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There’s a lot of advice out there when you’re trying to conceive, and one of the most common questions asked is about the best positions to get pregnant. While many couples wonder if certain positions can increase their chances of conception, the truth is that there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that any one position guarantees pregnancy. However, there are still some common suggestions and techniques that may help, coupled with an understanding of your fertility window and lifestyle choices that play a much bigger role in getting pregnant successfully.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best positions to get pregnant, explain how ovulation and timing are critical factors, and offer up some additional tips that may help improve your chances of starting or expanding your family.
Does Position Really Matter for Getting Pregnant?
One of the biggest myths surrounding conception is that some sexual positions are better than others for getting pregnant. While there is no strong scientific backing that certain positions are superior to others for conception, certain positions do provide deeper penetration, which can place sperm closer to the cervix.
That being said, the timing of intercourse—particularly around ovulation—is far more important than the position itself. Sperm can live for up to five days inside a woman’s reproductive system, so understanding when you’re ovulating and timing intercourse accordingly will make a much bigger difference than any specific position.
Best Positions to Help Sperm Reach the Egg
While deep penetration positions are thought to aid in conception by placing sperm closer to the cervix, there is no position that guarantees pregnancy. However, here are some common positions that people believe may help increase your chances:
1. Missionary Position (Man on Top)
The missionary position is one of the most recommended positions for couples trying to conceive. In this position, the man is on top, allowing for deeper penetration. This deeper penetration may ensure that the sperm is deposited as close as possible to the cervix, possibly giving it a head start on its journey to the egg.
To enhance the potential benefits, try placing a pillow under the woman’s hips. This slight pelvis elevation further allows gravity to aid in guiding the sperm toward the cervix. Some couples also incorporate slight adjustments like having the woman lift her legs or angles that encourage sperm pooling near the cervix.
2. Doggy Style (Rear Entry)
The doggy style position, where the woman is on all fours with her partner penetrating from behind, is another popular option. This position allows for deep penetration, which, similarly to the missionary position, may help the sperm get closer to the cervix. This can be particularly useful for women who have a tilted or retroverted uterus since this position allows for better alignment.
3. Legs on Shoulders
This is a slight variation of missionary position, where the woman places her legs on her partner’s shoulders while lying on her back. This creates a better angle for deep penetration and leverages gravity to help sperm move closer to the cervix.
4. Side-by-Side Scissors
In this position, both partners lie on their sides, facing each other. Not only does this intimate position encourage emotional bonding, but it also allows for a comfortable deep penetration angle, possibly improving the chances for sperm to reach the egg.
5. Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)
CAT has a slight twist on the missionary position, with the man’s body positioned slightly higher. This allows for rhythmic thrusting while maintaining deep penetration. It may help the sperm move more efficiently toward the cervix, combining the benefits of gravity and alignment.
6. Reverse Cowgirl
For women with a tilted uterus, positions like Reverse Cowgirl (where the woman is on top, facing away from her partner) may prove effective. This position allows the woman to control the depth and angle of penetration, depending on her comfort level. Although there’s no scientific consensus that a specific position works better for anatomical differences, experimenting with various positions may help.
Timing Is Everything: Your Fertile Window
While sexual positions, such as missionary or rear entry, might assist with sperm delivery, the most important factor in conceiving is timing sex around ovulation. This window, commonly known as the “fertile window,” typically occurs in the five days leading up to and including ovulation. Ovulation generally takes place midway through your menstrual cycle, around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, though this can vary between women.
The two days prior to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are considered the peak days for conception. To increase your chances, it’s recommended to have intercourse during this fertile window so that sperm are already present in the fallopian tubes when an egg is released.
How to Identify Your Fertile Window
To maximize your chances of getting pregnant, it’s important to track ovulation accurately.
1. Track Your Cycle:
Start from the first day of your period and keep track of your cycle length. Ovulation typically happens around the midpoint of your cycle. If your cycle is irregular, ovulation may occur earlier or later.
2. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):
These kits detect luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in your urine that rise shortly before ovulation. An OPK will inform you when you’re most likely to be fertile.
3. Monitor Basal Body Temperature (BBT):
By taking your temperature first thing in the morning every day, a slight rise in temperature will indicate ovulation after it has occurred, offering insight into your cycle for future planning. However, BBT tracking helps you realize when ovulation has already happened, so it’s best used to chart cycles over time.
Post-Sex Tips to Consider
Even though there’s no foolproof post-sex routine proven to increase conception, many couples find that certain steps could help, and they certainly can’t hurt! Here are a few things to try after intercourse:
1. Stay Lying Down
After sex, try lying down for 10-15 minutes. Some experts believe this gives the sperm time to move toward the cervix before you stand up and gravity starts causing semen leakage.
2. Elevate Your Hips
While lying there, you might want to place a pillow or two beneath your hips to facilitate sperm movement toward the uterus. This simple use of gravity may encourage sperm movement, even though there’s no concrete evidence to prove it.
3. Put Your Legs Up
Another common trick is elevating your legs against a wall while lying flat or raising your feet for 10-15 minutes after intercourse. While again not proven scientifically, the idea is to use gravity to help sperm travel more easily toward the cervix.
4. Don’t Worry About Sperm Leakage
It’s important to note that semen leakage after intercourse is normal and doesn’t mean that conception won’t happen. Healthy sperm start their journey to the fallopian tubes immediately after ejaculation. While it may seem like a lot of fluid is leaking out, rest assured that a significant amount of sperm are already on their way to the egg within minutes.
Other Tips to Improve Your Chances of Conception
Sexual positions are just one piece of the puzzle when trying to conceive. Here are some additional tips to increase your fertility:
1. Track Your Ovulation Cycle
Keeping track of your ovulation cycle is essential for timing intercourse. Whether it’s by using ovulation predictor kits or keeping an eye on physical signs like changes in cervical mucus, understanding your cycle will help you better time your efforts.
2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Optimal fertility relies on good overall health. Lifestyle factors like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising moderately, quitting smoking, and cutting down on alcohol can make a significant difference. Additionally, it’s important to limit caffeine intake, control stress, and maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Consult a Doctor
If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months to a year without success (six months if you’re over 35), consulting with a fertility specialist can help identify possible barriers to conception.
The Bottom Line: Focus on Timing and Relaxation
While specific sexual positions like missionary and doggy style might assist by allowing deeper penetration and positioning sperm closer to the cervix, your ultimate focus should be on regular, well-timed intercourse within your fertile window. Remember that every woman’s body is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Relaxing, practicing good health habits, and enjoying the baby-making process together are often the keys to success.
At the end of the day, there is no magic position that guarantees conception. But in combination with perfect timing, a healthy lifestyle, and some helpful positioning, you can increase your odds of welcoming a little one sooner rather than later.
