Health
8 sex positions that are safe to try during pregnancy
It is safe to have sex during pregnancy unless a doctor or midwife advises otherwise. Sex drive may increase at certain stages of the pregnancy, and sex can have some benefits.
As her belly starts to grow bigger, a woman may discover that certain positions are more comfortable for her. Talking openly about sex can help both partners to enjoy sex throughout the pregnancy.
In this article, we examine safety issues and risks and look at tips for sex during pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), a pregnant person can have sex safely throughout pregnancy, unless their healthcare provider offers other direction.
Muscles in the uterus and amniotic fluid in the uterus work to protect the growing baby throughout pregnancy and during penetrative sex. Oral sex is also safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, and so is anal sex.
“For the vast majority of people, sex is something that can actually happen throughout the pregnancy, up until the moment of delivery,” Dr. Ina Park, associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UCSF and author of Strange Bedfellows, told Insider.
At times, sex during pregnancy might feel uncomfortable due to changing hormones, a lower sex drive, and a growing belly, according to the Mayo Clinic. But experimenting with different sex positions can reduce discomfort and help a partner maneuver around your growing belly.
Here are 8 different sex positions that are safe to try while pregnant:
1. Standing and from behind
When to try it: First and second trimesters
Stand on the ground while facing a wall.
Plant your hands against the wall and lean in slightly for added stability.
Have your partner enter you from behind, holding your hips for added support.
2. From behind
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Kneel on the bed while putting your hands against the headboard or wall for support. During the first trimester, when your belly isn’t as heavy, you could also get on all fours.
Have your partner enter you from behind.
This is also a useful position, in reverse, if you are penetrating your non-pregnant partner. Be sure to keep your belly elevated away from bumping into their booty as you penetrate them, you may need to stand on something higher up or have them move their body lower down.
3. Pregnant person on top
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Your partner lies on their back with their knees straight or bent.
Straddle your partner, facing them and bending your knees, so they can penetrate you. Either of you can stimulate your clitoris from this position.
Optional: Lean back to take extra weight off your belly, and widen your leg stance for deeper penetration. For more shallow penetration, narrow your leg stance or lean forward.
4. Reverse cowgirl
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Your partner lies on their back with their knees straight or bent.
Straddle your partner, facing away from them, so they can penetrate you. They may be able to stimulate your clitoris, you may be able to stimulate your clitoris yourself.
Use your hands to stabilize yourself as you lean back, which is especially helpful during the third trimester as your belly becomes heavier.
This can be a useful position, in reverse, if you are penetrating your non-pregnant partner, but be cautious of their booty pressing on your belly.
5. Oral sex
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Sit on a couch, chair with a back, or at the top of your bed against the headboard or wall.
Lean back slightly and relax while your partner goes down on you.
To go down on your non-pregnant partner, kneel on top of a pillow and bring their body to you. This is often best with them at the end of a bed, edge of a couch, or with them seated on a chair.
6. Anal sex
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Anal sex is fine during all trimesters, Park told Insider, but if you notice bleeding or bloody stool afterwards, don’t proceed until the bleeding clears up. This likely also means you need more lube and relaxation before penetration. Pregnancy may also cause hemorrhoids which are important to get checked out.
Use lots of lube. Kneel on all fours with your partner behind you, or lay on your side in a spooning position. In the third trimester, spooning for anal sex is best to prevent pressure on your belly. You can also try similar positions to #1 and #2.
Your partner can then enter you from behind.
This is also a useful position, in reverse, if you are penetrating your non-pregnant partner.
7. Mutual masturbation
When to try it: First, second, and third trimesters
Lay down facing your partner.
Use your hands, and toys if you’d like, to pleasure your partner while they do the same with you.
8. Spooning
When to try it: Second and third trimesters
If your belly feels unwieldy during your second and third trimesters, spooning is the perfect position for feeling comfortable and intimate with your partner, Jess O’Reilly, a sex educator and Astroglide’s resident sexologist, told Insider.
Lay on your side and have your partner lay behind you.
Your partner can penetrate you, reach over you and stimulate your clitoris, or both.
Similarly, if you enjoy penetrating your non-pregnant partner, you can change your angle so your belly is less in the way.
Tools for enhancing pregnant sex
Though you don’t need to shell out money for pregnancy-specific sex toys or tools, a few items you already own could make sex during pregnancy more comfortable and pleasurable, Park said.
Be sure to always wash the toys between uses and never go from anus to vagina with the toys.
She said sex toys are safe to use while pregnant, and vibrators are especially helpful for clitoral stimulation.
If you feel uncomfortable pressure on your uterus, a common pregnancy-sex symptom due to increased blood flow to the area, Park suggested having spooning-style sex while propping up your belly, which can alleviate the sensation.
