When you’re nine months pregnant, you’ll try just about anything to speed up your baby’s arrival. You may even be thinking about trying to induce labor with sex.
Semen contains oxytocin and prostaglandins that can cause your cervix to soften, and doctors sometimes use synthetic versions of those chemicals to medically induce labor. But does it really work?
It’s a myth
A lot of pregnant women have heard from friends or read online that sex can induce labor. But is it really true? There’s not a lot of high-quality research about this topic, but some studies show that sex does not trigger contractions or speed up labor.
One reason that sexual activity might not cause labor is that it can simply lead to a hardening of the uterus, which are called Braxton Hicks contractions and aren’t the same as real contractions. Also, the contractions that occur during orgasm may not be strong enough to start labor on their own. However, if the contractions are regular and don’t stop when you change positions, they could be real labor contractions and it might be time to call your doctor.
During sexual intercourse, the nipples and breasts are stimulated, which can release oxytocin, a chemical that causes uterine contractions. This is a similar effect as the synthetic drug pitocin, which is used to stimulate labor in hospitals. However, this method of sex to induce labor is not recommended by medical professionals because there isn’t a good way to control the intensity of the oxytocin during sexual intercourse.
Regardless of how you go about sex to induce labor, it is important to remember that the baby will come when it’s ready. So be patient and enjoy your last months of pregnancy.
It’s not dangerous
Having sex to induce labor is not dangerous for women with normal, healthy pregnancies. However, it is important to speak with your doctor or midwife and follow their recommendations. Many people believe that sex will trigger labor, but research doesn’t support this claim. In fact, a study of 1,100 pregnant women found no link between sexual activity and induction of labor. However, the same study also found that women who had sex in the final weeks of their pregnancy were more likely to deliver before their due date than those who abstained from sexual activity.
In addition, sex can cause the release of hormones that trigger contractions. These hormones include prostaglandins and oxytocin. Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone” and is released during orgasms. It is the same hormone that doctors inject into patients to induce labor in a hospital. However, it is not clear whether these natural oxytocins from sex can trigger real contractions that lead to the birth of the baby.
Regardless of the position used, it is important that the sex is pleasurable and that the mother is comfortable. Orgasms are thought to trigger contractions by causing the uterus to contract and dilate. However, it is not clear if certain sex positions are better than others when it comes to triggering labor. A good option is to try a position that allows you to control the depth of penetration.
It’s not guaranteed
While it’s a tempting idea, there is no good evidence that sexual activity actually helps start labor. Rather, it’s more likely that having sex near your due date simply helps you reach full term faster. Some studies show that babies born after a woman has sex at the end of her pregnancy are usually born at a slightly earlier gestational age than those who have not.
Having sex may help your body prepare for labor by stimulating the cervix and encouraging uterine contractions. Orgasms mimic the motion of uterine contractions, and semen contains chemicals that encourage your cervix to soften and trigger them. But it’s important to note that these contractions are not the same as the strong, regular ones you experience during real labor. Instead, they are often described as a “hardening” of the uterus and are not on any predictable schedule.
Sexual intercourse releases oxytocin, which can cause contractions (the synthetic form of oxytocin is what’s used to medically induce labor). In addition, stimulation of the nipples during foreplay also releases oxytocin and can help you start labor naturally. Just be careful not to overstimulate the nipples or you could trigger too many contractions. If you do try to use sex as a way of triggering labor, it’s best to run it by your doctor first.
It’s not for everyone
There are a lot of different ways that women try to induce labor. From long walks to eating spicy foods, many pregnant people are willing to do anything to help their little one come out. Unfortunately, some of these methods are not very effective. However, sex might be able to kickstart the process if you’re comfortable with it. In fact, sex has been shown to stimulate the release of prostaglandin, which can simulate contractions and start labor. This method is not for everyone though, so make sure to consult your doctor before trying it.
The reason why sex might trigger labor is because it causes orgasms. The muscles in the uterus and vagina contract when you orgasm, which can help stimulate your womb (uterus) and cause the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is similar to pitocin, which doctors use to artificially initiate labor. Despite this, there is not much evidence to support the claim that sex induces labor.
However, if you’re overdue and just can’t wait anymore, then it might be worth giving it a shot. Just make sure your waters haven’t broken and speak to your ob-gyn or midwife first. They may tell you not to have sex, or they might recommend certain positions that are more likely to lead to contractions. In any case, you should never force a baby out unless you’re medically obligated to do so.
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