Parenting

18 Best Sex Positions While Pregnant

Maressa Brown

Hollywood just loves to make fun of "pregnant sex." Seriously, who could forget the scenes in Knocked Up where Katherine Heigl's character is freaking out about how she looks and Seth Rogen's character is freaked out about hurting his unborn child? In real life, of course there are going to be concerns, safety precautions, and adjustments, but the fact is that your sex life isn't going down the toilet just because there's a baby on the way! 

More from CafeMom: 13 Women Talk Sex With Their Partners & How Much Is Enough

In fact, sex may actually feel better during pregnancy, because increased blood flow to the pelvic area can heighten the sensation during sex.

That said, there are definitely some sex positions that are easier and more comfortable as your baby belly grows. You may think you know what spots and positions work best — or you may be surprised by the positions that you haven't even considered before! No matter what, we have you covered. Here are 18 of the best of the best!

More from CafeMom: Apparently, Oral Sex Is Bad for Pregnant Women Now

Have you tried any of these positions? Which is your favorite?

Kayla Shelest/Shutterstock
1/18
Spooning-placeholder
Spooning
Alan Levine/Flickr

Spooning

Spooning isn't just sweet for getting cuddly. It can also be a super-comfortable way to have pregnant sex, because there's no pressure on your abdomen and you have lots of movement. Plus, your partner can position themselves behind you at different angles to allow for penetration. (But you might want to avoid lying on your right side in this position.)

2/18
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On a Chair
Shoothead/Flickr

On a Chair

Friends of mine who've been through multiple pregnancies swear by this one! You sit on the chair and let him kneel in front of you. Ideally, make the chair a little higher than your guy, so he's pushing up instead of right on the tummy.

3/18
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Woman on Top
iStock.com/m-imagephotography

Woman on Top

Moms — even those right here in our CafeMom community — often proclaim this the best position, as it keeps the belly completely out of the way.

4/18
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Scissors
iStock.com/ © Ivan Ivanov

Scissors

According to experts, the scissors position generally makes for gentler and slower penetration (which would explain why it's often recommended for pregnant women)!

5/18
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Edge of the Bed
Mark Grabowski/Flickr

Edge of the Bed

Also called the Dr. Ruth and Dr. Amos position, this entails lying at the end of the bed or toward the corner of the bed, with your partner kneeling or standing on the floor at the foot of the bed.

6/18
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Oral Sex
Christine Roth/Flickr

Oral Sex

Not exactly a "position" per se, but it pays to know that performing oral sex or having oral sex performed on you is certainly not out of the question! Just know that your partner shouldn't be blowing air into your vagina, as it could cause an embolism (air getting into your blood stream), which could be life-threatening to you and the baby. But as long as you avoid "heavy winds" down there, you should be fine!

7/18
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Propped on Pillows
Daehyun Park/Flickr

Propped on Pillows

Missionary can get challenging if you're not supposed to be lying flat on your back, so add a few pillows, and you're good to go!

8/18
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Reverse Cowgirl
Heather Cowper/Flickr

Reverse Cowgirl

The "reverse" of woman on top, where you face your partner's feet, keeps the weight off your belly and allows you to control the pace and depth of movement.

9/18
Policeman-placeholder
Policeman
banspy/Flickr

Policeman

Nicknamed the "policeman" position — because it's like you're being frisked by the police — you stand facing the wall with your palms spread and your legs spread. If your arms get tired, you can use your elbows to lean against the wall.

10/18
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Leap Frog
mah_japan/Flickr

Leap Frog

Consider using the mattress as your ultimate support system, like with this position, where you're on all fours and resting your arms and head on the mattress to help hold the weight of your stomach.

11/18
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Rear Entry
miketually/Flickr

Rear Entry

This position can be used in any trimester, but is ideal for the end of pregnancy, so your belly is out of the way. You can do this on hands and knees and your partner kneeling behind you.

12/18
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Side by Side
GranniesKitchen/Flickr

Side by Side

A good choice for late pregnancy, this position allows you to control thrust and keep weight off your belly. You lie side by side, facing each other. Your partner slips his leg over yours (your leg can be either straight and to the side or bent at the knee) and enters you from an angle. Before the third trimester, you can also lie on your back and he on his side. Put your leg that's closest to him over his legs. He can enter you from the back and side, and still have his face next to yours.

13/18
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Couch Potato
Sam Howzit/Flickr

Couch Potato

A variation on rear entry with extra cushy support that also allows for you to mix it up by getting out of the bedroom! Kneel on a couch with your belly facing the back of it; use your arms for support while your husband enters from behind.

14/18
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Lap Top
Pennington/Flickr

Lap Top

Kinda like reverse cowgirl, but with your man sitting on a chair, and you sitting on his lap facing away from him.

15/18
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Counter Intuitive
Hidesert/Flickr

Counter Intuitive

Make like Brangelina in their famous Mr. and Mrs. Smith sex scene, and do it on a counter or sink. Because you're propped up, you're not on your back, which can be bad for the baby, and it raises you to his level without props or discomfort.

16/18
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Mutual Masturbation
Joo0ey/Flickr

Mutual Masturbation

Another one that's not exactly a "position," but it can make for a visually appealing change of pace!

17/18
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Mattress Hold
Amber-Rae/Flickr

Mattress Hold

A variation of you on all fours, except this position allows you to have your arms and head on the mattress (to keep you from having to hold up all that belly weight with your arms).

18/18
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Stand & Deliver
Akshay Moon/Flickr

Stand & Deliver

Stand with your back facing your guy, lift one of your legs and rest it on a chair, which makes it easy for him to enter from behind.

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