Pregnancy Sex: What Positions Are Safe?

Pregnancy hasn't stopped you and your hubby from being intimate, but now your growing tummy is making things a bit harder. What positions are safe? And are toys or oral sex okay? We ask the experts.

My tummy is huge! What are the best lovemaking positions for us?

As your pregnancy progresses, explore and experiment to find out what works. There is no one best position.

Let your creativity take over, as long as you keep mutual pleasure and comfort in mind, says Dr Seng Shay Way, an obstetrician, reproductive, and gynaecology specialist at Seng's OG Practice.

Need inspiration? Dr Martha Lee, founder and clinical sexologist of Eros Coaching, suggests five positions.

• Missionary Yes, the man-on-top position can still work. Position pillows to take the weight off your tummy.

• Standing Hubby stands on the floor, while your legs dangle over the edge of the bed.

• Doggie style You can crouch on all fours while he penetrates from behind. Cushion your tummy or knees with pillows for extra comfort.

• Spooning Lie next to him sideways on the same side. This way, you won’t stress your joints.

• Cowgirl Sit on top on him. You’ll have full control over how deep he goes.

Can we still use lubricants and toys such as vibrators?

Yes, it’s safe to use lubricants to keep you moist. Vibrators are okay, too, as long as they’re gentle, says Dr Seng.

Get some pillows as well, adds Dr Lee. They can help you balance better, and relieve stress on knees, elbows and joints.

Is it safe to perform oral sex?

That’s fine. Although some women are worried about swallowing semen, it has no impact on the pregnancy.

What your hubby mustn’t do, though, is to blow into the vagina, reminds Dr Seng.

This can be dangerous or even fatal because there’s increased blood flow to the area during pregnancy. Blowing into the vagina may introduce air into the bloodstream and block a vein or artery.

A version of this article first appeared in Young Parents.