Sex during pregnancy is often thought of as a taboo subject. Expectant moms are rarely considered sexual beings, and therefore many health care providers don’t talk about sex during pregnancy with their patients. However, sex is an important and natural part of pregnancy.

Is It Safe???

You bet your pregnant belly sex during pregnancy is safe! Couples are often reluctant to engage in sexual intercourse during pregnancy for fear that it will hurt their baby. As long as you are having a normal pregnancy free of complications, sex will in no way harm your little one. Your baby is protected from any thrusting that takes place during sex by both your abdomen and the amniotic sac. The mucus plug, which closes off the opening of your cervix, also helps to keep her safe from infections. As long as your health care provider says its okay, you can go ahead and continue to have intercourse right through the third trimester, until your water breaks. In fact, as you due date looms, you may even be instructed to have sex to help bring on labor naturally!

Various Sex Positions

Spooning
Spooning is one of the most popular positions to use during the late stages of pregnancy. Both you and your partner lie on your sides, with your partner behind you, facing your back. Entry is from the rear. This position is very comfortable for pregnant women because it keeps the weight off your belly and allows for only shallow penetration. Sometimes, deep penetration is very uncomfortable in the late stages of pregnancy.

Woman on Top
This position has you straddling your partner, while he lies down on the bed. This is a great position as it takes all the pressure off of your abdomen and allows you to control the depth and frequency of thrusting. It also gives your partner a great view!

Woman on Back
This position is like the missionary position only without any added pressure to your abdomen or uterus. You lie on your back and raise your knees up towards your chest. Your partner then kneels between your legs and enters from the front. You can even rest your feet on your partner’s chest for support. Place a pillow under your bottom for added comfort. This position isn’t recommended after the fourth month – you should avoid lying on your back for extended periods after this point in your pregnancy, as the weight of your uterus could block blood vessels that supply your uterus and legs.

Sideways
This position has you and your partner lying on your sides facing one another. It keeps weight off of your abdomen while supporting your uterus at the same time. It is also very intimate, as you and your partner are both facing one another.

Sitting
People often forget that sexual intercourse can also be performed in a sitting position. Get your partner to sit in a sturdy chair and then straddle him. This will keep any added pressure off of your stomach, and allows for a very intimate experience.

Rear Entry
Affectionately known as “doggy style,” the rear entry position is a favorite of many pregnant women. This is because it allows for deeper penetration and also gives you the opportunity to support your stomach and breasts. You get on all fours and, using pillows, support your stomach and chest. Your partner then stands or kneels behind you, and enters from behind. Because deep thrusting is involved, be sure to tell your partner exactly what feels good for you.