What Is Safe According To Experts, Here Are 5 Sex Positions When Pregnant Every Trimester

Illustration of sex positions during pregnancy (Pexels/Rodnae Production)

JAKARTA – Many have questioned whether it is safe to have sex while pregnant. According to licensed psychologist and sex therapist Shannon Chavez, sex during pregnancy is healthy. He added, there are many myths that make people afraid to make love. Like it can hurt the baby or be dangerous from too much movement.

In fact, the baby is protected in the body. If you don't get advice on delaying sex by your obstetrician, it means you and your partner are safe to have as much sex as you want during pregnancy.

Aliyah Moore, Ph.D., a certified sex therapist, suggests asking your ob-gyn what types of sexual activity are safe to do alone or with a partner. You can also ask when is a good time to do it.

“Most doctors advise against penetration or orgasm for women with high-risk pregnancies. This includes women who have a history of miscarriage or premature delivery, have a low-lying placenta (placenta previa), an incompetent cervix, or are carrying twins. Maybe there's a solution to intercourse without penetration, or sexual touch without an orgasm," Moore said.

Heather Jeffcoat adds, once your doctor has explained everything, there are two important considerations in having comfortable and extraordinary sex during pregnancy. First, control the depth of penetration if experiencing pain with a push from within. While it's harmless to the baby, you can reduce the discomfort that may be experienced by picking and limiting the depth of penetration. Second, Jeffcoat provides a reference by wearing love toys if you just want to lie down and limit the depth of penetration.

Illustration of sex positions during first trimester of pregnancy (Pexels/Amina Filkins)

Besides the two methods above, here are safe sex positions in each trimester.

1. Safety scissors

Safety scissors sex position may be fun to do in the first trimester. This position also allows to adjust the depth of penetration and communicate with each other with a partner. According to Angela Jones, ob-gyn and sexual health advisor, during the first trimester, it's normal to take some time to get used to your little one growing in the womb. So communicate whatever you feel with your partner.

2. Missionary

Jones added, the missionary position is a safe sex position during pregnancy. Shallow and gentle penetration movements make you and your partner comfortable. Moore added, this position is also suitable for couples who want to have sexual activity without penetration, because it allows full stimulation of the labia and clitoris.

3. Hot seat

In the second trimester of pregnancy, it is not recommended to lie on your back after the 16th week of pregnancy because blood vessels need to supply blood throughout the body. Jones suggests that every couple needs to be creative at this moment, such as taking a hot seat position with a sitting position, woman-on-top, or sex from a side.

4. T-position

This sex position is like spooning, but less horizontal. This position, according to Bartos, can reach a certain point or can be self-stimulating. In fact, this position can be adjusted based on the reach and stimulation functionality.

5. Touchy touchy

During the third trimester, penetration may be uncomfortable. Recommendations Janet Brito, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist, if penetration is not comfortable couples can set aside time to touch each other both sexually or not. Couples can really focus on the sensation. For example, by touching or exploring the body and feel the sensation.

Brito also suggests doing outercourse, or non-penetrative sexual activity, such as making out, giving stimulation, or oral sex.