sim-sex-styles-pregnancy - Sex and Intimacy in Marriage

⚠️

Important: Sex during pregnancy is safe for most women with a normal pregnancy. However always consult your doctor or midwife before engaging in sexual activity if you have been advised otherwise, have a history of preterm labour, placenta praevia, unexplained bleeding, or your waters have broken. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider first.

SIM & TAST Overview

Sex During Pregnancy — What Changes and What Stays the Same

For most women with uncomplicated pregnancies, sex is completely safe throughout all three trimesters. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid, the uterine walls and the cervical mucus plug. Penetration does not harm the baby.

What changes are the practical considerations: in the first trimester, nausea and fatigue may reduce desire. In the second trimester, many women experience increased desire as hormone levels stabilise. In the third trimester, the growing bump requires positional adjustments to avoid pressure on the abdomen and to manage reduced mobility.

The key principles throughout pregnancy are: no lying flat on the back after the first trimester (the weight of the uterus can compress the vena cava and reduce blood flow), no pressure directly on the abdomen, and the pregnant partner maintaining control of depth and comfort at all times. Every style in this SIM & TAST guide is designed around these principles.

Free Preview

Styles 1 & 2 — No signup required

👫

Illustration — Style 01

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 01 — All Trimesters

The Pregnancy Spoon

Best for: all trimesters — the safest and most comfortable default position throughout pregnancy

What It Is

Both partners lie on their sides in a spooning position — giving partner behind the pregnant partner. This is the most universally recommended position for sex during pregnancy because it places no pressure on the abdomen, requires no lying on the back, and allows the pregnant partner complete control of depth and comfort throughout. It is safe and comfortable from the first trimester through to the third.

How to Position

1Both partners lie on their left side — left side lying is medically preferred during pregnancy as it optimises blood flow to the uterus and kidneys. Giving partner behind, pregnant partner in front.
2Pregnant partner draws their top knee forward and rests it on a pregnancy pillow or firm cushion. This opens the hip angle for comfortable rear entry while simultaneously supporting the bump and preventing the top leg from pressing down on the abdomen.
3Entry is shallow to moderate from behind. The pregnant partner controls depth by adjusting how far their knee is drawn forward. Movement is gentle and rhythmic — generated by both partners’ hip motion together.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

The side-lying position naturally limits penetration depth — which is important during pregnancy as deep cervical contact can cause uterine contractions in some women. The position also removes all abdominal pressure, keeps the pregnant partner’s airway fully clear and allows the bump to rest comfortably on the mattress or a pillow without any partner weight on top of it.

Special Note from O.N.A

A full-length pregnancy pillow placed in front of the pregnant partner — supporting the bump and the top knee simultaneously — transforms this position’s comfort level significantly in the second and third trimesters. It removes all the muscular effort of supporting the bump and allows the pregnant partner to fully relax into the position. This is the one pregnancy product I recommend without reservation to every expectant couple.

👫

Illustration — Style 02

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 02 — Second & Third Trimester

The Seated Sway

Best for: second and third trimester — pregnant partner fully in control, no bump pressure

What It Is

The giving partner sits upright on the edge of the bed or a firm chair with feet flat on the floor. The pregnant partner sits on top facing away — the reverse-facing seated position. Facing away is preferable to facing toward in the later trimesters because it avoids any chest-to-bump compression and gives the pregnant partner’s bump full free space in front of them.

How to Position

1Giving partner sits on a sturdy chair or firm bed edge with feet flat on the floor and upright posture. The giving partner’s hands rest on the pregnant partner’s hips or lower back for gentle support — never pushing downward.
2Pregnant partner sits on top facing away from the giving partner. Their feet find the floor on either side of the chair — giving them full movement control and the ability to lift and lower precisely to their comfortable depth.
3Movement is a gentle rocking or swaying motion — initiated by the pregnant partner at whatever pace and depth feels comfortable. The giving partner remains supportive and still unless the pregnant partner invites movement.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

The seated reverse position gives the pregnant partner’s bump completely free space — no partner in front pressing toward it, no surface below pressing upward on it. The pregnant partner’s vertical posture also means the bump hangs naturally forward in front of them under gravity without creating any compression. This makes it one of the most comfortable positions available in the third trimester specifically.

