otherwise and sex sounds fun and comfortable for you right now, what are some good positions to try? Let’s dive in.

Fun positions for pregnancy sex

There’s no one best position for pregnancy sex. It’s all about you and your partner finding the sweet spot that does it for you. Here’s some inspiration.

1. All fours

This can be a comfortable position at all stages of pregnancy as it doesn’t put any pressure on your belly. This position allows your partner to enter from behind (yep, doggie style), which may be a personal preference you want to continue enjoying during your pregnancy.

Pro tip? Pop some pillows and blankets underneath yourself to decrease the pressure on your joints

2. Scissoring

A truly cutting-edge position. Lie on your sides facing each other and intertwine your legs to look like an open pair of scissors.

If penetration is not your preference, scissoring can be a great position to grind your genitals against each other. You can also try this position seated, where you create your scissor action while facing each other upright, provided your belly doesn’t get in the way too much.

Especially if you have posterior pelvic pain, using memory foam pillows and mattresses can reduce pain and improve comfort. [6]

3. Them on top

According to this study, partner-on-top, face-to-face was the most common sexual position for pregnant women. [7]

If you’re suffering from the very real experience of pregnancy fatigue, lying back and having your partner do more of the work may feel glorious. And one real bonus is that you get to look each other in the eyes. 😍

One word of caution here. Because lying on your back for too long while you’re pregnant comes with some risks later in pregnancy, it’s best to keep these sessions on the shorter side. You can also use pillows to position yourself in more of a recline rather than flat on your back.

4. You on top

Is woman-on-top a good position for pregnancy? Yes! Being on top gives you more control over the depth of penetration and sidesteps the issue of being flat on your back while pregnant.

You can put your legs and torso in all different positions when you’re on top, including

5. The cowgirl

Here, you’ll kneel on top of your partner and straddle them with your thighs. And if you feel like facing the other way, backward (or reverse) cowgirl is also an option.

6. The spoon

This may hit the top of your charts as your pregnancy reaches its later stages. It allows you to comfortably support your bump while still being able to reach the heights of pleasure. And if you want to add some extra stimulation to the equation, you’re in the perfect position to stimulate your clitoris.

7. Bending over

Okay, this may sound like it entails some gymnastics, but it’s actually more on the comfy end of the spectrum.

Choose a piece of furniture to lean on — couch, bed, kitchen counter, you do you. From there, your partner can enter from behind. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more upright position that’s also rear entry.

8. Keep your feet on the floor

Lie down on the edge of the bed with your feet on the floor. With your partner in a face-to-face position, prop your torso up on your elbows. This position allows you to have control over your hip movements while feeling supported.

9. Leapfrog

If you’re enrolled in prenatal yoga classes, you may be familiar with child’s pose. Leapfrog is the sexy version.

In a child’s pose, but with your hips in the air, rest your head on the bed. Your partner then has rear entry access. This position can help keep you relaxed while offering you pleasure to the max.

10. Take a seat

Using a chair or the edge of a bed, sit down on top of your partner. You can choose to face them or face the opposite direction.

Similar to being on top, this allows you control over the depth of penetration.

Finally, sex is not just about penetration.

Including oral and manual sex as part of foreplay or as the main act can be an excellent way to enjoy your pregnant body. Cuddling, massages or mutual masturbation also can be just as satisfying or relaxing as penetrative sex.

Happy exploring!