Safe Sex Positions During Pregnancy That Still Offer Serious Pleasure

Whether you have safety concerns or confidence issues surrounding your changing body, don't let pregnancy stop you from finding pleasure and connecting with your partner in the bedroom. While you should always get the green light from your doctor first, when you're ready, there are a few things that make pregnancy sex unique that you should consider. For starters, there are few sex positions during pregnancy that might be better than others in term of both satisfaction and safety, for both you and your partner.

What to avoid? "In general there are only two types of positions that are off the table while pregnant—anything where you are lying on your belly or your partner is lying on your belly. So, no missionary and no facedown," says Holly Richmond, Ph.D., a somatic psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and AASECT certified sex therapist. "My rule of thumb is, if it doesn't feel good or is making you the least bit nervous, don't do it," says Richmond.

Also, most pregnant women report increased nipple and breast sensitivity. That could mean even better tingles in those areas or, conversely, too much tenderness and sensitivity. For the latter, "tell your partner to lighten their touch or avoid your nipples altogether," says Richmond.

Bottom line: "There are plenty of safe, feel-good positions, and pregnancy is an ideal time to expand your horizons," she says. Here are eight suggestions for sex positions during pregnancy you'll want to try, risk-free. (Plus, here's how to have better sex after childbirth, too.)