Special Note from O.N.A

As the pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, the pregnant partner may find that a footstool or low step on either side of the chair gives their feet a more stable and less straining surface than the floor — particularly if the chair is higher than ideal. The giving partner placing their hands lightly on the pregnant partner’s lower back rather than their hips provides support without any downward pressure on the bump area.

Unlock Remaining 4 Styles

🔒 Styles 3 – 6

🔓

Unlock the Full Guide —
4 More Styles Inside

Enter your name and email to unlock Styles 3 to 6 — plus receive weekly intimacy insights from SIM & TAST.

👫

Illustration — Style 03

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 03 — Third Trimester

The Pillow Nest

Best for: third trimester — full bump support with rear entry

What It Is

The pregnant partner kneels on all fours with a nest of pillows beneath their abdomen providing full bump support. The giving partner kneels behind. This position is particularly valuable in the third trimester when the bump is large enough that lying flat or sitting upright becomes uncomfortable — the pillow nest allows the pregnant partner to be fully supported in a comfortable all-fours position without any bump compression.

How to Position

1Build a nest of firm pillows or a pregnancy wedge directly beneath where the bump will rest when the pregnant partner is on all fours. The nest should be high enough that the bump rests gently on it without the pregnant partner’s arms and knees having to hold all their body weight.
2Pregnant partner kneels with hands and knees on the bed, bump resting gently in the pillow nest. Arms should be relaxed — most of the upper body weight supported by the pillow nest rather than the wrists and arms.
3Giving partner kneels behind at a height that allows shallow rear entry. Depth must be very carefully managed — the pregnant partner signals any discomfort immediately and the giving partner adjusts. Movement is extremely gentle throughout.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

The all-fours position with bump support is one of the most physically comfortable positions for late pregnancy because it allows the uterus to hang forward under gravity — temporarily relieving lower back pressure and round ligament tension. Many pregnant women use this position during labour preparation exercises for the same reason. The pillow nest converts it into a safe and comfortable intimate position.

Special Note from O.N.A

Depth control is the most critical safety consideration in this position. The giving partner should use shorter, very shallow movements and the pregnant partner should feel completely empowered to say stop, slower or shallower at any moment. A verbal check-in every minute or two — “Are you comfortable?” — is not interrupting the experience. It is caring for your partner and your baby.

👫

Illustration — Style 04

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 04 — First & Second Trimester

The Standing Hold

Best for: first and second trimester — upright position with full bump freedom

What It Is

Both partners stand — pregnant partner facing away, leaning forward with hands against a wall at a comfortable angle. Giving partner stands directly behind. This standing rear-entry position is particularly useful in the first and second trimesters when the bump is not yet large enough to significantly affect balance, and the upright position is more comfortable than lying down for nausea-prone first trimester pregnancies.

How to Position

1Pregnant partner stands facing a wall, one arm’s length away. Both palms flat against the wall at shoulder height. Feet hip-width apart for a stable base — a wider stance is more stable and may also be more comfortable as the pregnancy progresses.
2Pregnant partner leans forward slightly onto their arms. This lean naturally opens the hip angle for comfortable rear entry and positions the bump safely forward and away from the giving partner.
3Giving partner stands directly behind without pressing their body weight against the pregnant partner’s back. Hands rest gently on the pregnant partner’s hips. Movement is slow and careful — depth controlled by the pregnant partner’s hip position.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

The standing position avoids all the lying-down challenges of pregnancy — no back compression, no vena cava pressure, no position restrictions. In the first trimester when nausea makes lying down uncomfortable, standing is often the most tolerable position overall. The wall provides structural support that removes any anxiety about balance, which is particularly important as the body’s centre of gravity shifts during pregnancy.

Special Note from O.N.A

As the pregnancy advances into the second trimester and the bump grows, the pregnant partner bending their knees slightly — lowering their hips just a few inches — creates a more comfortable entry angle and more stable balance. This knee bend also engages the pregnant partner’s core muscles gently, providing additional stability for the growing bump. Stop this position if balance feels compromised at any point and move to a seated or lying option instead.

