6 Comfortable Sex Positions To Try While Pregnant

Between all the questions swirling around pregnancy and what comes after, sex might slip pretty far down your priority list — until those pregnancy hormones surge and the extra blood flow to your pubic area leaves you craving it constantly. Your partner may be just as intrigued by the changes happening to your body, including fuller breasts, but does pregnancy actually change how you have sex? Is there a single best position to reach for?

Here's some reassuring news: visible changes to your belly usually don't start until weeks 12 to 16, so you've got months where your regular favorite positions still work fine. Lean into that extra arousal if it shows up — it's a common pregnancy experience! Early on, your cervix rises and softens, which can actually make positions offering deeper penetration more comfortable than before, though you'll want to stay mindful of how your cervix's position keeps shifting as the pregnancy progresses.

If you're second-guessing whether sex is even safe right now, most pregnancies pose no issue at all — your doctor might even suggest it as a way to unwind. Read more about sex during pregnancy. Sex remains something you're entitled to enjoy at every stage of life, pregnancy included. With that settled, let's get into some positions worth trying.

Great Sex Positions To Try While Pregnant

1. Spooning

This already-intimate position gets even more comfortable once you're carrying extra weight. Lying on your side supports your growing belly while giving you easy control over penetration depth as your partner wraps his arms around you. Either of you can reach your clit from this angle, and layering your hand over his adds an extra layer of connection. Tender breasts also get natural support during spooning position, or he can reach around from behind for a gentler touch.

Boost the experience further with a vibrator for clitoral stimulation, or squeeze your legs together to make his penis feel even larger inside you.

2. Doggy Style

The simplest fix for navigating around your belly is keeping it out of the equation entirely. Some positions get awkward with a bump in the way, and the physical distance can make kissing — and feeling connected — harder. Doggy style lets your partner press his chest against your back while your stomach stays completely clear.

It's also excellent for deep penetration and G-spot stimulation, assuming your cervix hasn't dropped low enough to make that uncomfortable. He can easily control the depth and pace, or you can push back into him. If holding the position gets tiring, resting your chest and shoulders on a positioning pillow takes the strain off your arms.

3. Missionary — With A Tweak

Early in pregnancy, before much of a bump shows, missionary needs no adjustment at all. As your belly grows, though, you'll need to modify things slightly — the good news is you can still maintain that face-to-face eye contact throughout. Having your partner shift into a kneeling, more upright position opens up plenty of room for your belly between you both.

Wrapping your legs around his waist or butt adds leverage, and his hands stay free to stimulate your clit or play with your nipples.

4. Kneeling Lap Dance

Since he's already kneeling, why not "sit" on his lap with your knees positioned outside his? You get the support of his lap while staying fully in control of the pace. Sitting near the headboard lets you lean back against it or the wall for extra support, and facing away from him keeps your belly entirely out of the way.

Closeness is still easy to achieve — you can lean back or he can lean forward until your bodies press together. He's free to kiss your back and shoulders, whisper in your ear, or run his fingers through your hair. Like several of the better pregnancy-friendly positions, this one gives either of you access to bring on a clitoral orgasm.

You can also try the standard lap dance position, with him seated on the edge of a couch or similar furniture.

5. Back Seat Driver

Here, your partner sits on a sofa or chair with knees bent, legs spread, and feet flat on the floor. You settle onto his lap much like the lap dance position, but keep your legs closer together this time — the tighter your legs squeeze, the more intense the sensation for him.

He can hold your waist while you lean forward or back, whichever feels better. Leaning back opens up clitoral stimulation for either of you, and bracing your hands against his thighs or the surface beneath him adds stability. This position particularly favors circular hip movements over straightforward up-and-down thrusting. Read more about the Back Seat Driver sex position.

6. Cowgirl/Reverse Cowgirl

Take charge entirely by straddling your partner, putting you fully in control of the pace and depth. You can easily steer around any discomfort, and your belly never becomes an obstacle. Flip the angle by facing away from him instead — known as reverse cowgirl — with his hands free to guide your hips from behind.

Here's a trick worth trying: he can press his hand flat against his pubic area so his penis rests between two fingers. As you ride him, grinding against his knuckles delivers intense clitoral stimulation.

Plenty of other positions work well during pregnancy too, and your own comfort will ultimately guide what feels right. There's no need to commit to just one — feel free to adjust and experiment with any of these for extra comfort. Just steer clear of anything requiring wild acrobatics; staying upright and well-supported keeps injury risk low.

Making The Most Of Sex During Pregnancy

Whichever position you choose, it's worth slowing down and giving your body extra time to adjust to the added stress pregnancy puts on it. This is a great window for romantic cuddling or a sensual massage, both of which can ease some of the tension and discomfort pregnancy brings. Don't be surprised if you tire more quickly than usual, especially further along.

Checking in with your doctor about strenuous activity is always a smart move. Sex is fun, sure, but it may not be advisable with a higher-risk pregnancy, and there's no reason to feel shy discussing it with your doctor — after all, that conversation is exactly how you ended up in this situation to begin with.

A heightened sex drive is also the perfect excuse to reach for some sex toys. Whether you're rediscovering an old favorite vibrator or trying toys for the first time, your increased sensitivity can make masturbation feel better than ever. Need a break from more physically demanding sex? Mutual masturbation is a great alternative. And don't hold back from enjoying your partner going down on you — pregnancy is hard work, and you've earned it.

As always, communication matters enormously. Even if you're plenty in the mood, positions you've always relied on might start feeling uncomfortable or require more effort as your pregnancy advances. Since every stage brings new changes, talking openly with your partner about sex becomes more important than ever. Check out our guide for talking about sex with your partner.

Your changing body might leave you feeling more powerful, more feminine, or simply amazed at what it's capable of. So go ahead and enjoy sex throughout these nine months — it's a great way to stay connected to how your body keeps changing along the way.

April 8, 2024