5 of the Best Pregnancy Sex Positions for Comfort and Pleasure
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but let’s face it—it can also be a time of major body changes and adjustments that might leave you wondering if your sex life is destined to take a back seat. The good news? We spoke to Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist as well as the sexual health expert for the Swedish sexual health magazine Passionerad, and she’s assured everyone that it absolutely doesn’t have to.
In fact, with a little creativity and a lot of pillows, intimacy can still be a fulfilling (and fun) part of your relationship. Whether you’re looking to rekindle the romance or just find a position that doesn’t involve accidentally squishing your bump, let’s dive into the best pregnancy sex positions to keep things steamy, safe, and super satisfying.
Please note: While the terms ‘man’ and ‘woman’ are used in this article, these positions can be applied to any pregnant person and a penetrating partner.
Sitting Cowgirl: A Favourite Pregnancy Sex Position
Sitting cowgirl involves your partner seated on a sturdy surface, like the edge of the bed or a chair, while you straddle them. “In this version of woman-on-top, the man needs to sit on his butt with the legs straight. It’s generally more comfy if leaning towards the headboard to unload the core muscles. The woman then places herself over the man, standing either on her feet or knees,” Sofie explained. “If that’s too difficult and the man has power for it, you can sit in the middle of the bed instead, to stretch the legs straight (so they go past him).”
What makes it one of the best pregnancy sex positions is the level of customization it offers. As your bump grows, you can adjust your movements to what feels good for your body. This position supports the belly since it’s resting in his lap, and it allows the pregnant partner to be totally in control of depth, angle, and pace!
There’s no pressure on your abdomen, and you can lean forward or backward to find the most comfortable alignment. It’s also a great way to maintain closeness with your partner since it naturally encourages eye contact and intimacy.
For added comfort, place a pillow under your knees or use the armrests of a chair to support your balance. And if you’re experiencing lower back discomfort—a common pregnancy woe—leaning back slightly can help relieve pressure on your lumbar spine.
Missionary by the End of the Bed: A Simple Twist
Missionary often gets a bad rap for being vanilla, but this modified version can be a lifesaver during pregnancy. By positioning yourself at the end of the bed with your hips slightly elevated, your partner can stand or kneel in front of you. This adaptation ensures there’s no weight on your growing belly, while still allowing for deep connection and intimacy. Sofie explained this position further: “The woman lays down on her back by the end of the bed so her feet go out in the air, but her back is still in the mattress, and the man is placed on the floor by the bed, supporting her hips with his hands and penetrates her in the missionary.”
This position is perfect for couples who want to keep things straightforward without compromising comfort. The elevation helps angle the pelvis in a way that minimizes pressure on the uterus, especially as you approach the later stages of pregnancy. Plus, having your partner in an upright position makes it easier for them to be mindful of your physical needs and any adjustments you might request mid-session.
“Depending on how high the bed is, choose if he stands on his knees or feet. Use a pillow under him for more comfort! This position gives her much free space, lets her put her hands on her belly, and doesn't put any pressure on her body. However, the man might need to switch up and take a bigger role, physically speaking,” Sofie added. It’s also a fantastic position for incorporating sensual massages or even some foreplay before diving into the main event.
Doggy Style with a Pillow Under the Belly
Doggy style gets a pregnancy-friendly upgrade with the simple addition of a pillow under your belly for support. “If you’re a doggy style lover, but think it feels weird or unpleasant with your belly hanging in the air, then place a pillow under it which the belly can rest on!” Sofie advised. “Then have doggystyle as usual!”
This position allows you to be on all fours, but the pillow ensures your bump feels cradled and secure, reducing strain on your lower back. One of the reasons this position ranks high among the best pregnancy sex positions is its versatility. You can adjust the depth and angle of penetration based on how wide you spread your knees or the height of the pillow under your abdomen. It also minimizes direct pressure on your belly, making it a comfortable choice even in the later trimesters.
Another bonus? This position keeps your partner’s hands free for some extra stimulation, whether it’s massaging your back or exploring other erogenous zones. Just remember to communicate openly about what feels good, as pregnancy can make certain areas more sensitive than usual.
On the Side: The Ultimate Lazy Lovers’ Pose
Pregnancy fatigue is real, and there’s no shame in wanting to keep things low-energy while still feeling connected. Side-lying sex, also known as spooning, is the perfect solution. “The woman lays down on the side, and then the partner snugs into a position where he can reach and penetrate,” Sofie noted. “This often means that the man is lying more straight, while her body is facing out from him.”
This cozy setup provides maximum comfort while still allowing for intimacy and penetration. What makes this position so appealing is how gentle it is on your body. There’s no pressure on your belly, and the side-lying angle reduces strain on your joints and lower back. It’s also a great option for partners who want to stay physically close without exerting too much effort, making it ideal for those days when pregnancy exhaustion takes over!
To make things even more comfortable, try placing a pillow between your knees to align your hips and relieve pressure on your pelvis. And don’t underestimate the power of cuddling before or after—it’s a sweet way to reinforce emotional intimacy during this transformative time.
Missionary with a Pillow Under the Lumbar Spine
Another creative twist on a classic, missionary with a pillow under your lower back is a game-changer for pregnant couples.
“Many times, the missionary feels great, except for the belly putting too much pressure on the lumbar spine. So, place a pillow there for support, preferably a quite small but stiff pillow!” Sofie suggested. This modification involves placing a soft pillow or wedge under your lumbar spine to lift your pelvis slightly, creating more space for your growing bump while maintaining the close connection missionary is known for.
This position is particularly useful for couples who want to keep things traditional without sacrificing comfort. The elevation provided by the pillow reduces strain on your back and belly, while still allowing for a range of motion and physical closeness. It’s a great choice for the earlier stages of pregnancy, but with the right adjustments, it can also work well as your bump grows.
Additionally, this position allows your partner to control the depth of penetration, making it easier to ensure that everything feels good for you. For added support, consider propping up your legs with extra pillows or experimenting with different pillow thicknesses until you find the perfect fit.
***
Pregnancy doesn’t have to put a damper on your sex life. With a little creativity and open communication, you and your partner can explore the best pregnancy sex positions that prioritize comfort, connection, and pleasure. From sitting cowgirl’s customizability to the cozy intimacy of spooning, each position offers unique benefits tailored to the changes your body is experiencing.
The key is to listen to your body, use plenty of pillows, and maintain a sense of humour and openness as you navigate this new chapter together. After all, pregnancy is a time of transformation—not just for your body but also for your relationship. Embrace the journey, experiment with what feels good, and remember: the best position is the one that keeps you and your partner feeling connected and satisfied.
