When you get pregnant, your estrogen and progesterone levels rise, causing changes that boost your libido. Estrogen, in particular, boosts blood flow to your uterus (and to your entire pelvis), increases vaginal lubrication, and heightens sensitivity in your breasts and nipples. It’s a righteous recipe for romance, really.
But the same hormones can also conspire against you, especially in the beginning when nausea and fatigue can send you to bed for an entirely different reason. An toward the end of your pregnancy, you may just feel too huge, unwieldy and, again, exhausted. This is why months four to six or are often called the “honeymoon” trimester because that’s when intimacy while pregnant is more unhindered.
Whilst sex is okay for most couples during pregnancy, it may not always be easy for the above reasons. The best way to navigate this is to try different positions and find what works best for you. Below are some of the safe sex positions during pregnancy that we recommend for every trimester. You can also learn more about bump-friendly sex by joining Malaica online community of pregnant women and new moms.
Position 1: The Classic Missionary
Suitable for: First and second trimesters and possible third trimester, depending on how comfortable you are.
The missionary position is good if you’re tired because it allows you to lie on your back and relax while your partner does most of the work. Lying face-to-face helps to make the experience more intimate and your partner can also touch you’re while having sex.
However, you might feel slight dizziness when you lie on your back in missionary during the third trimester. If this happens, use pillows to sit up slightly. This tactic is actually useful for increasing comfort during sex regardless of the trimester.
Position 2: Side Saddle
Suitable for: First, second, and third trimesters depending on how comfortable you and your partner are.
In the side saddle position, you lie on your hip side with legs in sitting position while slightly tilting your back to lay flat. Your partner then positions themselves a little bit lower as if you’re sitting on them. This way, your partner does all the work so you can lie back and relax. It also makes it convenient for them to stimulate your breasts and clitoris while still in action.
In the third trimester, you may feel a bit dizzy if you lie on your back for too long. Using pillows to prop yourself at a slight angle and making sure you’re tilted to the left can ease the discomfort. Penetration can also be quite shallow for some couples in side saddle.
Position 3: You On Top
Suitable for: All the three trimesters depending on how much energy you have.
The woman on top position is convenient for sex during pregnancy because you don’t need to open your legs too wide to manage it. Your partner can also reach your breasts and clitoris during sex for extra stimulation. One study shows this position gives pregnant women more pleasure than others plus your partner gets the bonus of seeing how gorgeous you are during sex. Woman on top is also the perfect position for a quickie on the sofa!
Squatting can, however, be difficult in the third trimester when it’s harder to support your growing bump. If this happens, try kneeling over him instead. You can also lean forward and hold on to the back of the bed for extra support and bounce control. Your partner can also prop himself up on pillows to bring him closer to you.
Read More: 6 Sexy Ways to Reinvent Your Pregnant Body
Position 4: Doggy Style
Suitable for: All three trimesters but especially the third trimester when your bump can get in the way.
Laying on your back while pregnant can worsen back and pelvic pain. The doggy position takes this pressure off and your partner can also reach to stimulate your clitoris when having sex. You can also try this position on your hands and knees at the edge of the bed, with your partner standing at the foot of the bed.
If you’re feeling less energetic to support yourself, try relaxing your weight onto cushions and pillows and just enjoy the experience. In case of sore wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome, standing against a wall or leaning over a sofa can relieve the pain.
Position 5: Scissors
Suitable for: Early pregnancy during the first and second trimesters
In this position, you lie face to face with your partner with one of their legs between yours and one of your legs between theirs. Lying face-t-face can feel really intimate and loving, especially during a period when intimacy can feel strained due to many reasons. You can also kiss, cuddle, and maintain eye contact while having sex, making the experience even more enjoyable.
However, penetration tends to be quite shallow in this position. You may find it comfortable to pop a cushion under your bump to help support it and stay safe when having sex during pregnancy.
Position 6: Modified Missionary
Suitable for: First, second, and possibly third trimester if you don’t get too dizzy from laying on your back.
You can change up the classic missionary to achieve more penetration and less strain on your belly from your partner. In this modified position, you lie on the edge of the bed with your knees propped up while your partner gets on their knees with pillows under for comfort and support.
This way, you can wrap your legs around your partner’s waist, drawing him in and setting the pace of his thrusts. Your partner’s hands are also free to caress your breasts and stimulate your clitoris.
If you start to feel dizzy, especially in the advanced stages of pregnancy, put a couple of cushions behind your upper back and head to prop yourself up slightly.
Speak to Our Nurse Midwife About Safe Sex During Pregnancy
Safe sex positions during pregnancy is a concern for many couples due to the physical transformation a woman’s body goes through as well both partners’ emotional changes over the 9 months. This can bring up additional issues, such as mental stress and relationship strains during such a critical period.
If you’re struggling with sex due to pregnancy, Malaica gynecologists and midwives can offer judgment-free advice on comfortable position adjustments, managing fatigue, and emotional concerns common at these times. And if you’re concerned about your baby’s well-being, our antenatal clinic will put your worries to bed.
Call Malaica at 254 746 610643 or book an appointment to get started.
Sex During Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to have sex during pregnancy?
Yes, it is totally safe to have sex when you’re pregnant unless your doctor or midwife advises otherwise. Hormonal changes and your growing bump might cause slight discomfort, especially in the first and third trimester, but a maternal specialists at Malaica can provide the physical and psychological support you need.
What sex positions should I avoid during pregnancy?
Most sex positions are pregnant-friendly as long as you and your partner are comfortable. Generally, avoid a sex position during pregnancy if it puts pressure on your belly, involve laying on your back for long especially after 20 weeks, or require a lot of standing and balancing.
Which sex positions are safe for each trimester?
Every woman experiences pregnancy differently and so will the sex positions she finds safe and comfortable. However, these are the most ideal positions based on comfort and minimization of pain and pressure on the back and belly.
Sex positions for irst trimester: Classic missionary, side saddle, scissors, doggy position, modified missionary, you on top
Second trimester: Side saddle, scissors, doggy position, you on top, modified missionary
Third trimester: Modified missionary, doggy position, side saddle, you on top
When should I see a doctor about sex and intimacy during pregnancy?
Consult your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) or midwife if pregnancy is impacting your psychological and physical ability to have sex. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience vaginal bleeding, persistent pain, contractions, or unusual discharge during or after sex while pregnant.