Health benefits of sex during pregnancy
When you have an orgasm, your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which can promote pain relief and increase feelings of intimacy between you and your partner.
You also release the hormone dopamine when you orgasm, which boosts sleep and feelings of happiness.
If you’re near your due date, orgasming during pregnancy may help to put you into labor more quickly. That’s because your uterus contracts when you orgasm. But this won’t cause you to go into labor prematurely.
Potential risks of pregnant sex
Though rare, sex during pregnancy comes with potential risks, especially for people with a history of miscarriage, preterm labor, placenta previa, venous air embolism, or pelvic inflammatory disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.
According to Park, any bleeding during sex is a sign you should stop. If the bleeding occurred during penetrative sex, wait for it to stop before having sex again, and if it doesn’t stop or is heavy for multiple days, see a doctor right away. In rare cases, it could be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
If you bleed during anal sex, wait for the bleeding to stop before having sex again. If your amniotic fluid leaks after sex, it’s also a sign to stop. You can still get sexually transmitted infections while pregnant, so use condoms if you have more than one sexual partner, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Important: Laying on your back during sex after 20 weeks can compress your vena cava, the major blood vessel that helps with circulation through your body and to the baby.
Insider’s takeaway
Pregnancy can make certain sex positions more difficult than normal. If your go-to positions are no longer working, try experimenting with methods like reverse cowgirl or sex from behind while standing.
However, if you find yourself not as interested in sex during pregnancy, that’s alright. According to O’Reilly, it’s normal to be disinterested in sex during your pregnancy.
“This is a good time to start thinking about yourself first. So maybe look at other ways to maintain the connection, whether it’s kissing, cuddling, hugging, touching, flirting, or being playful. If you find yourself not in the mood for intercourse, because of the way your body’s feeling or because of pressure on the bladder, I just encourage you to tune into pleasure,” she said.
Source: Medical News Today
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
Men planning to father children have been strongly advised to marry and start a family before turning 40.
Medical experts warn that delayed fatherhood increases the risk of weak sperm and genetic disorders in children.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the President of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons, Professor Nuhu Dakum, explained that male fertility sharply declines with age.
He stressed that sperm quality begins to deteriorate after 40, leaving children more vulnerable to inherited health conditions.
According to him, “Sperm quality reduces with age. The count, motility, and morphology are all affected. There is also an increase in DNA damage, which predisposes babies to genetic diseases.”
Why Men Over 40 Face Higher Risks
Professor Dakum revealed that several factors contribute to poor sperm quality as men grow older.
These include natural biological changes, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins at work or in the environment.
He emphasized that while sperm decline can vary from man to man, the drop becomes significant around 40.
This means men who delay starting families until middle age could struggle with infertility and pass on genetic risks.
The concern gained fresh attention after a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked a heated debate.
The post claimed that older men produce weak sperm that increases the chances of children developing genetic mutations such as autism, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and dwarfism.
Medical experts say these claims have some truth.
The Texas Fertility Centre has confirmed that sperm quality and quantity decline with age, leading to age-related male infertility.
Similarly, Healthline, a trusted medical portal, reports that men over 50 experience a significant drop in sperm quality, with sperm count and unhealthy lifestyle habits playing key roles in the decline.
Healthy Living Can Improve Sperm Strength
Professor Dakum, however, clarified that older men can still father healthy children if they maintain good sperm health.
He stressed that healthy living benefits both general well-being and sperm quality.
He said, “There may not be much to prevent if the man is already old, but living healthy improves general health and sperm health.
Options like embryo genetic selection or sperm DNA testing can reduce risks, though these are costly and not widely available. Donor sperm is also an option for couples facing such challenges.”
What This Means for Nigerian Men
The warning is clear: delaying fatherhood comes with health risks for both fathers and children.
Men who prioritize career or wealth before family may unknowingly endanger their future children’s health.
Medical experts now urge Nigerian men to plan early, get married before 40, and adopt a healthier lifestyle to protect their fertility.
With infertility cases rising in Nigeria, the advice serves as a wake-up call.
Alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diets, and late marriages are becoming common among Nigerian men. But experts insist that fertility should not be left to chance.
Starting a family earlier in life, avoiding harmful habits, eating well, and reducing exposure to toxins remain the most effective ways to preserve fertility.
For men who are already older, fertility specialists recommend medical consultations, sperm analysis, and lifestyle changes.
Genetic testing may also help reduce risks when planning for children.
Conclusion
Professor Dakum’s advice highlights an often-overlooked issue in male health. Sperm quality is not permanent, and time works against men just as it does against women.
