Worried sex could harm your baby? Learn the best pregnancy sex positions, expert tips to ease your fear, and also know when to avoid intimacy for your baby safety.
Let’s be honest.
The moment you saw that little pink line on the stick, you probably didn’t think, “Hey, how’s this going to affect our bedroom gymnastics?” But somewhere between the first craving for pickles and peanut butter and the third unsolicited belly rub from your partner, the question pops up:
CAN WE HAVE SEX DURING PREGNANCY?
“Can we still do it?”
Followed closely by:
“Is there a position that could actually… hurt the baby?!”
Let’s dive into the wild, wonderfully awkward world of pregnancy sex — and yes, we’re totally going to talk about that position.
First Things First: Is Sex During Pregnancy Safe?
For the majority of pregnancies, sex is perfectly safe from your first trimester cravings to your third trimester waddles.
Doctors around the world generally give the green light as long as:
- You don’t have a high-risk pregnancy.
- Your water hasn’t broken.
- Your doctor hasn’t specifically told you to abstain (they’ll say it gently, using words like “pelvic rest”).
CAN SEX DURING PREGNANCY POKE MY BABY?
And no, before we go further — you can’t poke the baby.
Your baby is chilling in the amniotic sac like a little astronaut in zero gravity. They’re floating in their own private hot tub, oblivious to the chaos above.
But… there is a catch. And it comes in the form of The Position.
Dun Dun DUN: The One Position That Might Raise Eyebrows (And Your Blood Pressure)
Okay, here it is:
Lying flat on your back during late pregnancy — AKA the “Missionary Position” can be problematic.
Wait, what?
That’s right. It’s not about the acrobatic positions — it’s the classic, innocent, been-around-since-the-dawn-of-time missionary that’s under scrutiny.
BAD SEX POSITIONS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
Why Is Missionary Sex Position Bad For Pregnancy?
Once you hit the second or third trimester, your uterus starts to resemble a small watermelon. If you lie flat on your back, this lovely watermelon can compress your inferior vena cava (a big ol’ vein that brings blood back to your heart from the lower body).
This compression can lead to:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- A drop in blood pressure
- Less blood flow to the baby (in rare cases)
Doctors even recommend sleeping on your side during pregnancy to avoid this same issue. So lying on your back for sexy times or nap times becomes a no-go zone.
So… What Can You Do?
Don’t worry. Pregnancy doesn’t mean your sex life needs to be put on a shelf next to the baby shower invitations and nipple cream. You’ve got options and some of them are surprisingly fun.
BEST SEX POSITIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Here are a few doctor-approved and partner-approved positions:
Spooning
Cute, intimate, and no pressure on your belly. Plus, it makes dirty talk feel oddly romantic. Win-win.
Cowgirl (You on Top)
Take control, find your comfort level, and enjoy the view. Bonus: zero pressure on the bump.
♀️ Modified Doggy Style
No, this isn’t what your grandmother had in mind when she said “stay active.” But with pillows and communication, this can be super comfortable in later pregnancy.
Edge-of-the-Bed (Sit & Slide)
You lie back slightly elevated on the edge of the bed, partner stands or kneels. Works well in the third trimester and doubles as light cardio. For them.
Real Talk: Is the Baby Traumatized?
Let’s clear the air.
- No, the baby doesn’t know what’s happening.
- No, you’re not bouncing them like a trampoline.
- Yes, it’s still okay to orgasm (unless your doctor says otherwise).
In fact, some studies say orgasms release oxytocin; the feel-good hormone that can actually benefit your mood and connection with your partner.
Plus, your baby’s just in there floating like:
“Did mom just do yoga or something?”
Common Questions Pregnant People Ask
Q: Can sex start labor?
A: Only if your body is already close to labor. Semen contains prostaglandins that can help soften the cervix, and orgasms can cause mild uterine contractions. But unless you’re ready to pop, it’s not a magic labor-inducing spell.
Q: What if I don’t feel sexy?
A: Totally normal. Between swollen ankles, sore boobs, and the fact that you’re now snoring like a baby walrus, feeling “sexy” might not come naturally. That’s okay. Intimacy comes in many forms — touch, laughter, and shared Netflix snacks count too.
Q: Will the baby kick during sex?
A: Sometimes! They might get a little jolt of movement after you climax (thanks to blood flow changes), but they’re not judging you. Promise.
Now go forth and conquer, you beautiful, glowing, slightly bloated sex goddess.
Your baby has no idea what’s going on, but they’d probably be proud of your flexibility.
How To Get the Most Out of Pregnancy Sex – Without Launching the Baby Early
Good news for frisky parents-to-be: sex during pregnancy is (usually) totally safe! Your little roommate is snug as a bug in a well-padded uterus—amniotic fluid and abdominal muscles make for excellent baby armor. That said, if you’re dealing with placenta previa, preterm labor risks, or other complications, your doctor might put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. When in doubt, ask. No one wants an awkward “So, we ignored medical advice…” story at the baby shower.
Best Pregnancy Sex Positions: Comfort, Safety & Avoiding Weirdness
- Position Matters (No, Not That Position)
As your belly evolves from “cute bump” to “full-term watermelon,” some moves will feel… less graceful.
– Spooning (the lazy couple’s MVP)
– Face-to-face lying down (minimizes gravity’s interference)
– Standing (if you still have the balance of a non-penguin)
Skip: Anything that requires Olympic-level flexibility or a spotter.
- Pillows: Your New Throuple
A pillow under your hips/knees/belly = instant comfort upgrade. Or invest in a Liberator wedge (fancy talk for “sex ramp”). Your future will high-five you.
- Slow Your Roll
Pregnancy hormones can turn your nether regions into a “sensitivity overload zone.” Translation: What felt good pre-pregnancy might now feel like “TOO MUCH, BOB.” Communicate. Adjust. Maybe keep a safeword on deck (just in case).
- Lube: Not Just for Newbies
Extra blood flow = swollen tissues = potential “why does this feel weird?” moments. Stick to water-based lube (no weird chemicals). Think of it as moisturizer for your… ahem… stress ball.
- Red Flags: When to Pause the Fun
– Heavy bleeding (like, “crime scene” levels)
– Painful contractions (unless you’re trying to evict the baby early)
– Fluid leakage (if it’s not sweat or lube, call the doc)
Mild spotting or cramping? Probably fine. But if your uterus starts mimicking a salsa dancer, take a break.
Alternatives:
– Cuddling (the underrated MVP)
– Massages (foot rubs = love language)
– Deep talks (or just complaining about heartburn together)
Bottom Line: Choosing the best Pregnancy sex position is like a choose-your-own-adventure book—some chapters are steamier than others. Listen to your body, laugh at the absurdity, and remember this is temporary. Soon enough, you’ll miss the days when your biggest distraction during sex was “was that a kick or gas?”
In Conclusion: Laugh, Love, and Lube
Pregnancy is weird.
It’s beautiful, miraculous, and sometimes involves peeing when you sneeze.
But sex? It doesn’t have to stop. You just need to adjust. Try new positions, laugh when something unexpected happens (like a cramp mid-thrust), and for the love of all things holy — invest in some pregnancy-safe lube.
Remember: the most dangerous position during pregnancy isn’t actually physical, It’s being in a relationship where you stop communicating.
So talk, laugh, get weird, and maybe keep a pillow handy — for support, obviously.
