The Best Pregnancy Sex Positions, According to Experts and Moms
During pregnancy, I wouldn’t call my sex life with my husband booming, exactly. I was nauseous, tired, sore—and my pregnancy hormones didn’t bless me with a higher libido. We had to work around my changing body and the discomfort that came with it. (If you know, you know.)
Of course, this doesn’t mean your sex life has to take a backseat when you’re expecting. There are plenty of pregnancy sex positions that feel comfortable and offer a great time.
“Sex during pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience,” says Dr. Jess O’Reilly, PhD, a Toronto-based sexologist and the creator of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. You just have to experiment—and be vocal about what feels good (and what doesn’t).
Ready to reignite the spark and your groove back? Check out some of the most tried-and-true pregnancy sex positions ahead.
- Some go-to sex positions while pregnant may include spooning, side-by-side, you on top, rear entry, reverse cowgirl and more. You can also try non-penetrative pregnancy sex positions.
- If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, there are no sex positions to strictly avoid. However, if you’re experiencing pregnancy complications or discomfort, it’s important to speak to your provider. Stop any position that causes pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness—or makes you uncomfortable in any way.
- Keep in mind that in the second and third trimesters, you need to avoid laying flat on your back for extended periods of time. Prop yourself up—and save laying-down positions for a quickie.
- The “best” pregnancy sex positions are typically subjective, so it’s important to listen to your body to find what’s right for you.
It’s comfortable, it lets your pregnant belly breathe and it inevitably ends in cuddling—what’s not to love about this pregnancy sex position?
How to do it
Lie down on your side and have your partner curl up next to your back, entering you from behind.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
Spooning keeps pressure off of your belly (and bladder), says Dr. O’Reilly. It also leaves your hands free to rub your clitoris for extra stimulation.
Summer Okimoto, CNM, a certified nurse midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Lawrenceville, Georgia, adds that this position allows for “better control of depth and movement.”
What trimester it’s best for
“Spooning may be the best third-trimester sex position of all,” says licensed marriage and sex therapist Dr. Kat Van Kirk, PhD, LMFT. “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.”
If you’re feeling lazy, this is a good sex position for pregnancy. Plus, you get to gaze lovingly into each others’ eyes.
How to do it
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.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
This position “allows for variation in speed and depth,” says Dr. Rachel Needle, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist in 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, Dr. O’Reilly says.
What trimester it’s best for
This is a position that can be done anytime throughout pregnancy—as long as it’s comfortable. Jill S., an expecting mom in Indianapolis, says, “Side-by-side is one of our go-tos in my third trimester. It’s comfortable for both of us, and I like that I don’t have to exert too much energy (since I have very little).”
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!
This popular pregnant sex position is pretty straightforward—and lets you be in control of your movements.
How to do it
Have your partner lie down on their back, and then you straddle them from above. 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, Dr. Van Kirk says.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
This position lets you set the pace and keeps pressure off your belly, Dr. 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.
What trimester it’s best for
This position can be done in any trimester, depending on your comfort. Personally, this one wasn’t my favorite simply because I felt very insecure during pregnancy, which overpowered how the actual sex felt. For others, though, this is an excellent option. “I love being on top when I’m not pregnant, and loved it just as much during pregnancy,” says Erica M., a mom of two in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Great for the first trimester, this pregnancy sex position lets you move your hips around for maximum pleasure.
How to do it
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.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
This pregnancy sex position allows you to move your hips to target what feels right for you, Dr. 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.
What trimester it’s best for
This position is best for the first trimester. In the second and third trimesters, you can still do this position as long as you’re propping yourself up with your elbow or a pillow, but avoid lying flat on your back. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), lying flat on your back can put the weight of your uterus on your spine and back muscles, and this can compress a major blood vessel in the second and third trimesters, potentially making you feel dizzy and reducing blood flow to the uterus. So, just remember to prop yourself up, and maybe save this position for a quickie.
This one’s popular for a reason—you can do it during any trimester and it lets your partner penetrate you deeper.
How to do it
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, and of all the pregnancy sex positions, this one opens you up to deep penetration.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
“Many pregnant patients prefer positions that reduce abdominal pressure and allow them to control depth of penetration and pace,” explains Dr. Michael Ingber, MD, a urogynecologist in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and cofounder at LiviWell. This position checks all of those boxes.
What trimester it’s best for
You can opt for this position throughout your pregnancy. Dr. O’Reilly emphasizes that since rear entry puts no pressure on your bladder or uterus, it’s 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.
Of all the pregnancy sex positions, this is one of the more adventurous—and there are quite a few variations for your comfort (and fun).
How to do it
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.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
This has many of the same benefits as rear entry, Dr. O’Reilly says, but allows you to mix it up a little while having support from the wall. This is especially helpful as your center of gravity changes alongside your growing belly.
What trimester it’s best for
Technically, this position is good for any trimester, but it could become more awkward as your belly gets larger, so be prepared to make some modifications if needed. Also, if you’re having trouble with balance or you get lightheaded more often, this is probably a position you should skip to avoid potential falls.
Switch things up with you on top, but facing the other way. Bonus: This pregnant sex position can help stimulate your G-spot.
How to do it
Have your partner lie down on their back and straddle them, facing their toes.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
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,” Dr. O’Reilly says.
What trimester it’s best for
As long as you’re comfortable, reverse cowgirl is safe in all three trimesters. “I like reverse cowgirl because I still get the control of being on top, but I don’t have to overthink my belly being the only thing my husband is looking at,” says Stephanie G., an expecting mom in Chicago.
