Sexual Positions During Pregnancy

To be a mother is a changing event in a woman’s life. Just like the elders say becoming a mother completes a woman. This beautiful journey is only possible through pregnancy. Pregnancy is a phase that offers memories to the woman that has excitement, fears, and uncertainties. This moment is more special when she becomes a mother for the first time. After the first pregnancy, the mother becomes wiser and is more careful and cautious. The foremost doubt of a pregnant lady related to sex is if she will be able to have the same sex life during pregnancy, if there is something she needs to worry about, avoid, the safe sexual positions during pregnancy, etc.

Sex is still a part of the relationship despite the pregnancy. The only difference is that all positions are not favourable due to increasing weight. Sex can still be a part of your relationship during pregnancy, but you may have to adjust your positions for comfort and safety as your belly grows. All positions are not favourable in all trimesters. There are still several positions that one can enjoy. Experts suggest trying positions from the side as lying on the back can be problematic in the last stages of pregnancy.

In This Article

Pregnancy Sex Positions
Top 4 Safe Pregnancy Sex Positions
Sex Positions During Pregnancy – First Trimester
Sex Positions During Pregnancy – Second Trimester
Sex Positions During Pregnancy – Third Trimester
When Should You Avoid Sex During The Third Trimester?
Sex Positions to Avoid When Pregnant
FAQ’s

Pregnancy Sex Positions

When it comes to having sex during pregnancy, the earlier pre-pregnancy positions might not be too favourable. The size of the belly keeps becoming bigger as the pregnancy advances. It is best to first consult a doctor and get his go-ahead prior to proceeding with sex.

All women have different experiences as some women see a spike in libido while others see a drop. This is also the time when one should start experimenting. Amniotic fluid offers protection to the baby so there is nothing to worry about any harm to the baby. It is only risky in case the woman has a high risk of placenta previa or chances of getting into early labour.

Top 4 Safe Pregnancy Sex Positions

If you are pregnant and want to have sex, here are four sexual positions during pregnancy that are safe for you.

1. Side-By-Side Sex (At an Angle)

Not only side sleeping but having side- to side sex is also favourable as it allows the partner to keep the maximum weight away from the belly.

2. Chair Sex

This is another suitable option during pregnancy as no extra pressure comes on the belly.

3. Woman on Top

Getting the pregnant woman on top helps in deriving more pleasure and puts her in control of the speed and depth of penetration.
Missionary, pregnancy-sex style. This sex is a preference among many couples. This position is uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses but works fairly well in the initial days.

4. Sex From behind

This position is also favourable as the pressure is not on the growing belly.

Sex Positions During Pregnancy – First Trimester

Sex during pregnancy in the initial days is possible with few precautions. Later in the pregnancy, many issues do arise due to the growing belly and increased pressure. The first trimester is also the time when the hormones start fluctuating, the blood flow starts increasing and the appetite of the woman also increases.

This trimester witnesses the rise of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This rapid change of hormones leads to tiredness in the pregnant woman.

Few symptoms can even lower the sex desire and some of them are

Exhaustion
Hormonal changes
Breast Sensitivity
Queasiness

The favourable sexual positions during pregnancy in the first trimester are listed below.

1. Being on Top

This is a very straightforward position and ensures that both the baby and the mother stay unaffected.

When the woman is on top, it means no pressure is exerted on the stomach.
In this position, the woman can control the depth of penetration, angle as well as speed.
It just requires the partner to lie on the back while the women just must straddle them.
Women find this position deriving more pleasure and sexually satisfying as well.

2. Classic Missionary

This position works fine in the early stages of pregnancy.

Lying on the back permits the uterus to press against the large blood vessel that sends the blood back to the heart.
The woman needs to lie with her knees towards the edge while her partner remains standing facing her.
This is a safe position as the weight of the man is off the woman.

3. Spooning

This position is the best as it allows communicating with the partner and helps in maximising pleasure.

The partners lie side by side with the male partner facing the back of the woman.
This is an intimate position for cuddling and sex.
It permits shallow penetration.
It also allows you to feel every move and can even slow down the speed with complete safety.

4. Scissors

This is also a safe and comfortable sexual position during pregnancy during the first trimester.

In this position, the partners lie on the bed facing each other.
It is an intimate and loving style with proper eye contact.
Penetration is shallow but needs extra care.
This position can be made more comforting by placing a cushion under the bump of the woman.

5. Side Saddle

This comfortable position in both the trimesters but not very much in the last trimester due to the increasing weight and dizziness.

The woman lies on the back and relaxes, while the rest is the partner’s job.
Penetration is shallow in this position as well.
The woman can use a pillow to level up a bit to get to a better angle.

6. Doggy Style

This position is good for pregnant women who suffer from back or pelvic pain.

This position helps to take the pressure off the pelvis and back.
The woman can kneel on hands and knees at the edge of the bed.
The partner can then stand at the foot of the bed.
In the penetration is deep, one can feel the discomfort.

[Read : Making Love In The First Trimester Of Pregnancy]

Sex Positions During Pregnancy – Second Trimester

It is important to remain healthy throughout pregnancy. One can even enjoy sex, but the first trimester is a better time than the second one when it comes to sex. During the second trimester, a combination of hormones and growing belly can make sex slightly inconvenient.

Some safe sexual positions during pregnancy which are pleasurable at this time are listed below.

1. V-Shaped Angular Position

This position is recommended as it makes the belly and the baby safe.

In this, the partners lie at a 45-degree angle.
The pregnant woman keeps her thighs on the hips of her partner.
It is important to ensure that the belly does not get squeezed.

