Watercolor illustration in soft peachy pink and warm coral tones showing a pregnant woman in third trimester sitting comfortably on a bed with fluffy pillows, gentle afternoon sunlight streaming through sheer curtains, her partner sitting beside her holding her hand tenderly, both smiling warmly at each other, cozy bedroom setting with plants on windowsill, intimate and peaceful atmosphere, side angle view, shallow depth of field focusing on their connected hands and her baby bump, dreamy and romantic mood with delicate watercolor textures blending into white background

You’re lying in bed, your partner beside you – and suddenly you realize: This doesn’t work anymore. Your belly is in the way, your back hurts in this position, and you wonder if it’s even safe. Many pregnant women know this moment of uncertainty, especially in the third trimester when the body changes every day.

The good news: Sex in the third trimester is generally safe, as long as there are no medical complications. The uterus and amniotic sac reliably protect your baby. With the right positions, you can continue to enjoy this special time – comfortably, safely, and full of intimacy.

Why Some Positions No Longer Work

Starting from the second trimester, your body begins to change in ways that also affect your intimacy. The most important thing first: Flat lying on your back should be avoided, as the growing uterus can press against the large vein (vena cava). This can impair blood flow to you and your baby and cause dizziness or nausea.

Educational watercolor diagram in soft blues and gentle grays showing a side-view cross-section of a pregnant woman lying on her back in third trimester, anatomical illustration highlighting the vena cava and uterus position, medical accuracy combined with gentle artistic style, arrows indicating blood flow, warm educational tone, clean white background with delicate watercolor washes, informative yet approachable visual, medium shot focusing on torso area, soft natural lighting suggesting clinical clarity with warmth

Positions that put significant pressure on the belly are also no longer suitable. The classic missionary position becomes increasingly uncomfortable in the third trimester and is not recommended. Your body clearly shows what feels good – and what doesn’t.

However, this doesn’t mean intimacy has to be complicated now. It’s more about being creative and finding positions that both of you enjoy while respecting your changing body.

The Best Positions for the Third Trimester

Spoon Position: The Classic for Closeness and Comfort

The spoon position is the most comfortable option for many pregnant women in the third trimester. You both lie on your sides, your partner behind you – your belly remains completely free, while you enjoy maximum closeness. This position allows for gentle movements and takes care of your back.

Another advantage: Your partner can gently touch you and incorporate clitoral stimulation at the same time. You can bend your upper leg slightly or support it on a pillow for even more comfort.

Rider Position: You’re in Control

In the rider position (woman on top), you determine the pace, depth, and angle – perfect if your body is particularly sensitive right now. You sit astride your partner and can lean back slightly to adjust your balance, so your belly isn’t in the way.

Intimate watercolor scene in warm amber and soft rose tones showing a pregnant Asian woman in third trimester sitting comfortably on top of her partner on a bed with white linens, morning golden hour light filtering through bedroom window, her hands resting gently on his chest for support, both faces showing tender connection and trust, cozy bedroom with minimalist decor, side angle perspective emphasizing her control and comfort, shallow depth of field, dreamy romantic atmosphere with delicate watercolor blending

This position gives you the freedom to make the movements that feel right for you. If you get tired, you can lean forward and support yourself with your arms – making it even gentler on your back.

Side Positions with Variations

In addition to the classic spoon position, there are other lateral variations that work wonderfully in the third trimester. You can lie on your sides facing each other – allowing for eye contact and kisses while your belly has space between you.

Or try the modified side position: You lie on your side, and your partner kneels behind you. This gives him more freedom of movement while you remain comfortably supported. A pillow under your belly or between your knees can provide additional comfort.