Intimacy doesn’t have to be about penetration, and there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy non-penetrative sex.
How to do it
“Penetrative sex is just one option out of many, which also include touch, mutual masturbation and other forms of intimacy that can be just as connective,” says Ilana Grines, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist in Los Angeles. Oral sex is another non-penetrative activity that’s safe for pregnancy.
Why it’s good for pregnancy
Any pregnant sex that involves rubbing, grinding or vibrating is great to explore, Dr. O’Reilly says, provided, of course, that it feels good to you. This is also a good option if you find penetrative sex uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
What trimester it’s best for
Non-penetrative sex is good for all trimesters. Just remember to communicate with your partner so that you feel comfortable and are getting pleasure out of the experience.
Most sex positions are safe during an uncomplicated pregnancy, “provided they are comfortable and don’t cause pain,” says Dr. Ingber. Once you reach around 20 weeks, however, Okimoto recommends avoiding “prolonged flat-on-the-back positions as they can reduce blood flow and cause dizziness.” She also emphasizes that any position that “causes pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or discomfort should be stopped.”
The rules are different for pregnancies with complications, however. For example, my first baby was born premature, so I was more closely monitored during my second pregnancy. When I started experiencing contractions at about 28 weeks, I was put on pelvic rest, which meant no penetrative sex, regardless of the position.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you should talk to your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you. (I promise it’s not as uncomfortable a conversation as it may seem!)
“As a certified nurse-midwife, I reassure patients that no position has been shown to be more effective [in inducing labor],” says Okimoto, adding that her best recommendation is to “choose what feels most comfortable, avoids pressure on the abdomen and supports your body.”
If the question is whether or not sex can induce labor, in general, the answer is: not really. “Sex doesn’t induce labor,” says Okimoto, “however, it may help encourage labor in someone who is already nearing spontaneous labor.” So if you’ve reached your due date and can’t wait to get things started, having sex certainly won’t hurt your chances of going into labor.
All of our experts agree: Comfort is key when it comes to sex during pregnancy. Here are a few tips they recommend to keep things enjoyable.
- Be open to modifications. “The thing I tell most couples is that sex during pregnancy almost always requires some form of modification,” so a little bit of experimentation is key because “what feels good in the first trimester may not feel so good by the third,” notes Grines.
- Keep communication open. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, FACOG, an ob-gyn and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon in Dallas, recommends having an open, ongoing discussion about what works for you and what doesn’t when it comes to pregnancy sex positions as things progress. “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!)
- Go slow. “Pregnant women are doing a lot of work to grow a human, and it’s important to focus on what feels good rather than rushing through and performing just for the sake of sex,” Grines points out.
- Use props and lube, if that helps you. Experts recommend using pillows to help prop your body and make otherwise tricky positions a little more comfortable. “There are even ‘sex pillows’ specifically made for this purpose,” says Dr. Ingber. Grines suggests using plenty of lube to help with comfort.
- Listen to your body. “Things like libido and arousal change as the body and hormones change throughout pregnancy,” explains Dr. Ingber. “So while some women have increased desire, others have fatigue, nausea or pelvic discomfort, which may reduce interest in sex.” Again, if you’re not enjoying yourself, talk to your partner openly about how you’re feeling.
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 in Hawaii and California. 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, Dr. 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 spider, 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 like spooning and side-by-side. It’s best to avoid lying on your back, as that can worsen reflux.
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.
Sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe, and you have a variety of positions to safely choose from. Just remember to pay attention to how you’re feeling, communicate openly with your partner and talk to your healthcare provider first if you’re considered high-risk for pregnancy complications.
With so many activities declared “off-limits” during pregnancy, many expecting parents are wary about sex during pregnancy and wonder which positions are the best in terms of safety and comfort. To help provide guidance on this topic, we spoke to several experts, including a certified midwife, certified sex therapists, an ob-gyn, licensed marriage and family therapists and a urogynecologist. We also spoke to real-life moms and moms-to-be to learn how they approached sex during pregnancy.
After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our ob-gyn medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
About the author: Ashley Ziegler is a mom of two who struggled to find sex comfortable during her first pregnancy and was put on pelvic rest toward the end of her second pregnancy (both pregnancies resulted in premature births). She’s also an experienced health, pregnancy and parenting writer with work appearing in publications including Scary Mommy, Romper, Pregnancy & Newborn, Everyday Health and more.
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:
Ilana Grines, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist in Los Angeles.
Dr. Michael Ingber, MD, is a urogynecologist in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, and the cofounder at LiviWell.
Alejandra Lucatero, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in sexual health in Hawaii and California. She currently works with Cyti Psychological as an AASECT certified sex therapist.
Dr. Rachel Needle, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist in Florida. She earned her PsyD in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Summer Okimoto, CNM, is a certified nurse midwife at Pediatrix Medical Group in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Dr. Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and the creator of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. An award-winning speaker, Dr. 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.
Dr. 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.
Dr. Kat Van Kirk, PhD, LMFT, 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.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Can I Sleep on My Back When I’m Pregnant?, January 2021
Mayo Clinic, Sex During Pregnancy: What’s OK, What’s Not, July 2024
Real-parent perspectives:
- Erica M., mom of two in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Jill S., expecting mom in Indianapolis
- Stephanie G., expecting mom in Chicago
- duffmaker
- Fletcha
- jenerally
- thetwistedwillow
Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.
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