The 8 Best Pregnancy Sex Positions
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. “Lately the only positions that work for us are the ones where my husband is behind me (doggy style, spooning),” says The Bump community member BLykins16. “I’m just over 39 weeks, so my huge belly definitely gets in the way.” This doesn’t mean your sex life has to take a backseat when you’re expecting, though: There are plenty of pregnancy sex positions 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 pregnancy 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.
Check out some of the most tried-and-true pregnancy sex positions, ahead.
The “best” pregnancy sex positions 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.
“I’m 8 months pregnant. Sometimes we can maneuver it so that we're laying on our sides, facing each other with one of my legs either between his or wrapped around his waist. That's generally nice for both of us and really intimate, which is a wonderful feeling when I feel like such a hippo!” — duffmaker, The Bump community member
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 pregnancy sex 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 pregnancy sex positions, 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.
“My pre-preggo position was always on my stomach, butt somewhat lifted, but now that’s mostly out. We've now stuck to mostly doggy, missionary, me on my side and him kneeling, bent over the side of the bed, and my husband's favorite: him sitting on the side of the bed or couch, me straddling him with my legs wrapped around… We've had to get more creative, for sure.” — Fletcha, The Bump community member
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most bump-friendly sex positions?
The most bump-friendly sex positions are, of course, those that are comfortable for you during pregnancy. That said, rear-entry, reverse cowgirl and spooning are common bump-friendly sex positions, says Alejandra Lucatero, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sexual health at the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health in Honolulu. She recommends using a pillow or sex wedge for support with these positions.
Don’t rule missionary out, either. “Missionary is still possible with the partner standing and a pillow under the pelvis for support,” Lucatero adds. “I recommend a sex wedge, pillow or stool to provide support and comfort while trying to get that right angle.”
What are the best first trimester sex positions?
While you can try out any first trimester sex position that feels comfortable and pleasurable, Lucatero suggests “propped missionary,” which is just like missionary, except you elevate the pelvis. Again, you can use pillows or a sex wedge. If you’re able, you can also “hold a pelvic lift while allowing penetration,” she adds.
You can also try rear-entry at the edge of the bed or couch to make it more comfortable.
What are the best second trimester sex positions?
Lucatero says that these sex positions can be beneficial during the second trimester: Rear-entry with support, such as a sex wedge or pillow Reverse cowgirl with the penetrative partner laying or sitting down. “The penetrative partner can provide support by holding the woman up by their hands if the woman reaches back,” she says. You can also try the “magic mountain,” a form of rear-entry where the partners are closer together since the partner who’s being penetrated is kneeling around a low piece of furniture.
What are the best third trimester sex positions?
As you progress in your pregnancy, you can try modifications for more comfort during sex. “Spooning can allow penetration from behind while also allowing play with the breasts,” says Lucatero. She also suggests rear-entry, reverse cowgirl and tabletop (where the penetrating partner stands, while the pregnant partner gets to lay down!).
The Bump community member jenerally adds her favorite: “For those very big and pregnant, Google ‘scissor position.’” (In this one, the pregnant partner is sideways while the penetrating partner straddles her.) Reader thetwistedwillow agrees: “This is the pregnancy position for those with watermelon guts.”
Are there any sex positions you should avoid during pregnancy?
If you’re experiencing a healthy pregnancy, there aren’t really any sex positions while pregnant 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 pregnant love-making positions feel good.
What are some unusual pregnancy sex positions to try?
Lucatero suggests trying “spider” and “X-mark” positions, ideally earlier in pregnancy, for something a little different but bump-friendly. She explains: For spiders, both partners should sit down and face each other, with the woman, or receiving partner, sitting on top of the penetrating partner while leaning back. “X-mark can be achieved by the woman laying down and the penetrating partner laying over the woman at a 45-degree angle during penetration to make an X with your bodies, as you try a position similar to missionary that may hit a different spot,” explains Lucatero.
What are the best sex positions if I’m tired during pregnancy?
If you’re experiencing pregnancy fatigue, Lucatero recommends spooning, tabletop and reverse cowgirl with extra support.
What are the best sex positions for morning sickness?
If you’re having morning sickness but are still up for it, it’s best to take things easy: Positions like spooning and missionary with support are your best bet.
What are the best sex positions for pregnancy reflux?
For acid reflux during pregnancy, you’ll want to be in soothing positions where you can be on your back (not for a prolonged time) or side—like spooning and missionary with support.
What are the best sex positions for pregnancy back pain?
Those props are your best friend if you’re having pregnancy back pain: You can use pillows, sex wedges and more to get more comfortable.
When should you stop having sex during pregnancy?
According to Mayo Clinic, your healthcare provider might suggest you refrain from having sex during pregnancy if you experience vaginal bleeding, leak amniotic fluid, your cervix begins to open early, you have placenta previa or you have a history of preterm labor. Please note that having sex or having an orgasm can cause the uterus to contract, which is typically normal. Always make sure to talk things through with your healthcare provider.
Have fun with pregnancy sex positions—and make sure to modify for your comfort.
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:
Alejandra Lucatero, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sexual health at the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health in Honolulu.
Rachel Needle, PsyD, is a sex therapist, as well as the founder and executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. She earned her PsyD in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and the creator of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. An award-winning speaker, O’Reilly has worked with thousands of couples from all corners of the globe to transform their relationships via her Marriage As A Business program.
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, is an ob-gyn and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon in Dallas. She received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2005.
Kat Van Kirk, PhD, is a licensed marriage and sex therapist and the author of The Married Sex Solution: A Realistic Guide to Saving Your Sex Life. She received her PhD in clinical sexology from the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco.
Mayo Clinic, Sex During Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not, July 2024
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