With this series “Sex and Orgasm“, Gina and I both believe that a “natural” induction, is still an induction in a way. You are still using interventions to start labor before you may be ready.
There are risks and benefits to everything we do in life, and for one person it may be worth taking the risk for the benefit while another person it’s not worth it.
We always recommend discussing options with your provider and doing your own research before using any of the induction methods we discuss in this series.
Read our Week 1 Blog: Castor Oil here
What is it ( Sex and Orgasm ) and How does it work?
What do we mean when we say sex?
Sex in relation to induction of labor (for research purposes) is viewed as penetrative sex between two partners. In an opposite sex relationship this is with the male partner reaching climax to get the semen benefit for induction. In a same sex relationship, you are using any tools for the penetrative portion for cervical manipulation but without the benefit of the semen.
Why does it work?
In order to understand why Sex is thought to help induce labor, understanding the labor positive feedback loop that involves prostaglandins and oxytocin is helpful. This is the cycle that starts and sustain labor in our body. Where it starts we don’t know.
Oxytocin is released in our body which stimulates uterine contractions. This increases the amount of pressure on the cervix that leads to the release of prostaglandins in our body. Prostaglandins then tell the brain to release oxytocin. Then the cycle continues until a baby is born!
So based on the Positive feedback loop, the benefit of sex has multiple layers:
- Semen has ALOT of prostaglandins which is important for cervical ripening! It has the HIGHEST amount of prostaglandins known currently.
- Oxytocin, the love hormone, is released when we feel loved, aka during sex, and when we climax. Oxytocin also is what causes uterine contractions.
- Nipple/Breast Stimulation is used commonly during sex, and this helps with the release of oxytocin
- Manipulation of the cervix releases prostaglandins to help with cervical ripening and stimulate oxytocin release.
Orgasm
This is an important factor that is missed a lot! A lot of people understand the benefit of the semen for cervical ripening, but forget about the benefits of orgasm! When we orgasm we are releasing oxytocin in our body, so it is common to feel your uterus tighten and contract when pregnant after orgasm. This can be achieved during sex or masturbation.
Will it induce labor based on research?
Sex
Most research did not find a different between those who had sex and those who did not and when labor started. This was in most of the studies that used the randomized trial, which is considered the highest quality of research. More research in this area is definitely needed.
There were lesser quality research studies though that found some benefits! Benefits of sex during pregnancy and third trimester found that those who had sex were more likely to go into labor earlier, had shorter labors, lower rates of c-section, and less need for augmentation with Pitocin.
One study in particular published in 2018, found there was a significant benefit of sex during the third trimester of pregnancy! This study used a prospective study where they had a questionnaire that they had women fill out upon arrival to labor and delivery. They then were separated into groups “exposed” versus “non-exposed.” Exposed meant that they had sex at least once a week during their third trimester and the non-exposed did not have sex at least once a week.
They found that the exposed group had higher Bishop scores upon arrival, higher rate of spontaneous labor with shorter active labors, lower rates of induction, and lower rates of c-section.
Orgasm
When we orgasm we release oxytocin in our body which leads to uterine contractions. It is common to have tightening in the uterus at climax. There is research that showed that baby’s heart rate also has increase changes.
There was a study that found that there was a decreased rate of c-section for abnormal fetal heart rate in the group that had sex versus not had sex. So it is theorized that orgasm during pregnancy is preparing baby for the stress of labor! Similarly that exercise can help build a strong placenta and prepare baby for the stress of labor. Sex may do the same thing!
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9 hours of on-demand video
- Lifetime Access of E-Course
- Watch on Mobile Device
Risks & Benefits
Benefits
- Cervical Ripening
- Shorter labors
- Release of oxytocin, the feel good hormone
- Decreased risk of c-section
- Risk of c-section for abnormal fetal heart rate decreased
- Decreased risk of Induction
- Increased tolerance of labor by baby
- If libido is increased during pregnancy, it can increase your mood during pregnancy!
Risks
- Can be uncomfortable at end of pregnancy
- If your libido is low during pregnancy, may not be as enjoyable
- If water is broken – increased risk for infection (PROM)
- Not recommended for some High risk pregnancies
There are times when sex is not recommended during pregnancy. Discussing with your provider is recommended for High risk pregnancies to include Placenta Previa, Multiple Gestation pregnancies (twins etc), Shorted cervix, etc.
All the studied concluded that for LOW RISK pregnancies sex during pregnancy is safe! It does not lead to increased rates of preterm labor or harm to the baby!
Our Professional Opinion
Roxanne: Labor & Delivery Nurse
Sex and Orgasm can be kind of a taboo subject and not everyone is will ing to discuss it or talk about it. So i understand it can be uncomfortable to talk about with doctors and nurses, but I bring it up usually at some point during most triage visits.
For most heterosexual couples…we know how you got pregnant. For same sex couples, most are a little more open about talking about it.
I would always say to people who came into labor and delivery triage wanting to be in labor, “what gets the baby in, gets the baby out.” Even though it may not be supported by research I will probably still recommend it!
I tried it myself and if we have another child I will use it in my next one as well.
Mamastefit Survey Results
The Results of our Mini Survey we did on 9/21/2022 on Instagram. We asked out followers about Acupressure/Acupuncture and their experience.
Did you use Sex to try to induce labor? We had 2402 people answer
- 67% said Yes
- 33% said No
How many times a week? We had 1670 people answer:
- 41% said 1-2 times a week
- 25% said 3-4 times a week
- 5% said 5-6 times a week
- 29% said EVERYDAY!!
How did you go into labor? We had 2085 people answer:
- 62% said Spontaneous Labor
- 38% said Induction
If you needed to be induced, did you need cervical ripening? We had 1245 people respond
- 45% said Yes
- 55% said No
When having sex did both parties finish (aka orgasm)? We had 1597 people respond
- 59 % said Yes!
- 39% said Only them
- 2% said Only me
Did you include breast/nipple stimulation? We had 1537 people respond
- 62% said yes
- 38% said no
Did baby tolerate labor? We had 1601 people respond
- 68% said yes
- 15% said no
- 17% I don’t know, they didn’t mention anything