Safe and comfortable sex positions during pregnancy: A guide for couples
- Updated
- Published
Created with Nataliia Yermolovych, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Sex is generally safe during the entirety of a low-risk pregnancy. However, it may cause discomfort or pain as your body changes to accommodate the growing baby. With a changing body, women also experience hormonal changes that may increase sensitivity and cause cramps. Consider pregnancy sex positions that keep pressure off the back and belly, like laying on your back, standing with a partner behind, and reverse cowgirl.
It’s crucial to note that for women with high-risk pregnancies, such as those with placenta previa, a threat of miscarriage, or other complications, sex may be restricted or prohibited altogether, especially in certain trimesters. Always consult your doctor for individual recommendations.
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Is sex safe during pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), sex is generally considered safe during all stages of a low-risk pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider offers another direction. Each case is different, so speaking with a healthcare provider is a must to get personalized medical advice.
It’s also important to note that your baby remains fully protected by the amniotic sac during sex— this is a thin-walled bag holding the fetus and its surrounding fluid and uterus muscles. A penis won’t have contact with a fetus during sex.
If you have a low-risk pregnancy, intercourse and orgasm won’t lead to labor or miscarriage. The contractions you may feel during and after orgasm are different from those associated with labor.
👉Find out more: Orgasms during pregnancy: Your questions and concerns answered
Does sex hurt when pregnant? What to expect
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a lot of changes, and eventually, some familiar activities may start to feel different. Sex may start to feel uncomfortable and sometimes even painful.
Some reasons for that are changing hormones that may make breasts more tender, a weaker bladder, and swelling in your tissues that might make your labia feel larger and your vagina feel tighter, which may also cause some pain. Reduced lubrication may also occur, which often causes discomfort.
The good news is that all these issues can be effectively managed when you try minimizing pressure on the abdomen by choosing pregnancy-safe sex positions. It’s also crucial to openly communicate with your partner about what feels good or uncomfortable.
Aside from exploring sex positions for pregnant women, consider water-based lubricants, as they can ease dryness and make intimacy more enjoyable. Always listen to your body, and if pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare provider.
Safe sex positions during pregnancy
Oral sex in a resting position
Cunninglingus will be a great option that prioritizes and bolsters your pleasure. It is also a great way to satisfy your needs if penetration causes pain.
Try sitting up on your bed and place pillows all around you for extra support. In this position, you can comfortably rest while your partner gives you oral stimulation. You can ask your partner to also sit next to or in front of you and provide stimulation manually or with a vibrator.
Reverse cowgirl
This is one of the safe sex positions during pregnancy that can offer a switched-up sensation without compromising the benefits of its classic version. Sit on your partner, and thrust as you wish so you won’t experience the discomfort related to a growing belly. Place your arms behind you as you shift your weight for extra support. Ask your partner to sit on a chair or a sofa, too, so you can feel stability for moving like you want.
Mutual masturbation
Mutual masturbation is also a great way to connect with your partner and enjoy the high libido you might be experiencing during pregnancy. It can be in bed, the shower, or anywhere you want.
You can lay on your side in one of the most comfortable sex positions for pregnant women, considering your growing belly. From masturbation, you can go further to penetration in the same position, but we will talk about it in detail below.
Spooning
As we mentioned, laying on your side with your partner behind you can be intimately soothing. Penetration in this position tends to be slower and more sensual, so you may not experience any discomfort or pain at all. It also helps reduce tension in the body associated with extra weight of your belly.
Hold my waist, honey
In this position, you’ll want to put your palms on a sturdy wall, then ask your partner to hold your waist and penetrate from behind. This pregnancy sex position will also make it easier for your partner to stimulate you with a hand or vibrator.
Standing sex during pregnancy reduces pressure off your back and helps avoid issues with the belly.
