Does Sex Induce labor?

"Does sex induce labor?" is a question often asked of practitioners by their pregnant patients.  However, the role of sexual intercourse in the initiation of labour is uncertain due to the limited amount of data available. It's not necessarily associated with starting labor but may help to ripen the cervix. Semen contains a high proportion of prostaglandins, which cause the cervix to "ripen", or soften and prepare to open. Sex can help the cervix to dilate and efface by depositing these prostaglandins on the cervix.


Furthermore, nipple stimulation may also have play a part in that it is known to release oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions.  In addition, orgasms produce oxytocin.   So, between these factors, it is reasonable to suspect some stimulation of labor can occur from intercourse.


However, for women who have complications such as sciatica, pubic symphysis dysfunction or other health issues which make intercourse too painful to attempt or ill-advised for their circumstances, there may be alternative options that provide some of the same benefits.   This method can also be used by other women who are simply too uncomfortable, exhausted from work, have other children to attend to or simply don't desire sex at 9 months pregnant. 


As an alternative to intercourse, some women have reported collecting semen in a condom, a diaphragm or a Diva cup to hold the semen against the cervix. A Diva cup is designed for use during menstruation as an alternative to pads or tampons. There are no studies to support its effectiveness for cervical ripening, but anecdotally, women have also reported using this method to conceive with success.



References

Kavanagh J, Kelly AJ, Thomas J. Sexual intercourse for cervical ripening and induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003093. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003093.

French L. Oral prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003098. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003098.

Top of Page



Page Last Modified by Catherine Beier, MS, CBE

Most Popular

Follow Us

Giving Birth Naturally Facebook     Giving Birth Naturally RSS     Giving Birth Naturally Twitter

Online Childbirth Classes

Birth Bound Institute

Choose 7 week, 12 week, or Self- Paced online childbirth classes available wherever and whenever you need them.

Featured Birth Story

Vanessa's natural birth story shows that when birth is left alone to proceed as it should, it waits for no one - not even doctors or midwives.

Free Pregnancy Tickers

Free Pregnancy Tickers

Create a free pregnancy ticker to post on your blog, website, Facebook profile or favorite social media...

The Birth Survey

The Birth Survey


© 2007-18  GivingBirthNaturally.com :: All Rights Reserved

32424 N 1600 East Rd :: Blackstone IL 61313 :: 312.574.0309



Official PayPal Seal IBCIM.ORG Merchant Seal of Approval