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Written by

Kyle Hartman, DPT, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Pregnancy Sex Positions: 6 Comfortable Ways to Connect

  • Pregnancy
Sex during pregnancy may feel a little… awkward. The body is going through so many beautiful changes during this time, but some people may not feel as “sexy” or have as high of a drive as they used to, and that’s totally okay! However, it’s generally safe to have sex while pregnant and can feel great if you’re up for it! Sex can help relieve pain/cramping, boost mood, improve sleep, and promote closeness and intimacy with your partner. Sex may help progress labor as well!
Sex during pregnancy may feel a little… awkward. The body is going through so many beautiful changes during this time, but some people may not feel as “sexy” or have as high of a drive as they used to, and that’s totally okay! However, it’s generally safe to have sex while pregnant and can feel great if you’re up for it! Sex can help relieve pain/cramping, boost mood, improve sleep, and promote closeness and intimacy with your partner. Sex may help progress labor as well!

Comfortable Pregnancy Sex Positions

Sex during pregnancy may feel a little… awkward. The body is going through so many beautiful changes during this time, but some people may not feel as “sexy” or have as high of a drive as they used to, and that’s totally okay! However, it’s generally safe to have sex while pregnant and can feel great if you’re up for it! Sex can help relieve pain/cramping, boost mood, improve sleep, and promote closeness and intimacy with your partner. Sex may help progress labor as well! Finding comfortable pregnancy sex positions can help you stay connected through every trimester.

Positions may have been comfortable when you weren’t pregnant, or TTC might not feel so great anymore. Think missionary, for instance. Some people find that lying flat on their back for longer periods can begin to feel uncomfortable in later stages of pregnancy. And, as the baby bump grows, it can start to feel like it’s getting in the way. The same goes for when you are lying on your stomach.

Here are some alternative positions that can be more comfortable to try:

1. From behind or “doggy style”

This position keeps pressure off the belly, you can even see partner holding belly which can help the pregnant partner stay more comfortable.This position is best during first and second trimesters. It may not feel as comfortable being on all fours during your last two months of pregnancy.

2. On top

A recent study found that pregnant women who are able to control penetration by being on top of the partner reported increased sexual satisfaction. You can adjust for comfort by widening your stance or leaning back to keep belly weight from tilting you forward. 

3. Spooning

Side lying is a comforting position where the partner holds and usually penetrates the pregnant partner from behind while lying down, both facing away from each other. This position can work well during all trimester, but especially during later in 2nd and 3rd trimerts as this position can help put less pressure on the belly.

4. Reverse Cowgirl

Reverse cowgirl involves the pregnant partner straddling the other and is typically easier on the pregnant person’s hips if hip discomfort is present. If this position is one of your favorites, you may be able to adjust by leaning back and positioning your arms behind you for support. This position is great for keeping your stomach from being compressed or touched if you’re sensitive.

5. Standing

If under 20 weeks, a standing position works if your partner holds you around the waist. After 20 weeks, I recommend using a wall or furniture as something to lean on for balance support, as you may feel more unstable as the belly grows. 

6. Side by Side

Similar to spooning, except you’re facing each other. For any pregnant person, positions on their side tend to feel better, and they can prop up their bellies with extra pillows or a rolled-up towel. In the picture, you see their legs are crossed, but the pregnant partner’s legs can also be perpendicular in this position. This position is great for all trimesters as it allows you or your pregnant partner to rest on your sides without putting pressure on the stomach.

Other tips for comfort:

  1. Play with stacking pillows or using different furniture (couch, chair, edge of bed) as props to find a comfortable position
  2. Lubricant- I recommend Slippery Stuff, Sliquid, or Uberlube. Do not use silicone or oil-based lubes with toys or condoms!
  3. Foreplay is key to comfortable and pleasurable penetration (if that’s what you want!). Foreplay can include kissing, cuddling, clitoral stimulation, or watching your partner do the dishes! 😂

In the webinar, coming up on April 19th, I will be discussing these positions in more depth, along with other tips and strategies to feel comfortable during sex, both when pregnant and postpartum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sex position to not do while pregnant?
There's no single position you have to rule out, but a couple tend to get less comfortable as pregnancy progresses. Lying flat on your back for longer stretches — think missionary — can start to feel uncomfortable in the later stages, and lying on your stomach gets trickier as your bump grows. Listen to your body, and if anything feels off, switch to a position that keeps pressure off your belly.
Which position is safe during pregnancy while having sex?
Plenty of pregnancy sex positions can feel great and comfortable. Side-lying options like spooning and side-by-side, being on top, reverse cowgirl, from behind ("doggy style"), and supported standing all help keep pressure off your belly. Many people find side-lying especially comfy in the second and third trimesters, since it lets you rest without weight on your stomach.
Is a doggy sex position safe during pregnancy?
Yes — from behind, or "doggy style," is a comfortable option for many, since it keeps pressure off your belly and lets your partner support your bump. It tends to feel best during the first and second trimesters; being on all fours can feel less comfortable in the last couple of months, so you may want to lean on pillows or switch to a side-lying position then. As always, follow what feels good for your body.
Can my husband play with my nipples during pregnancy?
Nipple play is a normal part of intimacy, but it helps to know what it does: stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin, the hormone that triggers uterine contractions. That's exactly why it's used as a natural way to encourage labor near the end of pregnancy — you can read the details in our post on nipple stimulation as a natural induction method. Because it can prompt contractions, it's a good idea to check with your provider about timing, especially before you're full term.