What's the Best Sex Position to Get Pregnant?

If you’re thinking about how to get pregnant, you might be looking for some info on whether different sex positions “work” better than others. Is there really a best sex position to get pregnant? In this guide, we’ll try to explain what lies behind the popular myths.
We spoke with embryologist and fertility expert, Navya Muralidhar, to get the full low-down on the best sex position to get pregnant.

In this article: 📝

Is there a best position for conception?

And the thing that they all have in common? Deep penetration.

The theory goes something like this: deep penetration means that the sperm is deposited as close to the cervix as possible.

It’s essentially like a little well by the cervix, which means that the little swimmers don’t have as far to travel to meet the egg.

What’s the best position to make a baby?

Our top ten sexual positions for conceiving are… drumroll…

Well, nobody actually knows for sure.

But there are a few positions that might help, including:

1. Missionary: In theory this is a great traditional position – the angle of the cervix means it can dip into the semen well in the vagina more easily. Bear in mind that we’re all made differently, and some women who have a uterus that tilts backwards might not see the same benefits in this position.
   
2. Doggy: The woman is on all fours and the man enters from behind. It allows a deeper penetration which might allow better access to the cervix for the semen.
   
3. Rear entry: Like doggy style as the man enters from behind, but the woman lies flat on her tummy to ensure deep penetration.
   
4. Reverse cowgirl: The woman is on top but faces away from her partner’s face – it allows her to control the depth of penetration, useful for comfort when gettin’ it on.

Or maybe you just want to enjoy your time together, giggle, or have some intimate closeness to take the pressure off? How about these positions:

5. Side by side (spooning): The woman lies on her side and the man enters from behind. It’s a “cuddle” position – intimate, close, and loving.
   
6. Wheelbarrow: You can have a lot of fun while making a baby, so why not get adventurous with the wheelbarrow. The woman holds herself up on her hands and her partner enters her from behind and wraps her legs around his thighs.
   
7. CAT (Coital Alignment Technique): Similar to missionary, but instead of thrusting, the couple lock their pelvises and rock together in rhythm. This is slower and more sensual, and can help the depth of penetration, although it’s more focused on intimacy and emotional connection.
   
8. Your favorite position: The more relaxed you are, the more of a fun time you’ll have making a baby (rather than feeling the pressure).

How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?

Ok, so we’ve mentioned deep penetration and intimacy, but is there anything else to know?

• Any positions to avoid? Gravity works, and there are theories suggesting it may discourage sperm from traveling upwards. But it’s important to know that generally once sperm is in the vagina the speedy swimmers can reach the cervix in 15 minutes.
  
• Should I lie down after sex? After sexual gymnastics, you might need to lie down and rest, and why not. The jury is out on whether lying still on your back after sex helps, but there’s no harm in it. Same goes for putting your legs in the air after sex.
  
• Where should I put my pillow to get pregnant? There’s a theory that propping yourself up with a pillow under your bottom or lower back helps the sperm swim in the right direction. But again, there’s no scientific evidence to support this theory.
  
• Should I use lube? Lubricants, such as silicone-based ones, have been shown to negatively impact sperm survival, so find a fertility-friendly lube if it helps while having sex.

Trying to conceive can be a difficult and intense time.

You can always reach out to the wonderful women on Peanut for support.