As your belly gets bigger throughout your pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable to do the positions you’re used to, such as missionary. However, there are still ways that you can enjoy sex at every step throughout your pregnancy. Here, we will discuss the best sex positions when pregnant, the best sex positions to bring on labour and how to have pregnancy sex safely.
Is It Safe To Have Sex When Pregnant?
Yes! Your developing baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus as well as by the strong muscles of the uterus itself. Sexual activity won’t affect your baby as long as you don’t have any complications such as preterm labour or placenta problems. It is worth noting, though, that pregnancy can cause changes in your level of comfort and your sexual desire. Although sex is safe during pregnancy, breast stimulation, female orgasm and certain hormones in semen can cause uterine contractions.
If you have any of the following problems, you should speak to your healthcare professional before having sex:
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- You’re leaking amniotic fluid
- Your cervix is opening prematurely
- Your placenta partly or completely covers your cervical opening
- You have a history of premature labour or premature birth
Can You Use Sex Toys When Pregnant?
With so much to talk about and think about during pregnancy, it’s easy to worry about what might be allowed and not be allowed in the bedroom. However, if you’re having a low-risk pregnancy, then the use of toys for masturbation or sex with your partner is a great form of stress relief and can take your mind off some of the discomforts of pregnancy.
Your baby is safely protected by the amniotic sac and uterine muscles, therefore even through penetration with a penis or vibrator, it won’t come into contact with your baby.
To ensure optimum safety during your experience with sex toys whilst pregnant, you should keep some things in mind:
- Make sure your sex toy is completely clean to avoid infection
- Listen to your body and stop using your sex toy if you experience bleeding or discomfort
- stop using the sex toy if your water has broken or your midwife suggests avoiding sexual activity
Are There Any Risks Involved With Certain Sex Positions?
Almost any position is okay as long as it feels good to you and assuming your midwife tells you it’s okay. Having sex during pregnancy is perfectly safe, but to ensure you don’t put your baby at risk, you should consider:
- Keeping partner-on-top positions short after week 20 as laying on your back for longer periods of time can result in you feeling dizzy and can reduce blood flow to the baby. It will also put uncomfortable pressure on your back.
- Be smart if practising anal sex. Although anal sex is completely safe, you shouldn’t follow up with vaginal sex without making sure your partner’s penis is completely washed thoroughly beforehand. This will reduce the risk of infection.
What Are The Best Sex Positions When Pregnant?
Sex is all about enjoying each other’s bodies, the intimacy and the closeness in your relationship. It’s a common worry that this will go out the window as soon as you start to show and the worry of hurting the baby creeps in. However, sex is more than just penetration and it’s encouraged to take part in any sex that feels most comfortable if the mood strikes.
Here are some top sex positions that you may feel most comfortable doing through every trimester.
1. Sex from behind
Having sex from behind is one of the best sex positions when pregnant and is often recommended by sex specialists as a popular option for all kinds of partners. Whether you’re on all fours, standing up or bent over, this position keeps pressure off the belly allowing the pregnant partner to remain comfortable. Adding pillows, blankets or towels for comfort is a great idea too!
This position is great for the first trimester and the beginning of the second. By the end of the second trimester, you may feel more pressure on all fours as your belly grows.
2. You on top
A study has found that being on top increases sexual satisfaction for pregnant women as they can control the penetration. You should adjust your position however you feel most comfortable.
This position is perfect for the first and second trimesters. The third trimester may cause more sensitivity down there so you may want to avoid this position to reduce the risk of accidental bleeding.
3. Spooning sex
Spooning sex is a wonderful position for any point in your pregnancy. It puts less pressure on your belly. The position involves both partners laying on their sides spooning each other, with the pregnant partner being the little spoon and the other partner being on the outside. Whether you’re penetrating or not, it’s a great way to touch the clitoris whilst you can keep your belly comfortable.
4. Reverse cowgirl
Reverse cowgirl is one of the best sex positions when pregnant and it involves the pregnant partner straddling the other facing their feet. It’s a great way to keep the pressure off the belly whilst being able to stimulate the clitoris.
This position is great at any point in your pregnancy, however during the second and third trimester is where you’ll feel the benefit as you can keep your stomach from being compressed or touched if you’re sensitive there.
5. Floating pregnant positions
During the later trimesters, it might start getting uncomfortable or difficult to have sex with the size of your belly. If this is the case, try having sex in the bathtub where you can float whilst giving or receiving pleasure. The buoyance helps a pregnant belly defy gravity and can be super helpful when you’re nearly due!
Depending on the size of your bathtub, you may not be able to float completely, however, your partner can help the experience by lying under you for support.
This position is great for every point in your pregnancy, however, those in the third trimester will appreciate the extra help of the water when they’re sensitive.
6. Seated sex
Every type of couple can enjoy seated intercourse. The pregnant person sits on a chair or the edge of the bed and the partner can sit below them with easy access to fingers, toys and mouths. It’s a great way to enjoy pleasure whilst keeping your body and your belly comfortable.
This is a great position for all trimesters. It’s perfect for letting the body and the belly rest.
What Is The Best Sex Position To Bring On Labour?
As you come to the end of your pregnancy, you start to think of all the ways you might induce labour. One of the safest ways is through sex. When trying to induce labour through sex, you should choose the most comfortable position. Certain positions aren’t necessarily more successful in inducing labour than others, it’s more likely because of the sperm and your orgasm. If you want to know the best sex position to bring on labour, then the answer is whatever sex position works for you! However, we recommend avoiding laying on your back as this puts too much pressure on your stomach.
Takeaway
Sex during pregnancy doesn’t have to be a chore. There are ways that you can enjoy sex without your belly getting in the way. Enjoying your intimate times through pregnancy is encouraged if that’s what you want, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you in every stage!