2. Sitting on a Chair

This position reduces the chances of toppling over while getting up.

This pose comprises two people sitting like the boat pose.
Having sex in this position helps to straddle and penetrate deeper.
The chair must be tough and very spacious as well
Also, the chair should be leaning against the wall.
The woman should be clutching onto its edges for support and balance.

3. On The Edge of The Bed

As indicative of the name, this needs to be on the edge of the bed.

In this position, the upper body should be on the bed.
The leg should stick out for the partner to enter while supporting the thighs.
The legs facing upward, knees bent by keeping a pillow under the waist.

4. Doggy Style

This position offers good support and less irritation

This position requires kneeling on the bed, with support from the elbows.
Lift the lower body part and allow it to penetrate from behind.
Keeping a pillow under the stomach helps better support.

5. Missionary Style With a Pillow Under The Back of The Woman

This style is advisable only if there are no complications with the pregnant woman.

It is important that the partner supports himself with the elbow.
The body weight should be off the abdomen.
It is also crucial to keep a pillow under the back and waist, and for the body not to be flat.
This also helps in preventing cramping around the lower waist.

6. Sideways (From Behind)

This position is safe as it keeps the weight off the belly.

This position involves the pregnant woman lying sideways with the partner from behind.
While lying, place a pillow below the thighs for additional support and comfort while penetration takes place.
Penetration must be shallow for avoiding any discomfort.

[Read : Making Love In The Second Trimester Of Pregnancy]

Sex Positions During Pregnancy – Third Trimester

Having sex during late pregnancy is safe if the former part of the pregnancy was a healthier one. If the recommended positions are tried, sex can be carried for the last few months as well. Only anal sex should be avoided as it can be painful and uncomfortable especially if you have haemorrhoids. The last trimester is a time when due to the growing belly, sex isn’t very exciting. Other factors that can make it tough are back pain, exhaustion, swollen feet, leaky breasts, pelvic pain and pressure and varicose veins. Yet experimenting with a few positions is perfectly fine.

Having sex during the third trimester has a lot of benefits such as:

A good bonding between partners
A happy hormone is secreted that helps in arousing contractions
The pelvis strengthens due to orgasm and the body is ready for delivery.
The hormone in semen makes the cervix soft and leads to contractions.
It is good to have sex in the last trimester till the water does not break.

Recommended Sexual Positions During Pregnancy Third Trimester

The uterus starts becoming bigger, making some positions uncomfortable. To be able to accrue the benefits of having sex during pregnancy, the recommended sex positions that are safe and comfortable are:

The spoon position is a comfortable and cosy position for the increasing belly. In this position, the pregnant woman lies on the side and her partner enters from behind.
The pregnant woman on top of her partner is yet another comfortable one. It is not advised to penetrate too deep
The position of the edge on the bed is also a good one. Lying on the edge of the bed with feet placed on the floor. The partner can stand or bend over the pregnant woman to enter but this must be slow and gentle.
In case the pregnant woman is not comfortable with penetration, oral sex or mutual masturbation can be opted for too.

[Read : Making Love in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy]

When Should You Avoid Sex During The Third Trimester?

It is always advisable to consult the doctor before indulging in sex during pregnancy. Sex during the third trimester does not harm the foetus. Since the baby is secure in the amniotic sac. The mucus plug around the cervix offers protection to the baby against all infections. So, the baby’s safety is well taken care of.

In case the pregnant woman suffers from the given conditions, the doctor may recommend refraining from sex in the third trimester.
If you are suffering from placenta previa and having sex at this time, this can lead to bleeding in the placenta harming the baby.
It is not advisable to have sex if the water breaks prematurely, as the mucus plug offering protection against all infections gets dislodged.
The doctor recommends refraining from sex in the last trimester if there is a history of premature labour. This is because the hormones released during sex can lead to premature labour in the present state as well.
If your are expecting twins or multiples, it is not advisable to have sex in the last leg of pregnancy. There are chances for the twins to arrive early due to sex during this time.
Orgasm during pregnancy especially in the last trimester can lead to Braxton Hicks contractions, making the baby bump and womb hard. This is uncomfortable but not a threat to health.

Sex Positions to Avoid When Pregnant

No positions in pregnancy are unsafe at any stage other than the missionary position. This is because it requires the pregnant woman to lie down on her back.

Trying any position is fine but it is advisable to avoid deep penetration so that bleeding does not happen.
Even while having oral sex, the partner must not force air into the vagina which can end up blocking a blood vessel. This can be detrimental to the health of the mother and the baby.
Having sex in the last leg of pregnancy, labour pain can initiate if the uterus and cervix are ready.
If labour pain cannot be felt even after the 42nd week of pregnancy, one should avoid sex.

Thus, having sex during pregnancy can derive the same pleasure as before but caution and precautions should be well taken care of. Avoid sexual positions during pregnancy that are uncomfortable or not advised by the doctor. Always talk to your doctor and clear any doubts you may have. This will help you make informed decisions.

FAQ’s

1. Is sperm Good For the Baby During Pregnancy?

Sperm and semen that deposit in the vagina during vaginal penetrative sex will not harm the baby.

2. When Should You Stop Having Sex While Pregnant?

The health experts recommend that women should avoid sex during the final weeks of pregnancy. This is just to be safe as the semen has a chemical that can boost contractions.

3. Is it Safe to do Sex During the 6th Month of Pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to have sex during the 6th month of pregnancy. It does not harm the baby as it is well protected and sealed in the amniotic sac.