Think pregnancy means your sex life is on pause? Nah—it’s more like Twister: bump edition (a little awkward, plenty of fun). One study found up to 80% of men worry that sex might hurt the baby.
Keep reading to learn the best baby bump–proof sex positions for each trimester, how to adapt your favorites (yes, even doggy style), and what not to do—so you can keep things hot and safe all nine months.
In this article, we'll cover:
Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy: 1st Trimester – Comfort & Familiar Favorites
The first trimester’s like your last chance to use all your favorite moves before the baby bump starts calling the shots. Most couples can comfortably stick to familiar positions with a few easy tweaks to avoid discomfort. Here’s your quick guide to first-trimester sex positions that keep things fun, intimate, and stress-free.
Position #1 – Missionary
The missionary position is a classic go-to and still perfectly safe early on when there's no noticeable bump yet. It’s face-to-face, romantic, and requires zero gymnastics.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #2 – Amazon
Yep, the Amazon isn't just an exotic rainforest—it's your pregnant partner taking the lead. Perfect if her breasts feel sore (thanks, hormones!), since she decides how deep and fast things get.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #3 – Sideways
Sideways sex is the definition of comfort—easygoing, relaxed, and absolutely bump-friendly. It’s your best pick if fatigue or nausea are joining your bedroom party (yep, morning sickness can strike anytime).
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #4 – Face Off (Chair Sex)
Chair sex adds spice without extra strain—ideal for intimacy without exhausting acrobatics.
If bed sex feels routine, a sturdy chair or the edge of the bed instantly shakes things up.
Quick Reminder: Make sure that the chair is sturdy—nothing kills the mood like a furniture collapse.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
First-trimester sex is all about keeping it familiar and comfortable, so enjoy the freedom while you have it. Listen, communicate, and laugh off the awkward moments—that’s half the fun.
And speaking of fun... things are about to get a bit trickier. Let’s dive into the second trimester and see how to navigate sex as the bump grows.
Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy: 2nd Trimester – The “Honeymoon Phase” Of Pregnancy Sex
Ever heard someone say the second trimester is pregnancy’s "sweet spot"? Well, they weren’t talking about candy cravings, bro. Around 74% of couples say their sex life improves during these middle months. Stick around, because you’re about to see why the following pregnancy sex positions just got a lot more interesting.
Position #1 – The Hook
This position is killer in the second trimester—her bump’s bigger, but she’s still agile enough for some standing fun. It's perfect if you miss the excitement but not the balancing acts.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #2 – Cowgirl
Cowgirl is your MVP during trimester two. It gives her full control—zero pressure on her belly—and is perfect if she’s feeling extra sensitive (spoiler alert: she probably is).
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #3 – Spooning With Elevated Leg
Think of it like doggy style, but lying down—ultra-comfy and totally bump-friendly. It's perfect when missionary feels tight or uncomfortable.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #4 – Lotus
If you haven't tried Lotus yet, pregnancy is the perfect excuse. It's slow, intimate, and ideal when things feel a little weird physically.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
The second trimester isn’t just the "honeymoon" of pregnancy—it’s your chance to get creative and stay connected sexually. Make the most of these months by trying new positions, communicating openly, and—most importantly—laughing off the awkward bits.
Speaking of awkward bits... let’s jump into trimester three, where creative adjustments become your new best friend.
Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy: 3rd Trimester – Comfort, Support & Creative Adjustments
Ever seen a pregnant woman in the third trimester? Yeah, she's basically smuggling a watermelon everywhere she goes. Around 45% of couples admit they're worried sex might cause discomfort. But trust me—third-trimester sex isn't off-limits. It just needs creativity, pillows, and maybe a sense of humor.
Position #1 – Doggy Style
Doggy style is your ultimate bump-friendly sex position. It takes pressure off her belly and gives comfort in these later stages. Plus, let's face it: rear entry always hits differently—especially now.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #2 – Emoji
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #3 – Oral Sex
When penetration becomes tricky, oral sex is your best friend. It's safe, feels amazing, and—bonus—you don’t have to worry about bump logistics.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Position #4 – Mutual Masturbation
Mutual masturbation is underrated, especially now. It’s super safe, easy on her body, and intimately connects both of you without discomfort.
How To Nail It (Pregnancy Style)
Try these pregnancy sex positions and you’ll maximize both safety and pleasure during pregnancy sex. When in doubt, defer to the medical professionals (don’t be shy to ask the OB/GYN questions—they’ve heard it all). Now, to wrap up, let’s hit the quick list of absolute No-Nos (the “Nope List”).
Andrew’s Expert Tips: The “Nope” List – Sex Positions Pregnant Bodies Should Avoid
Every good sex therapist will tell you not just what you should do, but what you shouldn’t. Here’s the straight-up, easy-to-read "nope" list, so you keep both you and your partner comfortable—and safe—as pregnancy progresses. Clip and save this in your memory.
