Tommy's PregnancyHub
What sexual positions are best for getting pregnant?
There are many anecdotal stories about the best ways to conceive and how to conceive quickly.
Sexual positions that allow for deep penetration are likely to be the best for conception as they allow the sperm to be deposited as close to the cervix as possible.
The missionary position is often recommended for this reason.
After you’ve had sex you might also like to place a pillow under your hips to tilt the pelvis and help the sperm to ‘travel’.
There is no research that proves or disproves either of these suggestions. It is completely up to you whether you wish to try these ideas out.
However, you should make sure that your partner ejaculates fully into your vagina, as this does increase the likelihood of conception.
- Macdonald S, Magill-Cuerden J, Mayes’ midwifery, fourteenth edition, Edinburgh Bailliere Tindall Elsevier, 2012
- Falcone T, Hurd W, Clinical reproductive medicine and surgery: a practical guide, New York Springer, 2013
Review dates
Last reviewed: 13 June, 2017
Next review: 13 June, 2020
Read more about planning a pregnancy
-
How to know when you are pregnant
How to know when you are pregnantHow do you know whether you're pregnant or not? If you've been trying to get pregnant, there are a few ways to find out whether you're pregnant. -
Taking a pregnancy test
Taking a pregnancy testPregnancy tests work by looking for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This hormone is only made in your body when you are pregnant. -
‘Media glamourises pregnancy at advanced ages,’ study suggests
‘Media glamourises pregnancy at advanced ages,’ study suggestsResearchers say women are being misled into thinking pregnancy is more straightforward past the age of 35 than it is. -
Jenny’s story of planning for pregnancy and managing bipolar disorder
Jenny’s story of planning for pregnancy and managing bipolar disorderJenny is a mum of two and tells us her experience of becoming a mother and managing bipolar disorder. -
New Planning for Pregnancy tool launched to support safe and healthy pregnancies
New Planning for Pregnancy tool launched to support safe and healthy pregnanciesThis free digital tool from Tommy's provides tailored information to women who are planning a pregnancy to help improve their prenatal health and wellbeing. -
Lucy’s road to becoming a mum and managing bipolar disorder
Lucy’s road to becoming a mum and managing bipolar disorderLucy, first time mum to baby Felicity, tells her story of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder shortly before becoming pregnant during lockdown last year. -
Parents' health before pregnancy affects future pregnancy and baby
Parents' health before pregnancy affects future pregnancy and babyResearch shows that the health of mothers and fathers BEFORE pregnancy affects the health of the future pregnancy and baby. -
How age affects fertility
How age affects fertilityYour age affects your fertility, with a gradual decline in the ability to get pregnant starting at age 34. Read more about how age can affect your fertility. -
First research to show that a post-pandemic “baby boom” is unlikely in the UK
First research to show that a post-pandemic “baby boom” is unlikely in the UKNew research shows that a post-covid 'baby boom' is unlikely in the UK, with many people changing their planning for pregnancy plans because of the pandemic. -
I just knew that there were no guarantees for us when trying to conceive
I just knew that there were no guarantees for us when trying to conceiveAmanda, 26, had irregular periods and she knew getting pregnant would be a challenge. She and her husband decided to become healthier when they were planning to have a baby. They now have a daughter called Shelbie. -
The accessible pregnancy test for people who experience sight loss
The accessible pregnancy test for people who experience sight lossThe accessible pregnancy test prototype that allows those who are blind and partially sighted to discover the result for themselves. -
Planning a pregnancy
Planning a pregnancyIf you've decided you're ready to start a family, find out how to get pregnant and some of the lifestyle changes that might help you.