5 Things You Need to Know About Pregnancy Sex


Just because you have a bun in the oven doesn’t mean the fire is out of your libido. In fact, you might find yourself feeling friskier than ever these days thanks to a surge of pregnancy hormones.

But every time you go to have sex with your partner, it just feels like there’s something huge between the two of you—literally. So we consulted the experts to find out how to have the best sex ever while pregnant:

Some Positions Are Better Than Others
If you’re up for it, woman on top and doggy style are great positions throughout your entire pregnancy, says ob-gyn Alyssa Dweck, M.D., coauthor of V is for Vagina. (Just make sure you choose a twist on doggy style where you won’t be hitting your bump or putting strain on your lower back.) But you really can’t go wrong with the spooning sex position, says Emily Morse, Ph.D., co-founder of Emily Tony and host of Sex With Emily. “Not only is it comfortable for both you and your partner, but also allows for a warm, intimate connection with little movement.” And let’s be real, sometimes you’re just exhausted and want something that’s low-effort.

Missionary is fine during the first trimester and early second trimester but you’ll have to retire it around 16-20 weeks, when you should avoid being flat on your back, says Dweck. This can cause the uterus to press against the vena cava and reduce blood flow from your lower body to your heart.

You’re Even Sexier Than You Think Right Now
Don’t be surprised if your partner can’t keep his hands off you. Besides the pregnancy glow and the bountiful breasts you get while you’re pregnant, “pregnancy is attractive because it’s the ultimate sign of fertility,” says Morse. “Men are naturally more attracted to women when they are the most fertile,” she adds. So keep that in mind the next time you’re feeling like the complete opposite of hot. Need some help getting in the mood? Swap the stretchy sweatpants for one of these adorable outfits to rock while pregnant. 

It’s Totally Safe to Get Busy with a Bump
We promise, sex during pregnancy is definitely safe, as long as you’re comfortable. Doctors only advise against it in certain medical situations, like with placenta previa (when the placenta is partially or completely covering the opening in your cervix), preterm labor, or premature rupture of the membranes, says Dweck. If you’re worried, you can always ask your ob-gyn for their blessing.

MORE: 17 Things No One Ever Tells You About Being Pregnant 

But Leave the Sexperiments for Another Time
While it’s perfectly fine to be as acrobatic as is comfortable while pregnant, Morse does not recommend trying too many crazy new moves during pregnancy. If you don’t know how you feel about something, leave the testing until after the birth.  

MORE: The Biggest Myths About Sex and Pregnancy

Your Orgasms Could Be Even More Intense
If you’re on the fence about pregnancy sex, this should convince you to give it a try: “Studies have shown that pregnant women can have even stronger orgasms because of increased sensitivity in nerve endings, engorgement of the genitals, and increased levels of oxytocin—’the cuddle hormone,’” says Morse. While you’re pregnant, increased blood flow to your pelvic area could result in a bigger, better finish. Sounds good to us!

MORE: What Sex REALLY Feels Like After You Have a Baby