What's better: The sex can feel amazing—like, even more amazing than before you got preggers. That's because, during pregnancy, your body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone rise. This increases blood flow down there, which in turn ups vaginal lubrication and breast sensitivity, says ob-gyn Kecia Gaither, M.D., maternal fetal medicine specialist.
“Engaging in loving, sexual activity has been shown to have positive benefits for both expecting mother and unborn child,” says Gaither. “Sex is known to release endorphins and oxytocin—otherwise known as the ‘love hormone’—allowing for relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.”
Just be sure you opt for the right positions—some can be uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous. You should avoid positions that have you on your back (like missionary) late in the second trimester and during the third, as this can reduce blood flow from your lower body to your heart (yeah, no thank you).
But other than that, go forth and get busy with these bun-in-the-oven-friendly positions.
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First Trimester: Scissors
This one could also go by “I’m too tired to hold myself up,” but it does more than give you a rest. By tilting your pelvis, it changes the angle of penetration to mix things up. Cadell recommends using a pillow to give your arms and head some extra support.
How to: Lie face down on a bed, with your knees bent and hips raised. Lean forward and prop your body up using your forearms and pillows. Have him enter you from behind, while also bending his knees.
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Take control for your comfort: This one lets you set the pace and depth while giving your guy direct access to your breasts, which are more sensitive right now than you ever thought possible.
How to: Have him lie down on his back, with his legs outstretched. Kneel next to him, then spread your legs and straddle his hips while facing forward. While kneeling, lower yourself onto his penis and begin riding him up and down, as slow or fast as feels comfortable.
By lying on your side, you take any pressure off of your back and uterus and manage to get your belly out of the way, says Dweck. While you can assume this position any time, it’s best for the later stages of pregnancy since it’s super gentle and doesn’t allow for deep penetration, which can become uncomfortable.
How to: You both lie on your sides facing the same direction, him behind you. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt toward him, so he can enter you. Adjusting the lean of your bodies will vary the angle of entry and help with rocking and thrusting.
This variation of your typical woman-on-top pose keeps you in control while increasing stimulation of your clitoris, says Cadell. Depending on how much you lean forward or back, you can really change the angle of his penis inside of you, and find just the right spot to get you off.
How to: Have him lie on his back with his legs outstretched. Kneel next to him, then turn and spread your legs, straddling his hips and facing his feet. Kneeling, lower yourself onto his penis and begin riding him up and down.
This article originally appeared on Women's Health US.
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