Pregnancy Sex Positions intercourse is an essential part of our lives. Our libido plays a major role in assessing our lifestyles and overall well-being. Sexual intercourse also strengthens the relationship between two partners and fulfils the physical needs of men and women, alike. Sex is known to reduce the risk of heart-related diseases, improves self-esteem and more. However, many couples deprive themselves of sexual gratification when one partner is pregnant.
The common problem many new mothers-to-be face during their pregnancies are:
- The inability to lie on their back
- Deep penetration
- Lack of orgasm
- Lack of desire on the part of the woman to be on top
- Fear of miscarriage
However, all these issues can be fixed if the correct pregnancy sex position is chosen.
Is it safe to indulge in Pregnancy Sex Positions?
The developing baby is surrounded by the amniotic fluid in the uterus. The muscles of the uterus are strong, as well. Therefore, sexual activity should not affect your foetus unless you go are going through preterm labour or any problems with the placenta. It is completely safe to indulge in sexual intercourse, even though the level of comfort and your sexual desires might differ from what it was pre-pregnancy.
Importance of Using Condoms
Condoms prevent the chances of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) during pregnancy or otherwise. STDs can affect the health of the developing baby in your womb. Therefore, we suggest you use condoms even during pregnancy. Condoms should be mandatorily used if:
- You are not in a monogamous relationship.
- You choose to have sexual intercourse with a new partner.
Best Sex Positions for Pregnant Women
Here are a few comfortable pregnancy sex positions you can choose from to rekindle your libido without the fear of hurting your yet unborn child:
Pregnancy Sex Positions1. Cowgirl or Woman on Top
According to a study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, the cowgirl sex position increases sexual satisfaction in pregnant women. It allows women to control penetration by being on top of their partner.
Shannon Chavez, a psychologist and sex therapist based in Los Angeles, explains that being on top not only allows the pregnant woman to control the depth of the penetration but also allows her to position her body according to the best comfort and friction for pleasure. The cowgirl or woman on top position also allows the woman to control the speed and depth of penetration according to her comfort.
The cowgirl position ensures comfortable sex during the first, second as well as the third trimester.
2. Doggie Style
One of the most comfortable sex positions for pregnancy, whether the woman is pregnant or not, doggie style involves rear-entry sex, thereby keeping pressure off the stomach. Dr. Chavez notes that the partner can enter from behind while using the other hand to stimulate the clitoris, to ensure maximum sexual satisfaction.
This particular sex position allows the belly to be free and provide more comfort to hold the extra weight on all fours. However, the doggie style is not recommended as you move towards the end of your second trimester and enter the third trimester. We recommend you to use a Liberator wedge to support the stomach while receiving stimulation from behind.
3. Reverse Cowgirl
Very similar to the cowgirl position, the reverse cowgirl lets the woman be on top but facing towards the partner’s legs. It offers a switched-up sensation and a new perspective without ruining the benefits of the cowgirl position. Reverse cowgirl is suitable for any trimester and especially convenient during the third trimester.
Due to the size of the enlarged belly at this stage of pregnancy, you can sit on your partner and thrust according to your comfort. For extra support, place the arms behind you, as you shift your weight backwards. The partner may sit on a solid chair to offer more stability as you stand on the ground and regulate your movements.
4. Side-by-side
A variation of spooning, the side-by-side sex helps in bolstering intimacy by facing one another. This position also allows more room for eye contact, kissing, romantic or dirty talk. This is one of the most comfortable positions to be in, considering it requires lying on your side and letting the belly bump support comfortably. We recommend you to place a pillow or a towel under your stomach for maximum comfort.
5. Oral sex
A non-penetrative sexual outercourse, oral sex or cunnilingus is a wonderful go-to that prioritizes and bolsters pleasure. Oral sex enhances intimacy and your own connection with your body while you sit back and relax. We suggest you sit up on your bed and place pillows all around yourself for support so that you can comfortably rest, while your partner in the prone position gives you oral stimulation.
6. Mutual masturbation
Although not exactly a sex position, mutual masturbation is an outercourse activity that provides an opportunity to connect with your partner sexually wherever and in whatever position that is comfortable, from couch to the bed or in shower.
7. Anal sex
Anal sex is recommended during the early stage of your pregnancy. Anal sex at the later stage of pregnancy can cause trauma to the placenta and might harm your child. It must be avoided if you are suffering from haemorrhoids (which is common during pregnancy), or constipation (another common problem during pregnancy.) We suggest you to use condoms for safer anal sex.
8. Spooning
Spooning is one of the most intimate and romantic gestures that bonds the two partners. Although not particularly a sexual intercourse, in this position, the partners snuggle up towards each other while the partner faces the woman’s back. Penetration can be incorporated in this position, but slowly. This position allows intimacy as well as sexual stimulation without adding any pressure to the baby bump.
9. Standing sex
In this position, the woman supports herself towards the wall while allowing rear-entry access for penetration. This position works best during the early stages of pregnancy.
At what conditions should sex be avoided when pregnant?
Female orgasms, breast stimulation and certain hormones in semen (prostaglandins) can cause uterine contractions. However, the following are a few situations when you should avoid sex:
- Leakage of amniotic fluids
- When the cervix begins to open prematurely
- When the placenta partly or, completely covers the cervical opening
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- If you have a history of premature labour or birth
So, enjoy!
Also Read: Sex Positions You Must Try To Get Pregnant