Practical Tips for Maximum Comfort

The right position is just the beginning. These adjustments can make your intimacy even more enjoyable:

  • Use pillows strategically: Under the belly, between the knees, behind the back – pillows are your best friends for support and relief.
  • Take your time with foreplay: Your body may take longer to relax and get ready now. Enjoy the slowness.
  • Change positions as needed: What felt comfortable five minutes ago can suddenly feel uncomfortable. Be flexible and listen to your body.
  • Experiment with room temperature: Pregnant women often have altered heat sensitivity. A cooler room may feel more pleasant.
  • Keep lubricant ready: Hormonal changes can lead to dryness. Good lubricant makes everything more comfortable.
Cozy watercolor still life in soft lavender and cream tones showing a bedside table with pregnancy-safe items for intimacy, fluffy pillows stacked artfully, a bottle of water-based lubricant, soft candlelight casting gentle shadows, fresh lavender sprigs in a small vase, warm evening light creating a peaceful intimate atmosphere, close-up composition focusing on textures and gentle colors, shallow depth of field, romantic and nurturing mood with delicate watercolor washes blending into white background

Special Recommendations for First-Time Mothers

If you are pregnant for the first time, the uncertainty can be especially high. Is it really safe? Does the baby feel something? Am I doing something wrong? These thoughts are completely normal.

The most important thing: Listen to your body. It gives you clear signals about what feels good and what doesn’t. If something is uncomfortable, change positions or take a break. There is no “right” or “wrong” – just what works for both of you.

Communication is more important than ever now. Openly talk to your partner about your needs, fears, and desires. Many couples report that this open communication has even deepened their relationship. You learn to be there for each other in new ways.

And one more thing: Your baby doesn’t notice anything. The amniotic sac and the uterus protect it reliably. The rhythmic movements can even be soothing – like gentle rocking.

Creative Ways to Intimacy Beyond Penetration

Intimacy in the third trimester doesn’t always have to mean penetrative sex. Sometimes it’s the alternative ways that can be particularly fulfilling:

  • Sensual massages: Take time for extended full-body massages with warm oil. This relaxes, promotes blood circulation, and creates deep connection.
  • Bathing together: A warm bath (not too hot!) can be incredibly relaxing and intimate. Candles, soft music, mutual soaping.
  • Oral stimulation: Many positions allow for wonderful oral intimacy without pressure on the belly. Experiment with pillows for optimal comfort.
  • Manual stimulation: Touching, caressing, mutual exploration – sometimes less is more, and slowness enhances intensity.
  • Emotional intimacy: Deep conversations, dreaming together about your future as a family, sharing fears and hopes – this is also intimacy.
Tender watercolor scene in warm golden and soft pink tones showing a pregnant African woman in third trimester and her partner in a candlelit bathroom, she sitting comfortably on the edge of a bathtub while he gently massages her feet, steam rising softly in the background, evening light mixing with candlelight creating a dreamy glow, intimate and caring atmosphere, medium shot capturing their connection and tenderness, shallow depth of field, romantic and nurturing mood with delicate watercolor textures

Some couples discover completely new facets of their sexuality during this phase. The need to be creative sometimes opens doors to experiences you might never have had otherwise.

When You Should Be Careful

In most pregnancies, sex is completely safe until birth. However, there are situations in which you should be cautious or completely refrain:

  • Preterm contractions or risk of premature birth
  • Placenta previa (low-lying placenta)
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Severe bleeding or unexplained spotting
  • Shortened cervix
  • Multiple pregnancy with complications

If you are unsure, speak with your doctor or midwife. They can provide clear recommendations based on your individual situation. It’s never embarrassing to ask such questions – they are part of comprehensive pregnancy care.

Reassuring watercolor scene in soft sage green and warm cream tones showing a pregnant European woman in third trimester sitting comfortably in a modern medical office having a relaxed conversation with a female midwife, both smiling warmly, afternoon natural light streaming through large windows, plants on the windowsill, professional yet cozy atmosphere, medium shot showing their comfortable interaction, shallow depth of field, supportive and caring mood with delicate watercolor blending into white background

Your body is undergoing an incredible transformation. It’s completely okay if your intimacy changes, if some days are better than others, or if you find new ways to be close. The third trimester is a time of transition – not just physically, but also in your relationship.

With the right positions, open communication, and a pinch of creativity, you can enjoy this special phase. Your baby is safely protected, your body shows you the way, and your connection to each other can deepen through this shared experience. Trust yourselves, trust your body – and enjoy this unique time together before you become a trio.