Best Sex Positions to Conceive a Baby
All set to begin a family? While there aren't any "wrong" sex positions to become pregnant, there might be several that improve the chances of sperm and egg meeting. It doesn't hurt to give them a try even though there may not be much scientific evidence. (You know, just out of curiosity!) You might acquire a baby and have nothing to lose. Discover which sex positions are most effective for getting pregnant here; we've even included tips and a helpful diagram.
Perhaps you're wondering which sex position is ideal for getting pregnant. According to a 2019 review published in the Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the positions adopted for intercourse have no confirmed association with improved chances of pregnancy, and the belief that remaining supine after intercourse prevents semen leakage has no scientific foundation. That said, the same research notes that rapid sperm transport through the female genital tract is largely passive, driven by uterine contractions, with sperm reaching the fallopian tubes within minutes of ejaculation. It would still make sense to place sperm as close to the cervix as possible to support that journey, which is why positions like missionary and reverse cowgirl are commonly suggested. Some couples also like reading about different ways to approach sex for baby making as they explore what works for them. Try out a few of the suggestions below:
Best Sex Positions to Conceive a Baby, and What Science Actually Says About Them
Missionary
Being a missionary is a tried-and-true way to become pregnant. Gravity starts working in your advantage. Sperm must swim upstream when a woman is on top, but when a guy is on top, sperm can enter your vagina and move toward your cervix. Put a pillow underneath your buttocks for maximum effect, as this will create an even more sperm-friendly angle.
From behind (aka doggie style)
In order to enable the sperm get as close to the cervix as possible, any position that permits deep penetration may increase the likelihood of conception. That is precisely what happens when a man enters a lady who is resting on all fours.
Legs on shoulders
This position, which is a variation on the missionary position, in which a woman hooks her legs on her partner's shoulders during sexual activity, enables sperm to reach as close to the cervix as possible while also benefiting from gravity.
CAT (Coital alignment technique)
Not into missionaries? It's worth noting that this position might help facilitate female orgasm, though research indicates that the presence or absence of female orgasm does not appear to alter the probability of conception (PMC/NIH, 2019). Sperm are allowed to flow downstream. In order to accommodate the man's lower body, the woman spreads out her knees. Then, rather than thrusting, the man and woman rhythmically move their pelvises together, which yet has the missionary effect of helping you with gravity.
Reverse cowgirl
If your uterus is tilted or retroverted, as approximately 16-18% of women do - roughly 1 in 6 - this may be the ideal sex position for conceiving. According to a PMC review on uterine anatomy, most retroverted uteri are asymptomatic, meaning many women are unaware they have one. The Mayo Clinic also notes that a tilted uterus is typically considered a normal anatomical variation. In this position, the woman faces away from her partner while sitting on him, creating a different angle of entry that may be more comfortable and effective for those with a retroverted uterus.
Side-by-side scissors
As the male partner enters the lady, you lie side by side, facing each other. Additionally, the deep penetration provided by this position may aid in the sperm's rapid passage to the cervix.
Wheelbarrow
You don’t have to be a yogi or gymnast to try this one, but it’s admittedly among the more adventurous sex positions to get pregnant. The woman gets into position, as if she were about to be the wheelbarrow in a wheelbarrow race—hands either on the floor or bed (she can also rest on her elbows). The man holds the woman’s legs and lines up his thighs between hers, entering from behind, which allows for the deep penetration that can bring the sperm closer to the egg. Many people also look into gentle, evidence-informed ideas on how to get pregnant fast while planning their next steps.
“While no position will guarantee conception, I tell patients to consider positions that help take advantage of gravity,” says Landry. “But the position doesn’t matter nearly as much as being healthy before you begin trying.” She advises that both you and your partner make a preconception appointment to discuss your health and lifestyle habits. Moments like these sometimes open the door to deeper conversations, and it may feel natural to explore a few thoughtful questions to ask in a relationship as you plan this next step together.
Once you’ve checked that appointment off your list, preconception prep also includes knowing when you’re ovulating by keeping an ovulation calendar and being aware of potential ovulation clues. Tools for calculating your fertile window can also make timing feel more predictable. Research shows that timing intercourse with ovulation detection probably increases the chance of live birth compared to intercourse without ovulation prediction. On the days that you're fertile - usually the five days leading up to ovulation and 24 hours after - having sex every other day is commonly advised.
What You Should Know Before Trying These Positions
Sex positions for conception are popular advice — but it's worth knowing what the research actually says before putting too much pressure on getting it "right."
What may help
- Trying different positions can reduce stress during the trying-to-conceive process — and a relaxed approach genuinely does support fertility
- If you have a retroverted uterus, reverse cowgirl may improve both comfort and angle of entry
- There's no cost or downside to experimenting, so it's worth trying what feels right for you
What the science actually says
- Sperm reaches the fallopian tubes within minutes of ejaculation, regardless of position — the body handles transport passively through uterine contractions
- Staying still or lying with your legs up after sex to "keep sperm in" has no scientific basis
- Obsessing over position can add unnecessary stress, which is more likely to hurt your chances than help them
The bottom line: position matters far less than timing. Focus on knowing your fertile window, and treat position as a personal comfort choice rather than a fertility strategy.
FAQ: Sex Position & Conception — Common Questions
1. Does sex position really affect your chances of getting pregnant?
Not according to current research. A 2019 review published in PMC/NIH found that the positions adopted for intercourse have no confirmed association with improved conception rates. Sperm reaches the fallopian tubes within minutes through passive uterine contractions — regardless of which position you use. That said, positions allowing deeper penetration may place sperm closer to the cervix, which is a reasonable — if unproven — advantage.
2. What is the best sex position to conceive?
There is no single "best" position backed by science. Missionary, doggie style, and legs on shoulders are most commonly recommended because they allow deeper penetration and work with gravity. If you have a retroverted uterus — which affects approximately 1 in 6 women according to PMC research — reverse cowgirl may be more comfortable and effective for you. The Mayo Clinic confirms a tilted uterus is a normal anatomical variation, not a fertility problem.
3. Should I lie still or keep my legs up after sex to help conception?
No. The belief that staying supine or elevating your legs after intercourse prevents semen leakage and improves conception has no scientific foundation, according to the same PMC/NIH review. Sperm transport is passive and begins immediately — there is no postcoital routine that has been shown to improve your chances.
4. Does female orgasm improve the chances of conception?
Research suggests it does not. The 2019 PMC/NIH review specifically states that the presence or absence of female orgasm does not appear to alter the probability of conception. Orgasm may contribute to comfort and intimacy during the process, but it is not a fertility factor.
5. What actually does improve your chances of conceiving?
Timing matters most. A 2023 Cochrane review on PubMed found that using urinary ovulation tests to time intercourse probably increases the chance of live birth compared to intercourse without ovulation prediction. Having sex every other day during your fertile window — the five days before ovulation and 24 hours after — is the most evidence-backed approach you can take.
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