👫

Illustration — Style 05

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 05 — All Trimesters

The Supported Tilt

Best for: all trimesters — modified lying position that keeps the pregnant partner off their back

What It Is

The pregnant partner lies on their side at a slight incline using a wedge pillow or stacked pillows under their upper back and shoulder — not flat on their back, but at a 30 to 45 degree tilt. The giving partner kneels beside them. This position allows a modified face-to-face intimacy without the risk of lying fully supine, which is contraindicated after the first trimester.

How to Position

1Place a firm wedge pillow or two to three stacked pillows under the pregnant partner’s upper back and right shoulder, creating a 30 to 45 degree incline. The pregnant partner should feel supported and comfortable — not straining to hold the position.
2Pregnant partner’s top leg rests on a pillow at hip height. This leg elevation opens the hip angle and supports the bump from rolling forward. A pregnancy pillow in front of the bump provides additional support.
3Giving partner kneels beside the pregnant partner, slightly lower than hip level, entering from the side and slightly below. This angle allows face-to-face contact and emotional intimacy while maintaining a safe side-tilted position throughout.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

The 30 to 45 degree tilt achieves the crucial objective of keeping the pregnant partner off their back while still allowing a semi-reclined position that many women find more comfortable and emotionally connected than fully side-lying. The incline angle is also comfortable for the growing bump — gravity keeps the uterus tilted slightly to the side rather than directly compressing the vena cava.

Special Note from O.N.A

The pregnant partner should stop lying in this position if they experience dizziness, shortness of breath or nausea — these may indicate that the position is not maintaining sufficient vena cava clearance despite the tilt. Roll further onto the left side immediately if any of these symptoms occur. They resolve quickly once the position is adjusted. If they recur consistently in this position, use the full side-lying spoon position (Style 1) instead.

👫

Illustration — Style 06

📷 Replace with illustration

Style 06 — All Trimesters

The Gentle Spoon

Best for: late pregnancy — maximum comfort with the least exertion for both partners

What It Is

A very gentle variation of the pregnancy spoon specifically designed for the third trimester when energy is low, the bump is large and both partners want intimacy without exertion. The difference from Style 1 is the use of a full pregnancy pillow support system and a deliberately slower, more minimal movement approach — prioritising closeness and sensation over active movement.

How to Position

1Set up a full pillow nest before beginning: one pillow under the pregnant partner’s head, a pregnancy pillow or two firm cushions in front supporting the bump, and a folded pillow between the knees. The pregnant partner should feel completely supported on all sides before anything else begins.
2Both partners settle into the spooning position on the left side. The pregnant partner is completely surrounded by support — nothing is hanging, nothing is straining, nothing needs to be held up by muscular effort.
3Movement in this position is intentionally minimal — small hip adjustments rather than full thrusting. The focus is on closeness, breath, physical presence and gentle sensation rather than active intercourse mechanics. This is an intimate experience that honours the late pregnancy body fully.

Why It Works During Pregnancy

Late pregnancy is physically demanding. A style that requires no exertion, no balance maintenance and no positional holding is not a compromise — it is an appropriate and caring response to where the pregnant body is. Many couples find that the intimacy of the gentle spoon in late pregnancy — the closeness, the calm, the shared awareness of the baby between them — is one of the most emotionally profound intimate experiences of their marriage.

Special Note from O.N.A

Intimacy during pregnancy is not only about sexual intercourse. Touch, closeness, verbal affirmation and physical presence are all forms of intimacy that nourish the marriage during a season when the body’s capacity for active sex may be limited. The couple that maintains any form of warm physical closeness throughout pregnancy arrives at the postpartum period with a stronger relational foundation than the couple that stopped all physical intimacy when active sex became difficult. Do not wait for conditions to be perfect. Be close.

Need More Support?

Questions About Intimacy During Pregnancy?

If you have specific concerns about intimacy during your pregnancy or are navigating pain, discomfort or anxiety around sex while pregnant, our SIM & TAST team can help. Your first consultation is completely free.

Book Free Consult →

Sex Styles
During Pregnancy

Unlock the Full Guide —
4 More Styles Inside

Shopping cart

Sex StylesDuring Pregnancy

Unlock the Full Guide —4 More Styles Inside

Shopping cart

Sex Styles
During Pregnancy

Unlock the Full Guide —
4 More Styles Inside