Sex positions for pregnancy (illustrations)

Suitable for: First and second trimesters and possibly third trimester, depending on how comfortable you are.

What it’s good for: If you’re tired then this position enables you to lie back and relax while your partner does most of the work! Lying face-to-face helps to make the experience more intimate and your partner can also touch you while you’re having sex.

What to be careful of: In the third trimester, you may feel dizzy if you lie on your back. If this happens to you, use pillows to sit up slightly. Regardless of the trimester, you may find it more comfortable to do this anyway.

You may also feel uncomfortable if your partner is resting too much of his weight on your bump so make sure you let him know and switch position to the modified missionary (below) if you have to.

Suitable for: All three trimesters but especially for the third trimester when your bump makes it difficult to get close face to face!

In your first and second trimesters you can also support your bump on a pillow and roll over a little on to your front, making it easier for your partner to enter you.

What it’s good for: With this position, your partner’s hands are free to touch you and stimulate your clitoris during sex. He can also easily move his penis out of you and rub it against your clitoris.

What to be careful of: Penetration can be quite shallow in this position, so if you like it a little deeper, it might not be the one for you.

Suitable for: All three trimesters.

You can also lean forward in this position, and hold on to the back of the bed for extra support and bounce control! Your partner can prop himself up on pillows to bring him closer to you. This position is also perfect for a quickie on the sofa!

What it’s good for: This position is ideal for most women as you don’t need to open your legs too wide to manage it. Your partner can reach your clitoris or your breasts while you’re having sex. Studies show this position gives women more pleasure than others and your partner gets the bonus of being able to see how gorgeous you are during sex!

What to be careful of: Squatting can become difficult in the third trimester when it’s harder to support your growing bump. You can try kneeling over him instead.

Suitable for: All three trimesters but especially useful for the third trimester when your bump can get in the way.

What it’s good for: This position is great for taking the pressure off your back and pelvis and is ideal if you have back or pelvic pain. Your partner can also reach around and stimulate your clitoris while you’re having sex.

If you’re feeling less energetic, relax your weight onto cushions and pillows and just enjoy the experience. You can also try this position on your hands and knees at the edge of the bed, with your partner standing at the foot of the bed.

What to be careful of: If you have carpal tunnel syndrome or sore wrists then you may need to take the pressure off by standing against a wall or leaning over a sofa.

Penetration can be quite deep so let your partner know if it feels too uncomfortable. A pillow between your bottom and his lower tummy can help to prevent him pushing too far inside you. Leaning forwards can also make this position more comfortable for you. If you are too upright, sometimes it can cause pressure on the front wall of your vagina which you might find uncomfortable.

Suitable for: First trimester and second trimester.

What it’s good for: Lying face-to-face can feel really intimate and loving. You can kiss, cuddle and maintain eye contact while you’re having sex.

What to be careful of: Not much, since penetration tends to be quite shallow in this position. You may find it more comfortable to pop a cushion under your bump to help support it during sex.

Suitable for: First and second and possibly third trimesters depending on how comfortable you find it.

What it’s good for: Your partner does all the work in this position, so you can lie back and relax, while his hands are free to stimulate your breasts and clitoris.

What to be careful of: You might find penetration quite shallow in this position. In the third trimester, you may feel a bit dizzy if you lie on your back for too long. If this happens, use pillows to prop yourself up at a slight angle and make sure you are tilted to the left.

Suitable for: First, second and possibly third trimester if you don’t get too dizzy from lying on your back.

What it’s good for: You can wrap your legs around your partner’s waist, drawing him in and setting the pace of his thrusts. Your partner’s hands are also free to caress your breasts and stimulate your clitoris.

What to be careful of: If you start to feel dizzy, put a couple of pillows or cushions behind your upper back and head to prop yourself up slightly.