Sex positions to avoid while pregnant
During pregnancy, it’s important to adapt your sexual activity to ensure comfort and safety for both you and the baby. There may be positions that once felt pleasant but have now become uncomfortable or potentially harmful. Here are a few to avoid, especially in the third trimester:
Traditional missionary position (second and third trimester)
As your belly grows, lying on your back in the traditional missionary position usually becomes uncomfortable. This is one of the positions to avoid while pregnant, as it places undue pressure on the abdomen. As pregnancy progresses, it may reduce blood flow to you and your baby by compressing the main blood vessels.
Positions requiring lying flat on the back for a long time
Lying flat in general on your back for a long time, especially during later pregnancy stages, causes pressure on your blood vessels. This may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and reduced circulation to the baby. So, it’s better to avoid any position that requires you to lay on your back for extended periods.
👉Find out more: Is sperm good for the baby during pregnancy? Understanding its impact and safety
Tips for enjoying intimacy during pregnancy
While some positions may no longer be comfortable, pregnancy doesn’t mean intimacy has to stop. Aside from adjusting positions to reduce tension, consider the following intimacy tips for you and your partner to enjoy your time together:
1. Listen to your body's signals
Your body will naturally let you know when something is off. Make sure you pay attention to any discomfort, and do not hesitate to take a break or switch to pregnancy safe sex positions if you experience any pain or if something doesn’t feel right. Remember to openly communicate with your partner about your comfort levels and any changes you need to feel better.
2. Try different positions as pregnancy progresses
Even though some positions will still feel okay during early pregnancy, growing a belly will require changes. In general, side-lying positions like spooning help reduce pressure on your abdomen and allow for more comfortable movements. You can also consider various positions where you are on top to control the depth and pace.
3. Use pillows for support or adjustments
Pillows are great when it comes to pregnancy overall. They can be used for both sleep and intimacy, as they offer great assistance and extra support in different pregnancy safe sex positions. For example, you can place pillows under your hips, lower back, or between your knees for added support.
This can help alleviate pressure on sensitive areas and allow for more comfortable and enjoyable positioning. Ultimately, maintaining intimacy during pregnancy is about flexibility, communication, and being gentle with yourself and your partner as your body changes.
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Question from the Femia community
Can I have sex in every trimester?
Yes, sex is considered safe during the entire pregnancy unless your doctor defines your pregnancy as high risk. If your healthcare provider says your pregnancy is low risk, you can safely try new positions and enjoy a healthy sex life just like before you got pregnant.
Does sex feel different when pregnant?
Yes, it's normal to experience various changes in sex during pregnancy. Hormonal changes may cause tender breasts, higher libido from time to time, and increased sensitivity. While it sounds like something good, all these factors combined may cause discomfort as well. So, trying new positions and discussing changes with your partner will always be a good idea.
Should I stop if sex feels uncomfortable during pregnancy?
You should always stop sex if you feel discomfort or pain. This is just a sign that you need to listen to your body and adjust the position, use lubricant, or stop sex altogether for the moment and discuss what made you feel this way with your partner.
The bottom line
Maintaining intimacy during pregnancy cannot be overemphasized. Even though pregnancy changes your body, and those changes may cause discomfort and pain, it can be managed, and sex can remain enjoyable rather than stressful.
Consider exploring new sex positions for pregnant women that help reduce tension associated with a growing belly and help you feel more comfortable. Use those mentioned in the article as your starting point, and speak with your partner to find what works for you best. If sex continues to cause pain, stop, and consult a healthcare professional to get more personalized advice.
Always remember to listen to your body, and make sure your partner knows what you are going through.
References
- ACOG. “A Partner’s Guide to Pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 26 Sept. 2024, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/a-partners-guide-to-pregnancy#:~:text=Is%20it%20safe%20to%20have,can%20have%20sex%20throughout%20pregnancy.
- Mayo Clinic. “Sex during Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not.” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sex-during-pregnancy/art-20045318.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Hormones during Pregnancy.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2019, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/staying-healthy-during-pregnancy/hormones-during-pregnancy.
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