Best Sex Positions to Get Pregnant and How They Support Conception
Shanti Kearney
Video
2 min
In this quick video from the Myth-Busting Sex and Fertility series, Shanti Kearney takes on the popular belief that missionary is the best position for conception. Watch in just a few minutes to get the facts and break free from the myths!
Many people trying to conceive come across advice about the best sex positions to get pregnant. These ideas often sound convincing, but many of them are based on old myths rather than science. What actually supports conception is how sperm reaches the cervix, not the exact angle or position used during sex.
Understanding what truly influences this process can help couples feel more confident during their fertility journey. Instead of relying on assumptions, it helps to look at what research shows about sperm movement, deeper penetration and how ejaculation placement supports conception. This offers clearer guidance than simply choosing the supposed best position to get pregnant.
Quick answer: Studies show it is possible to get pregnant in almost any position, even those that go against gravity. There is no single best sex position to get pregnant. What matters most is that ejaculation occurs close to the cervix, which naturally supports sperm on its way toward the fallopian tubes.
Why the Best Sex Positions to Get Pregnant Is a Myth
The belief that one specific position increases the chances of conception is common, especially the idea that missionary is the most effective. The video makes it clear that this is not supported by scientific evidence. Research shows that pregnancy can occur in nearly any position, even when the sperm has to swim upward against gravity.
Sperm are capable of moving through cervical mucus and traveling toward the fallopian tubes regardless of the angle of intercourse. This means that even positions that seem less favorable can still lead to pregnancy. The myth exists because people assume gravity controls the process, but sperm movement is driven by biological mechanisms that do not depend on position.
How Sperm Reaches the Cervix During Conception
Studies indicate that sperm are designed to travel independently of gravity. After ejaculation, sperm begin moving through the cervix and toward the fallopian tubes using their own tail movement and the support of cervical mucus. This process happens whether a person is lying down or in a position that appears less supportive.
What does influence the process is how close the sperm is deposited to the cervix. When ejaculation happens closer to the cervical opening, sperm have a shorter distance to travel. This is why deeper penetration can offer some supportive benefit, but it does not limit pregnancy to only certain positions.
Positions That Can Support Conception Through Deeper Penetration
While there is no single best position to get pregnant, the video highlights that positions allowing deeper penetration can help place sperm closer to the cervix. This does not guarantee pregnancy but may support the process.
These positions include:
Missionary
Common and comfortable for many people. It allows close body contact and can place sperm near the cervical opening. This is likely why the myth began.
Doggy style
Allows deeper penetration for many couples, which can position sperm closer to the cervix during ejaculation.
Legs on shoulders
This position often creates an angle that allows deeper penetration as well. It can support sperm placement but is not required for conception.
The important point is that these positions only support sperm placement. They do not control whether pregnancy happens. Conception can still occur in any position.
Why Gravity Does Not Decide Pregnancy
A key point from the video is that sperm are not dependent on gravity to reach their destination. Even in positions where the body is angled away from the cervix, sperm are still capable of swimming upward. Studies have shown pregnancy can occur even when the position seems unfavorable.
This is because sperm movement relies on:
- Their own swimming capability
- The fluid environment of the cervix
- Natural reproductive processes
- Timing of ovulation
Gravity does not prevent sperm from reaching the egg. This is why the idea of only using positions that work with gravity is incorrect.
What Actually Matters Most for Conception
These insights highlight that the focus should not be on choosing the best sex position to get pregnant. Instead, couples should understand the factors that truly support conception.
These include:
Placement of sperm
Ejaculation close to the cervix helps reduce the distance sperm must travel, but does not restrict pregnancy to certain positions.
Timing
Conception is most likely when intercourse happens during the fertile window.
Healthy sperm movement
Sperm naturally swim toward the egg regardless of position.
Comfort and relaxation
The speaker encourages couples to use positions that feel comfortable and natural for them. Stress or pressure often reduces enjoyment, which can make intimacy feel forced.
The message is simple. Use the positions that feel best, and the body will handle the rest.
Letting Go of Pressure Around the Best Position to Get Pregnant
The speaker encourages viewers to let go of the pressure to choose a perfect position. Many people become stressed trying to optimise intercourse, but this is not necessary for conception. The human body is designed to support fertilisation through many positions and circumstances.
The video also reminds viewers to explore other positions that allow deeper penetration if they prefer, and to use their own imagination rather than limiting themselves to a single idea. The goal is to remove anxiety around sexual technique and focus on the natural process.
Conclusion
There is no single best sex position to get pregnant. The idea that missionary is the most effective position is a myth. Pregnancy can happen in almost any position because sperm are capable of swimming through the cervix regardless of gravity. What supports conception is sperm placement near the cervix, which can be achieved through various positions that allow deeper penetration, such as missionary, doggy style or legs on shoulders. Couples should choose positions that feel comfortable and natural, without worrying about perfect technique. Understanding how conception works helps reduce pressure and makes the journey feel more relaxed and informed.