Tip #1 - No Flat-On-Her-Back Missionary (After Mid-Pregnancy)
After around 20 weeks, classic missionary and especially positions like cowboy, get risky. With your pregnant partner lying flat, you can squash her major blood vessels, making her dizzy and impacting the developing baby. If missionary’s your jam, modify it:
Pregnancy Modification
Tip #2 - No Direct Belly Pressure—Ever
Putting weight directly on her belly isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.
Avoid In Pregnancy
Tip #3 - No Gymnastics Or Balancing Acts
Late pregnancy isn't the circus, bro. Skip positions where either of you risks a fall.
Pregnancy Modification
Tip #4 - No Painful Deep Penetration
If your partner says “ouch,” stop. Period. Pregnancy isn’t the time for pushing through discomfort, no matter how great your rhythm feels.
Pregnancy Modification
Pregnancy sex is awesome—but play smart. Keep positions gentle, safe, and always put comfort first. Your goal? Hot, enjoyable sex that respects her changing body and your growing family.
Now, enough from me—it’s time for a different perspective—a woman’s take on pregnancy, sex, and all the emotions that come with it. She’s been through it, and as much as I can spiel on as the “expert,” there’s nothing like hearing from someone carrying a baby and navigating this territory from the other side.
A Woman's Perspective..
On Pregnancy, Sex & Emotions
Hey! Currently pregnant here—third trimester, glowing one day, sobbing the next (thanks, pregnancy hormones). Let’s say: pregnancy sex has taught me plenty about myself, my body, and intimacy in general—even as a certified sexologist.
Pregnancy sex isn’t always glamorous. One day, we feel like Beyoncé; the next, we feel emotional for "no reason". Sound familiar? Yeah, welcome to pregnant sex life.
Early Pregnancy—Libido On Steroids
Early on (first and second trimesters), most women experience that their libido goes into overdrive. Orgasms hit differently—pregnancy supercharges blood flow down there. It can be fantastic…but also weirdly emotional. Women swing from super horny to insecure faster than you can say "mood swing."
Another perk, due to increased blood flow, squirting might become easier and can be triggered by gentle pressure on the G-Spot or even just clitoral stimulation. Been there, and no, it wasn't my water breaking.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
True story: You might gently suggest sex one night, and your pregnant partner starts crying. Instantly. She may feel bloated, unattractive, or think you couldn’t possibly want her. But guess what? Turn her world around by voicing that you genuinely do desire her and her belly. Big surprise for most women—it was one for me.
So next time, when your pregnant partner doubts herself, don’t try fixing—just reassure her specifically and honestly. "I love those new curves" beats generic compliments every time.
Communication—Awkward But Essential
Any AASECT-certified sex therapist would probably say—talking openly should be easy, right? Nope. Hormones make us women insecure, it happened to me too. The fix? Clear, awkward-but-essential conversations.
Less guessing means less crying. You're welcome.
Real Talk On Body Image
Body image is tricky. Some nights, pregnant women might wear lacy lingerie and feel fierce, while others, she might wear oversized hoodies and avoids mirrors. If your partner's hiding from mirrors, do this:
Pregnancy redefines “good sex” for most women. It’s no longer about fancy moves, newness, or marathon sessions. Now? Good sex is intimacy, authentic chats, laughter, and permission to cry mid-foreplay without judgment.
Speaking of weirdness, let's tackle those awkward pregnancy sex questions you're too shy to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
These pregnancy sex answers won’t pop up on your Instagram feed, but I promise, you’re not the only one asking.
Usually, about two weeks after sex. It’s biology, man: sperm meets egg, egg implants, hormones spike, then boom—positive test. Give it time before you panic or celebrate.
Nah, your pregnant person has got built-in protection—think of it as nature’s ultimate shock-absorber. Your baby is cushioned safely inside, wrapped in muscles, tissue, and fluid. Unless your doctor specifically warns otherwise, regular sex won’t cause harm.
Orgasms trigger mild contractions—totally normal, don’t freak out. But that’s different from actual labor. If your doctor hasn’t mentioned a preterm labor risk, you’re all good. Sure, her legs bent in weird sexual positions probably feels uncomfortable now—but discomfort alone isn’t sending you to the delivery room.
Oral sex? Absolutely safe (just skip air embolism or blowing air directly into the vagina—it’s rare, but can be risky). Anal sex? Usually fine too, if the pregnant person feels comfortable and you’re gentle and clean. But heads-up: pregnancy isn’t the ideal time to experiment if you weren’t into it pre-pregnancy. Keep comfort front and center.
Totally common, man. Pregnancy hormones can crank libido up or down, especially during the second and third trimesters. It’s normal and temporary. Your survival strategy:
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