The 8 Best Sex Positions While Pregnant

We’re guessing you have a pretty good idea of what does it for you in bed. But a lot of changes that happen in your body during pregnancy can likely make some of your go-to sex positions more challenging than before. This doesn’t mean your sex life has to take a backseat when you’re expecting, though: There are plenty of sex positions while pregnant that feel comfortable and offer a great time.

“Sex during pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a Toronto-based sexologist and the creator of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. “Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can actually boost your libido, and though orgasm may be slightly more elusive during the first trimester, many women report experiencing more intense climaxes during the second.”

Communication is key, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, an ob-gyn and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon in Dallas. She recommends having an open, ongoing discussion about what works for you and what doesn’t when it comes to pregnant sex positions as your pregnancy progresses. “If something doesn’t feel good, it’s important to speak up,” she says. Likewise, if it feels amazing, you’ll also want your partner to know so that they can keep doing it.

If you’re experiencing a healthy pregnancy, there aren’t really any pregnancy intercourse positions that are considered off-limits, but doctors generally advise that you avoid lying flat on your back (i.e., in missionary) after about 20 weeks or so, Shepherd says, since this position can interfere with blood flow to the placenta. Otherwise, you should go with whatever pregnancy sex positions feel good.

The Best Sex Positions While Pregnant

The “best” sex positions during pregnancy are usually subjective, of course. But certain sex positions while pregnant allow for you to feel as comfortable as possible, even with a growing baby bump. Experts swear these are the best bump-friendly sex positions.

Spoon

Lie down on your side and have your partner curl up next to your back, entering you from behind. “Spooning may be the best third trimester sex position of all,” says licensed marriage and sex therapist Kat Van Kirk, PhD. “It’s comfortable, no one has to exert themselves too much and deep penetration is difficult to achieve, which is good for your cervix if it’s sensitive.” Spooning also keeps pressure off of your belly (and bladder), O’Reilly points out, and leaves your hands free to rub your clitoris for extra stimulation.

Side by side

Lie down facing your partner and have them move their leg over yours (legs can be straight or bent at the knee) and enter you from an angle. This position “allows for variation in speed and depth,” says Rachel Needle, PsyD, a sex therapist, and the founder and executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. “It’s also great because it doesn’t require a lot of energy.” Another perk: Side by side is one of those pregnancy sex positions that allow for extra intimacy because you and your partner can look into each other’s eyes, O’Reilly points out.

You on top

Have your partner lie down and straddle them from above. This position lets you set the pace and keeps pressure off your belly, Needle says, allowing you to be in control. You can also shift around a little to see which angles feel best for you, she says. Putting your hands on the top of the headboard at the same time can help you stabilize yourself as well as save your energy and give you more angle options, Van Kirk says.

Edge of the bed

Lie down on the edge of the bed face-up with your feet on the floor. Then, prop your torso up on your elbows and have your partner stand or bend over you while entering. This position allows you to move your hips to target what feels right for you, Van Kirk says, and having your weight supported by the bed can be helpful. It also allows you to be face to face, which can feel more intimate, she says.

Rear entry

Prop yourself up on all fours and have your partner enter you from behind. Just encourage them to take it slow and communicate about what does and doesn’t feel good. Your cervix may be especially sensitive during this time, Shepherd says, and of all the sex positions while pregnant, this one opens you up to deep penetration. Rear entry puts no pressure on your bladder or uterus, O’Reilly says, making it an especially good option for third trimester sex.

Against the wall

Stand facing the wall with your legs spread and your hands against the wall either above your head or at shoulder height as your partner stands behind you and slides inside. This has many of the same benefits as rear entry, O’Reilly says, but allows you to mix it up a little while having support from the wall.

Reverse cowgirl

Have your partner lie down on their back and straddle them, facing their toes. Among the different sex positions while pregnant, this one puts you in control of penetration depth, speed, rhythm and angles. “It can also provide pressure against your G-spot, which can create a different and more intense orgasmic response,” O’Reilly says.

Non-penetrative

Oral sex or mutual masturbation can be great ways to connect with your partner on an intimate level. Any pregnant sex that involves rubbing, grinding or vibrating is great to explore, O’Reilly says, provided, of course, that it feels good to you.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Sex During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Fact vs. Fiction: Does Sex Induce Labor?

Why You Might Be Experiencing Painful Sex During Pregnancy