6 Best Sex Positions to Induce Labor

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Sex can get the baby in, and some think that it can also get the baby out! There is some reason to believe that sex can help kick-start labor when baby and mama are ready (and by 40 weeks, most mamas-to-be definitely feel ready!). Read on to learn more about how having sex can get you ready to meet your little bundle of joy.

Does Sex Induce Labor?

This is something that pregnant people, their partners, and health care providers have wondered about for hundreds of years and the final answer is: maybe. There are plenty of anecdotal reports and limited scientific support to suggest that having sex can help to bring on labor, but it is by no means a sure thing. We believe that for an otherwise healthy pregnancy, this falls squarely into the “can’t hurt, might help” category. Here’s why:

Semen and Prostaglandins: Semen is about 75% seminal vesicle fluid (doesn’t that sound sexy?), which contains prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help ripen the cervix and prepare it for labor; in fact, high doses of synthetic prostaglandins such as Cervadil and Cytotec are often used in labor inductions.
Orgasm and Oxytocin: Sex, and especially orgasms, trigger the release of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is known as the happy hormone, but it can also cause uterine contractions. Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is also often used to induce labor in birth centers and hospitals.

However, peer-reviewed studies, which are the gold standard when it comes to science and medicine, have not been able to definitively link sexual activity to the start of labor. Unless their health care providers have advised otherwise, people should have all the sex they want, even late in pregnancy, but they should not get their hopes up that it will lead to anything more than a good time.

Is It Risky to Have Sex When You’re Pregnant?

Any questions about your own health and pregnancy should be directed to your healthcare provider. You may be advised to avoid sex and/or orgasms if you are at risk for pre-term labor, if you have placenta previa, or if you have a significant history of urinary tract infections. It is generally accepted that sexual activity and orgasms are safe in a healthy, low-risk pregnancy as long as you are comfortable.

It’s also considered low-risk to attempt to get labor started by having sex, unless you have been advised otherwise. Sex may jump-start labor if your body is ready, but it’s not going to do anything if the baby is determined to continue baking. It also won’t bother your baby at all, so don’t worry about that.

What Types of Sex Positions Induce Labor?

We explained above that if sex gets labor going, it’s likely due to the prostaglandins in your partner’s semen and the oxytocin that is released when you orgasm. So the best positions for this little experiment are those where your partner ejaculates as close to the cervix as possible and you are able to have a strong orgasm. Our recommendations are:

1. Cowgirl

Cowgirl is where the receiving partner straddles the penetrating partner. It lets the receiving partner control the angle and depth of penetration, which means that the pregnant receiving partner can bear down when their partner is close to ejaculation to get the semen as close to the cervix as possible. It also means that the receiving partner can move in the ways that feel best to them and/or enjoy clitoral stimulation; both of these will help lead to orgasm.

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner lies on their back and the receiving partner kneels, squats, or straddles on top.
The receiving partner lowers themself on the penetrating partner’s erection. The penetrating partner can brace their penis with their hand.
Either partner can stimulate the receiving partner’s breasts and clitoris.

2. Standing Doggy

This is a good position when one partner is heavily pregnant because their belly will not get in the way. The pregnant person can also enjoy support from the wall or bed in front and their partner behind them, so it is easy on an aching back. The penetrating partner will be able to go deep in this position, and it is also a good position for G-spot stimulation and orgasms for the pregnant partner.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner stands with legs slightly spread. They can brace themself against a wall or bend slightly over a bed or couch.
The penetrating partner enters from behind. They can also reach around to caress the receiving partner’s body.

3. Reverse Cowgirl

Like the classic cowgirl position, this puts the receiving partner in control. It’s also easy to do with a big beautiful belly. Reverse cowgirl may also offer more G-spot stimulation than classic cowgirl, but this does depend on how your bodies line up. It is a position that is known for deep penetration, which is one of our goals here.

What We’re Doing

The penetrating partner lies on his back. Legs can be straight or slightly bent to support the receiving partner.
The receiving partner faces away from the penetrating partner and kneels or squats over them.
The receiving partner lowers themself on the penetrating partner’s penis. The penetrating partner can brace their penis with their hand.

4. Spooning

This is another position that is comfortable in late pregnancy, and we have to be comfortable to have good orgasms! Side-lying relieves the pressure that a pregnant belly exerts on the pelvis and back. It’s also easy for the penetrating partner to go deep because the pregnant belly won’t be in the way.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their side, with knees slightly bent and back arched.
The penetrating partner lies on their side behind the receiving partner, like two spoons aligning in the drawer, and enters from behind.

5. The Hound

This position lets the pregnant receiving partner relieve pressure on their back. They can also use a pillow under the belly for additional support. The penetrating partner can ejaculate very deeply inside the receiving partner. There is also the opportunity for good orgasms for the receiving partner with G-spot and/or clitoral stimulation.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner gets on their hands and knees, with their head down. They may feel better with a pillow supporting their belly.
The penetrating partner kneels behind the receiving partner and enters from behind.

6. Nipple Stimulations

While this isn’t technically a sex position, we’re including it here because it can be incorporated in any of the positions we’ve listed above (or any other position). It’s also something that you can do even if intercourse is uncomfortable in a very late pregnancy. We recommend trying this in small doses, at least at first. It can feel very intense.

As this Yale School of Medicine study explains, nipple stimulation releases oxytocin and causes uterine contractions, both of which can jump-start labor. It is important to note, though, that the contractions can be as uncomfortable as labor contractions but not productive. This is not dangerous to you or your baby, but you may not enjoy it.

Nipple clamps are one way to stimulate your nipples. You can also use your fingers, your partner’s fingers, your partner’s mouth, or a breast pump. (You may leak colostrum or milk if you use a powerful pump.)

What We’re Doing

Stimulate your nipple and areola. If your nipples are very sensitive, you can do this through a thin t-shirt or silk scarf. You can also use a gentle fragrance-free oil or lotion on your nipple.
Focus on one breast at a time. Do not stimulate for more than five minutes at a time, and rest for at least 15 minutes before resuming stimulation.
If your contractions last a minute or more or are less than three minutes apart, take a break. (Or, get ready to have a baby!)

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Maggie Hart

Maggie Hart has written about sexual well-being and sexuality in society for quite a few years now. She is active in communities that celebrate sex for older adults.