If you’re looking for the best sexual positions to get pregnant, you probably won’t find any studies definitively proving that one position is better than another. Women can become pregnant in just about any sexual position – and in many cases, without even trying. However, if you want to give yourself an edge, it couldn’t hurt to make a few adjustments that might boost your chances for getting pregnant.
When you are trying to get pregnant, you want your partner’s sperm to get as close as possible to your cervix, and you want the sperm to stay in there for as long as possible to increase the chances that one of those little swimmers will make it all the way to your egg. The main idea is not to force the sperm to swim against gravity – i.e. you don’t want to be standing up or sitting up, because you want to give the sperm the easiest possible opportunity to get where it needs to go.
Missionary position
Probably the easiest way to do this is through the missionary position, with the man lying on top of the woman. This position allows for deep penetration, which will bring the sperm close to the cervix, and it has the added advantage of the woman already lying down so the ejaculate will stay inside your body longer. When you are finished, prop up your hips with a pillow, hug your knees close to your chest, and stay lying on your back for at least 15 minutes.
Other sexual positions
If the missionary position becomes too boring or routine, you can spice things up with a few variations. For instance, you don’t have to stay on the bed – you can always try things out on a couch, on the floor, or even in the back seat of your car (but make sure you stay clear of onlookers and respect local laws). Another idea is to lie on your back with your pelvis at the very edge of the bed. Your partner can stand in front of you (or kneel if your bed is lower). The advantage is, once you’re finished, you can stay right there on your back for 15 minutes or so to give the sperm an extra chance to get where they need to go.
Another position to try is the rear-entry position, with the man behind you while you are on your knees. This position allows for deep penetration, which is good for getting the sperm close to the cervix, and as an added benefit, many experts call it the best position if a woman has a tipped uterus. After you are finished, simply roll over so that you can lie on your back with your hips elevated.
If you find yourself getting to the point where it seems like you have been “trying too hard,” maybe you need to find a new way to rediscover closeness with your partner. One of the best positions for relaxing is spooning, where your partner curls up against your back and enters from behind. Even though the penetration may not be as deep, this position can be especially relaxing, and many people will tell you that’s a good thing if you’re trying to get pregnant. When you’re finished, you’re once again in a good position to roll over and lie on your back for a few minutes.
Again, there’s no definitive evidence that any one of these positions will be a magic solution, but there’s no harm in trying, and any position that helps the sperm get to where they need to go can’t hurt. But while you’re testing out these positions, remember to follow all of the other preconception recommendations so you can be sure you are maximizing your chances. And above all, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy this special time with your partner.