Sex During Pregnancy: Comfortable Positions to Consider
This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article has not been medically reviewed. Sources are not a substitute for qualified medical review. Always consult your doctor or midwife about your specific situation. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Pregnancy changes a lot about the body, and comfortable intimacy is one of the more practical things that shifts along with it. This is meant as general, practical information, written plainly rather than clinically distant, but it isn't a substitute for what your own provider tells you about your specific pregnancy.
Sex during pregnancy is generally considered safe for low-risk pregnancies, but this can change based on your specific situation, such as placenta position, a history of preterm labor, or other complications. If your provider has given you any restrictions, follow those over any general information here.
Why comfort changes as pregnancy progresses
As the belly grows, blood volume increases, and joints loosen in preparation for birth, positions that were comfortable earlier in pregnancy may not stay that way. Many people find they need to adjust more than once over the course of a pregnancy, which is completely normal.
Positions many people find more comfortable later in pregnancy
- Side-lying positions, which take pressure off the belly and are often mentioned as a comfortable option, especially in the second and third trimesters.
- Sitting or seated positions, which allow more control over depth and angle without pressure on the abdomen.
- Rear-entry positions with support (such as kneeling with pillows for support), which also avoid direct pressure on the belly.
- Modified positions using pillows for support, generally to relieve pressure on the back, hips, or belly, whatever position is being used.
There's no single "correct" position for pregnancy — comfort is individual and often changes week to week. It's reasonable to simply adjust based on what feels good in the moment rather than sticking to a plan.
What's generally advised against
Lying flat on the back for extended periods later in pregnancy is commonly discouraged, since the weight of the uterus can press on major blood vessels and cause dizziness or discomfort for some people. If this happens, shifting to your side usually resolves it quickly.
When to check with your provider
It's worth asking your provider directly, rather than assuming, if you have any of the following:
- A history of preterm labor or a diagnosed risk for it
- Placenta previa or another placenta-related concern
- Unexplained bleeding or cramping after sex
- Your water has broken
- Any other complication your provider has flagged for this pregnancy
If interest, comfort, or desire changes a lot during pregnancy, for either partner, that's common and not something to read too much into. Open, low-pressure communication tends to help more than any specific position.
Key Takeaways
- Sex is generally considered safe throughout a low-risk pregnancy, but always follow any specific restrictions from your provider
- Side-lying, seated, and supported rear-entry positions are commonly mentioned as more comfortable later in pregnancy
- Lying flat on the back for long periods is generally discouraged later in pregnancy
- Ask your provider directly if you have any pregnancy complications, unexplained bleeding, or other specific concerns
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is sex safe throughout a normal pregnancy?
- For most low-risk pregnancies, sex is generally considered safe throughout, including in the third trimester. If your pregnancy is considered higher-risk for any reason, ask your provider directly, since their guidance is based on your specific situation.
- Is it normal to lose interest in sex during pregnancy?
- Yes, this is very common and can happen for a mix of reasons, including nausea, fatigue, hormonal changes, and body image shifts. It's just as normal as an increase in interest, which some people also experience.
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