Sexual positions for baby-making

It’s the fun part of making a baby. But have you ever wondered what the best position to get pregnant is? And is there a best sex position to get pregnant with twins? There are some old wives’ tales that suggest certain sex positions are better for getting pregnant, but the research is lacking. Read on for what we know about conception and sex positions.

Are some sexual positions better for making babies than others?

You may have heard that some positions, such as your partner on top (missionary position), are better than others for conception. In fact, there’s nothing to back this up (ASRM 2016). Experts just haven’t done the research yet.

What they have done, though, is to use scanning to reveal what’s going on inside when you’re doing the deed. Some brave couples agreed to be scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while having sex.

This research looked at two positions: the missionary position and doggy style (Faix et al 2002). (Doggy style being when you’re on all fours and your partner enters you from behind).

Common sense tells us that these positions allow deeper penetration, so they are likely to get sperm right next to your cervix (the opening of your uterus).

The MRI scans confirm that the tip of the penis reaches the space between the cervix and the walls of the vagina in both these sexual positions. The missionary position ensures the penis reaches the space at the front of the cervix. The rear entry position reaches the space at back of the cervix (Faix et al 2002).

It may be that other positions, such as standing up, or with the woman on top, may be just as good for getting the sperm right to the cervix. We just don’t know yet.

So, the main thing to keep in mind is that you can mix things up in your sex life. That will keep it fun while you’re trying to conceive.

Does the woman have to have an orgasm to conceive?

The main aim when having sex to conceive is the male partner to reach orgasm. Although, sperm can even leak out before the point of ejaculation. There is nothing to suggest that the woman needs to orgasm to conceive (ASRM 2016).

The female orgasm is all about pleasure. It doesn’t really help to get the sperm to the fallopian tubes and the egg (Redelman 2006). Gentle contractions in your uterus can help the sperm along, but these happen even without you having an orgasm (Levin 2002).

So, it’s really not vital for the woman to reach orgasm to conceive. On top of that, sperm travel pretty fast all on their own, and in such high numbers that they’ve already got the momentum needed to start a pregnancy (Carlson 2019).

Are there any sex positions that can help us conceive a boy or girl?

There is no evidence, but plenty of legends! One says that deeper penetration will lead to a boy (Cleveland Clinic 2020).

For more on the techniques that really work, see our article on what the scientists say about sex selection.

Should I stay lying down after sex?

It won’t hurt to try it, but there’s no science to say that it works (ASRM 2016). The semen is more likely to stay in your vagina and around your cervix than if you get up straight away. That said, there are millions of sperm in every ejaculation, so there should be plenty in your vagina even if you do stand up.

Another trick that some people swear by is lying on their back and cycling in the air with their legs for a few minutes after sex. If nothing else (and there is no evidence one way or another), it should give you and your partner a good laugh. And what could be more conducive to baby-making than having fun in bed?

How often should I have sex to get pregnant?

The main thing to do when trying to conceive is having regular sex.

If you’ve been trying for a year or more without success (or if you’re 35 or older and have been trying for a short while), or your periods are irregular, it’s best to see your doctor (Cleveland Clinic 2019).

Find out more in our guide to making babies.