5 Feel-Good Sex Positions for Pregnancy

As your body (and hormones) go through a roller coaster of change during your pregnancy, it can be hard to find your groove when it comes to coupled sex. What used to be your “go-to” position before pregnancy, can now feel awkward, clumsy, or even painful. But with some modifications and a few new positions up your sleeve, sex can be just as much fun as before — you may even find a new favorite way to get it on.

Check out our tips for feel-good pregnancy sex below. If penetration continues to be uncomfortable or painful, hit the pause button and schedule a visit with one of our pelvic floor physical therapists.

Guidelines for Safe Pregnancy Sex

Before we jump into some recommended positions, let's go over the basic guidelines for safe and comfortable pregnancy sex:

• Always check with your OBGyn to make sure sex is safe for you. Sex is generally considered safe for most people throughout their pregnancy, but there are some exceptions. Certain medical and obstetric conditions may require you to avoid sex for some or all of your pregnancy, so check in with your physician and confirm that sex is a-okay.
• Limit time spent on your back. After about the 20th week of pregnancy, it's generally recommended to minimize the time spent on your back. As your baby and uterus grow, lying on your back during sex for too long can compress the blood flow that runs behind your abdominal area to your baby.
• Avoid compressing your abdomen. By your second trimester (or sooner if touch or pressure to this area doesn’t feel good to you) it’s best to avoid sex positions that place pressure or compress your abdomen.
• Anal sex is probably off the table. Anal sex during pregnancy can increase your chance of developing a vaginal infection, so it is generally not recommended. If you're interested in anal sex during pregnancy, speak with your obstetric healthcare provider to see if there are any special precautions you need to be aware of first.

5 Feel-Good Sex Positions for Pregnancy

To stay comfortable and maximize your pleasure, try these recommended positions and helpful tips.

1. Reclined with back support

Tips for you:

• When lying on your back becomes uncomfortable, try propping several pillows under your back so you're in a reclined seated position. This will shift the weight of your baby and uterus for improved circulation.
• Scooch your hips towards the end of your bed so that your partner can achieve vaginal penetration without leaning on top of you, which would put pressure on your belly.
• It's easy to manually stimulate your clitoris in this position or use a clitoral vibrator.

Tips for your partner:

• Kneel in front of your partner on the ground at the foot of the bed. This will allow your partner to comfortably lay on their back, while minimizing pressure to their belly.
• This modification will still give you plenty of freedom to move and touch your partner.

2. Sideways with back support

Tips for you:

• Lie on your back, and place a pillow or two under the left side of your torso to keep you from lying flat on your back. Then drape your legs over your partner’s hips for penetration.
• This is a great position for anyone, but particularly if you have pain during deeper penetration. The back of your thighs and buttocks will naturally act as a buffer to limit penetration depth and maximize comfort.

Tips for your partner:

• While facing your partner, lie on your side with your head on a pillow.
• This position allows for minimal pressure on your partner’s belly and makes it easy to caress your partner’s chest or breasts.

3. Seated on top with arm support

Tips for you:

• Sit facing your partner, with one or both legs over your partner’s and your arms extended behind you for support.
• This position can be tiring for your arms, so is best for a short period of time. Or try propping pillows between your back and your partner's thighs.

Tips for your partner:

• This is a great position for kissing and caressing.
• If vaginal penetration becomes uncomfortable for your partner, switch to clitoral stimulation, external vibration, or fingering.

4. Spooning

Tips for you:

• Lie on your side and have your partner enter you from behind to keep your belly free of pressure during penetration.
• If you are experiencing any pelvic girdle pain, place several pillows between your legs so that your top leg is supported from your knees down to your ankles (aim to keep them in line with your hip). This will protect your pelvic joints, and minimize pain during sex.
• This position allows for good stimulation of the front and back of the vagina as well as the G spot during penetration.
• Note: you may feel extra pressure to the sides of your vagina in this position. If this is an area that is typically tender for you, you may choose to avoid this position.

Tips for your partner:

• Avoid draping your leg over your partner’s hips in this position, as this may add extra pressure to their pelvis which could be uncomfortable. Instead, try resting your top leg on your bottom leg, or turn out your right hip and place the foot of your top leg on the bed.

5. Kneeling with forearm support

Tips for you:

• Place some pillows under your knees for comfort and then support your upper body on an elevated surface such as the edge of the bed, an ottoman, or a stool.
• This position allows for easy stimulation of the front or back vaginal walls, as well as manual clitoral stimulation or vulvar touching.
• This position is also great for those with pelvic pain because it provides even support for your pelvis. Keep your knees no more than hip-width apart to prevent strain in your pelvic joints.

Tips for your partner:

• This position allows for deeper penetration, so if this is uncomfortable for your partner, consider using a wearable such as Ohnut (see below) to minimize depth and improve comfort.

Stock your pregnancy sex toolkit

Adding a few of these items to your sexual play can help you feel even more comfortable and supported.

Lube: If you're not already using lube, it's pretty much a no-brainer for making penetration easier and more pleasurable. To prevent irritation and reduce your risk of developing a vaginal infection, choose a lube that's free of scents, flavors, warming agents, glycerin, and parabens. Read more about choosing a safe lube here.

External vibrators: Clitoral vibrators can enhance arousal and increase blood circulation to your vaginal and vulvar tissues. See some of our favorite external vibrators here.

Pregnancy pillows: The same pillows you bought to keep you comfy while you sleep and lounge can also support your body during sex.

Ohnut: Placing this soft, flexible device at the base of the penis — or strap-on or dildo — will limit penetration depth. Use one or more, depending on what feels best for you.

Pelvic girdle support: If you're already wearing a pelvic joint support belt low back brace during daily activities, try wearing it during sex.

If sex continues to be uncomfortable or painful during your pregnancy, check in with a pelvic floor physical therapist. With insight into your health history, your symptoms, and goals, they will be able to find even more ways to support your body and improve your comfort with pregnancy sex.