Sex During Pregnancy: Exploring Safe And Comfortable Positions

Sex during pregnancy is generally safe and can be enjoyable for both partners. However, it is important to find positions that are comfortable and pleasurable for the pregnant partner, as their body goes through various changes.

During the first trimester, most positions are comfortable, but morning sickness and exhaustion may reduce the desire for sex. In the second and third trimesters, positions that put pressure on the belly, like missionary, may need to be avoided. Instead, positions such as side-by-side, rear-entry, and pregnant partner on top are recommended. These positions allow for clitoral stimulation and control over the depth of penetration, which can increase pleasure and comfort for the pregnant partner. Oral sex is also an option, but it is important to avoid blowing air into the vagina to prevent a life-threatening air embolism.

Overall, sex during pregnancy can be safe and enjoyable, but it is important to listen to your body and communicate with your partner to find positions that work best for you.

Lying on your side is comfortable and safe

Lying on your side is one of the best sex positions during pregnancy. This position is often the most comfortable for the pregnant partner, as it takes the pressure off the belly and helps control the depth of penetration. It can also be intimate and romantic, allowing for eye contact, kissing, and talking.

Variations

There are several variations of the side-by-side position that you can try:

• Side-by-side (at an angle): You and your partner lie on your sides, forming a V shape with your bodies. This position allows your partner to keep most of their weight off your belly. You can wedge a pillow under your back for support and rest your legs over your partner's hip.
• Side-by-side (from behind): Your partner enters you from behind while you lie on your side. This variation allows for shallower penetration, which may be more comfortable in the later months of pregnancy. You can use pillows for extra support around your belly.
• Face-to-face: You and your partner lie facing each other in a slight V-shape, with your partner behind you. This position is great for intimacy, as it allows for eye contact, kissing, and talking. You can also use pillows for support.

Tips

• Use pillows: Prop a pillow under your bump and between your knees to support your belly and back. You can also put a pillow behind you to prevent falling onto your back.
• Adjust your legs: Rest both legs over your partner's hip or put one leg up over your partner's leg.
• Try different sides: Sleeping on your left side is generally recommended during pregnancy as it optimises blood flow. However, if you're more comfortable on your right side, you can use pillows to prop up your uterus and prevent it from sliding to the right.
• Experiment: Try different variations of the side-by-side position to find what works best for you and your partner.

Pregnant partner on top

Having sex with your pregnant partner on top is a safe and comfortable position during pregnancy. This position doesn't put any pressure on the belly and lets the pregnant partner control the depth of penetration and clitoral stimulation.

The position may, however, become difficult to manoeuvre into during the later stages of pregnancy. It is therefore recommended to avoid this position after week 20 of pregnancy, as lying on your back for an extended period can make you dizzy and reduce blood flow to the baby, as well as put pressure on your back.

If you are in your third trimester, you can try facing away from your partner while on top to avoid deep penetration, which could irritate the cervix or cause bleeding.

Oral sex is safe

Oral sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but there are some risks to be aware of.

Firstly, it is important that neither partner has any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs such as HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, and HPV can be transmitted during oral sex and may cause serious complications for the pregnant person and the developing fetus. To reduce the risk of STIs, it is recommended that both partners get tested before engaging in oral sex. If there is any uncertainty about a partner's STI status or if either partner has an STI, using protection such as a dental dam or a condom is advised. Dental dams are thin pieces of latex that cover the clitoris, labia, and vagina, providing a barrier during oral sex.

Another important precaution to take during oral sex while pregnant is to avoid having air blown into the vagina. Blowing air into the vagina can cause an air embolism, which is when an air bubble blocks a vein or artery. This can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications for both the pregnant person and the fetus. An air embolism can cause a blockage in the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke for the pregnant person. Additionally, the air bubble could enter the placenta, affecting fetal development and potentially causing stillbirth.

It is also recommended to avoid oral sex if you are experiencing vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge, at risk of preterm labour, or if your healthcare provider advises against it.

While oral sex can be a safe alternative during pregnancy, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the pregnant person and the fetus.

Rear-entry sex keeps pressure off the stomach

Rear-entry positions are a great option for pregnant people and their partners as they can provide comfort and pleasure without putting pressure on the growing bump. This position involves the pregnant person being on all fours, with their partner entering from behind. It is a comfortable and enjoyable position for many, and it can be adapted in various ways to suit the comfort and desires of both partners.

One of the key benefits of rear-entry sex during pregnancy is that it keeps pressure off the abdomen. As the pregnancy progresses and the bump grows, it becomes increasingly important to avoid putting pressure on the stomach. This position allows for deep penetration without compressing the abdomen or putting weight on the uterus. It can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy, providing a comfortable way for couples to maintain intimacy.

To get into the basic rear-entry position, start by having the pregnant partner on all fours, with their hands and knees supporting their weight. Their partner can then kneel behind them and enter from this position. It is important to ensure that both partners are comfortable and that there is no strain on the abdomen or back. Pillows or other props can be used to provide extra support and comfort, especially as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters.

Variations of the rear-entry position can also be explored to find what works best for both partners. For example, the pregnant person can adjust the width of their knees to change the angle of penetration. They can also rest their head and arms on a pillow or the bed for added comfort. Additionally, the entering partner can adjust their angle of entry or use their hands to caress their partner's body, providing clitoral stimulation.

Anal sex is safe, but precautions are needed

Anal sex can be safe during pregnancy, but there are some precautions to be aware of. It is important to note that sex during pregnancy is a personal decision and depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Hemorrhoids: Pregnancy can increase the risk of hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Anal sex can irritate hemorrhoids and cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. It is recommended to avoid anal sex if you have hemorrhoids.
• Placenta Previa: If you have placenta previa, where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, anal sex may cause trauma to the placenta. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before engaging in anal sex if you have this condition.
• Cleanliness and Hygiene: It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene during anal sex to prevent the introduction of dangerous bacteria into the birth canal, which could potentially harm the baby. Ensure your partner thoroughly cleans themselves or changes condoms before moving from anal to vaginal penetration.
• Lubrication: The anus does not produce natural lubrication, so it is essential to use a water-based lubricant during anal sex to prevent friction and reduce the risk of anal fissures and hemorrhoid flare-ups.
• Positions: During the third trimester, it is recommended to avoid lying directly on the back for extended periods. This may require modifying or avoiding certain anal sex positions, such as the missionary position.
• Pelvic Rest: If you are placed on pelvic rest due to conditions like placenta previa or risk of preterm labor, you should avoid all types of sex, including anal sex.
• Infections: Anal sex can increase the risk of bacterial infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. It is important to practice safe sex and use condoms to reduce the risk of infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Anal Fissures: Pregnancy can cause constipation, which may lead to anal fissures (small tears in the anus). Anal sex can irritate these fissures and cause pain and bleeding.
• Comfort and Communication: It is important to communicate with your partner and clearly express your comfort levels and preferences. Take it slow, and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

In summary, anal sex can be safe during pregnancy as long as certain precautions are taken. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your specific circumstances, and always prioritize safety and comfort during sexual activity.

Frequently asked questions