8 Sex Positions Pregnant Women Can Safely Try

Contrary to what most people think, sex during pregnancy is mostly safe and offers benefits like pain relief and increased intimacy.

"For the vast majority of people, sex can actually occur throughout pregnancy, right up to the moment of delivery," said Dr. Ina Park, associate professor in the UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine and author of Strange Bedfellows.

Sex during pregnancy can be unpleasant due to hormonal changes, decreased libido and a growing belly. But experimenting with proper sex positions can reduce discomfort and help you bypass your partner's bump.

Here are 8 different sex positions recommended during pregnancy:
1. Standing and from behind
When to try it: First and second trimester

Stand on the ground facing the wall.
Place your hands against the wall and at a slight angle for added stability.
Have your partner enter you from behind and hold your hips for added support.
2. From behind
Trial Period: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Kneel on the bed and place your hands on the headboard or wall for support. You can also go on all fours in the first trimester, when your belly isn't as heavy.
Let your partner enter you from behind.
It's also a good position if you're penetrating your non-pregnant partner. Be sure to keep your abs elevated so you don't hit their booty as you penetrate them, you may need to stand higher or have them move their body down.

3. Pregnant woman on top
When to try it: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters

Your partner lies on their back with their knees straight or bent.
Straddle your partner, face them and bend your knees so they can penetrate you. Either of you can stimulate your clitoris from this position.
Optional: Lean back to take extra weight off the abs and widen the leg position for deeper penetration. For shallower penetration, narrow your legs or lean forward.

4. Reverse Cowgirl
Trial Period: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Your partner lies on their back with their knees straight or bent.
Straddle your partner with your back to them so they can penetrate you. They may be able to stimulate your clitoris, and you may be able to stimulate your clitoris yourself
Use your hands to stabilize yourself as you lean back, which is especially helpful in the third trimester when your belly will get heavier.
This may be an appropriate position if you're penetrating a non-pregnant partner, but be careful with their buttocks pressing against your belly.

5. Blowjob
Trial Period: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Sit on a sofa, a chair with a back, or lean against the headboard or wall of your bed.
When your partner is on top of you, lean back slightly and relax.

6. Anal sex
When to try it: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters

Anal sex is fine throughout pregnancy, but if you notice bleeding or bloody stools afterwards, don't continue until the bleeding is gone. This means you will need more lubrication and relaxation before insertion. Pregnant women may also get hemorrhoids, so be sure to check them out.

Use plenty of lubricant. Lie on all fours with your partner behind you, or on your side on a spoon. During the third trimester, it's best to have anal sex in the spoon position to prevent pressure on the belly. You can also try a similar location to #1 and #2.
Then your partner can get into you from behind.
It's also a position to try if you're penetrating your non-pregnant partner.

7. Mutual masturbation
When to try it: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters

Lie down facing your partner.
Amuse your partner with your hands or a toy if you want, and they'll do the same to you.

8. Spoon
Time period to try: 2nd and 3rd trimester

If your tummy feels clumsy and inconvenient during your second and third trimesters, the spoon-feeding position can provide comfort and intimacy between your partners, says sex educator and resident sexologist at Astroglide Jess O'Reilly said.