Nigerian men now face a crucial decision: delay marriage and risk weak sperm, or act early and secure a healthier future for their children.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a major reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis in federal hospitals. The price has dropped from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.
This move comes as part of his administration’s push to make healthcare more affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
The announcement came on Monday through Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Information.
He revealed the development in a post on his official X, formerly Twitter handle.
According to him, the subsidy already covers several federal medical centres and teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Bwala explained that this policy has started running in major health institutions, ensuring that kidney patients now pay less for treatment.
He also noted that more hospitals will join the scheme before the year ends, giving broader access to citizens.
Currently, patients can access the reduced dialysis service at these hospitals:
1. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos
2. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja
3. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
4. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State
5. University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Borno State
6. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State
7. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
8. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, Bauchi State
9. University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State
10. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State.
More hospitals will be added as the program expands, Bwala confirmed. He stressed that Tinubu’s decision reflects his promise to put citizens’ welfare first.
By cutting costs, the government wants to ease the financial pain that families face while battling chronic illnesses.
Furthermore, this step is not an isolated policy. It fits into the Tinubu administration’s wider healthcare reforms.
Alongside dialysis subsidies, the government is rolling out oncology and diagnostic facilities to improve cancer and disease detection.
In addition, about 120,000 frontline health workers will undergo retraining to boost the quality of care across the country.
The President has also redesigned the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to make primary healthcare more accessible in rural and urban areas.
Another key reform is the approval of free Caesarean sections for vulnerable pregnant women in federal hospitals, further showing the government’s focus on saving lives.
With these reforms, Tinubu aims to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The reduction in dialysis cost, in particular, gives hope to thousands of kidney patients who have long struggled with overwhelming medical bills.
Featured
Nigerian scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu invents infrared goggles to detect cancer cells in real time
DDM News
(DDM) – Nigerian-born scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu has developed groundbreaking infrared goggles that allow surgeons to see cancer cells while operating.
The revolutionary technology makes cancer cells glow in real time, enabling surgeons to identify and remove tumors with higher accuracy.
Before this invention, doctors struggled to confirm complete tumor removal during surgery and often relied on lab results afterward.
Dr. Achilefu’s fluorescence-guided goggles eliminate that delay, improving precision and significantly reducing patient trauma.
The innovation also reduces the likelihood of repeat operations, giving patients a better chance at faster recovery.
DDM gathered that Dr. Achilefu, a distinguished radiologist, has published more than 300 scientific papers.
He also holds over 70 medical patents in the United States, cementing his place among the world’s leading innovators in medical science.
Born in Obingwa, Abia State, Nigeria, his academic journey took him across continents.
He earned a PhD in molecular physical and materials chemistry before completing postdoctoral training at Oxford University, focusing on oxygen transport systems.
Today, his work blends chemistry, engineering, and medicine to transform cancer treatment globally.
Surgeons using his device no longer have to rely solely on touch or sight to trace tumors.
Instead, the glowing effect of cancer cells under infrared light allows for precise cutting with minimal risk.
Medical experts say this innovation could revolutionize cancer surgeries worldwide.
Dr. Achilefu’s achievements are celebrated not only in the U.S. but across Africa, where he remains a source of inspiration.
He has received international awards for innovation, including recognition for improving global healthcare outcomes.
His invention underscores the power of African excellence in science and technology.
#TheAfricanDream continues to spotlight innovators shaping the world from humble beginnings.
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(DDM) — Waking up to find a wet pillow can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
While occasional nighttime drooling may be caused by simple factors like sleeping positions or temporary nasal congestion, persistent drooling during sleep could indicate deeper health concerns.
Medical experts told DDM that chronic drooling, medically referred to as sialorrhea, should not be ignored, as it may be an early warning sign of certain medical issues.
One possible cause is sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to mouth breathing and increased saliva flow.
Another is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and triggering excessive saliva production.
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or the aftermath of a stroke can also impair muscle control, making it harder to swallow saliva during sleep.
Allergies and sinus infections are another common trigger, as blocked nasal passages force individuals to breathe through their mouths, increasing drooling.
Dental issues, including misaligned teeth or oral infections, may contribute by affecting jaw alignment and swallowing patterns.
Lastly, certain medications, especially those with side effects that increase saliva production or relax muscles, can worsen nighttime drooling.
Health professionals recommend that anyone experiencing persistent drooling during sleep should seek medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions and find targeted solutions.
Possible treatments may include lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, dental corrections, or therapies to improve muscle control.
DDM gathered that, in some cases, treating the underlying condition, such as managing GERD or addressing allergies, can significantly reduce nighttime drooling.
Ignoring the symptom may lead to complications, including skin irritation, disrupted sleep, and social discomfort.
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