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As expectant parents eagerly await the arrival of their little bundle of joy, the last few weeks of pregnancy can often feel like a waiting game. At this point, you may be curious about safe and effective methods that can help induce labor.
Amidst a wealth of advice and old wives’ tales, one intriguing suggestion stands out: engaging in sexual activity. Yes, you read that right. It turns out that the intimate act of lovemaking may strengthen the emotional bond between partners and potentially introduce labor.
Does Sex Induce Labor?
The question of whether sex can induce labor is an interesting one with mixed findings. While many parents-to-be believe that having sex can help bring on labor, scientific evidence to support this claim is limited. Here are the main theories and findings:
- Semen and Prostaglandins: Semen contains prostaglandins, hormones that help ripen the cervix. This can potentially make it easier for the cervix to open during labor.
- Orgasm and Oxytocin: Orgasms can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions. Theoretically, this could help induce labor, but no conclusive evidence proves it works effectively.
- Physical Stimulation: The physical act of sex and the subsequent stimulation may help to start uterine contractions.
Despite these theories, comprehensive studies, such as those reviewed by BabyCentre and Nebraska Medicine, indicate there is no definitive proof that sex will induce labor. It’s considered safe to have sex late in pregnancy as long as your water hasn’t broken and there are no other complications like a low-lying placenta or recent vaginal bleeding. It’s a fun and harmless activity for overdue couples looking for ways to naturally induce labor, but they should not rely on it as a guaranteed method.
Are there any risks with having sex during pregnancy?
Healthcare professionals generally consider sex safe during a low-risk pregnancy, but every pregnancy is unique, and there may be certain instances where sexual activity could pose risks.
If there is a history of identified risk of preterm labor, your doctor may advise against having sex to reduce the potential stimulation of contractions. If the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix, otherwise known as placenta previa, sex may also be discouraged. Some individuals can be more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy. In this case, engaging in sexual activity with an untreated infection could increase the chance of complications. Other risks include ruptured membranes, specific medical conditions, and pain or discomfort.
Remember, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before attempting any techniques or sexual positions to induce labor, including engaging in sexual activity. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and existing conditions, and guide you on the best course of action throughout your pregnancy. If your doctor gives you the go signal, you can start trying some of the best pregnancy sex positions we talked about in this article.
Another important point is that if your body isn’t ready just yet for delivery, nothing can get it going, hence why sex at any stage of pregnancy is safe. As long as you don’t have any complications like preterm labor or placenta issues, engaging in sexual activity during pregnancy generally does not have an impact on your baby.
What types of sex positions induce labor?
In this article, we will explore six of the best sex positions rumored to have a stimulating effect on labor, shedding light on the science behind these claims and offering insights into how they can be practiced safely and comfortably. So, if you’re curious about exploring this unique avenue toward welcoming your little one into the world, read on to discover these intriguing positions and their potential benefits.
Cowgirl
The cowgirl position, where the woman straddles her partner, allows her to control the movement and depth of penetration. This position is comfortable and intimate and also uses gravity to help push the baby down towards the cervix, potentially stimulating labor.
Deeper penetration in this position can help the semen’s prostaglandins reach the cervix more effectively, aiding in its ripening. Additionally, the control and movement involved can lead to a higher likelihood of orgasm, releasing oxytocin, a hormone that can stimulate uterine contractions and help induce labor naturally.
How To Do It
- With the man lying down, straddle him and climb on top.
- Using your hand, guide his penis inside of you.
- Slowly move your hips front and back or in a circular motion, whichever feels best.
- Continue doing this until you orgasm.
Standing Doggy
The standing doggy position can be an effective way to use gravity and deeper penetration. This position helps in directing semen closer to the cervix, which may aid in the release of prostaglandins, hormones known to help soften and ripen the cervix in preparation for labor.
Moreover, standing doggy can be an effective way to stimulate the G-spot, potentially leading to an orgasm that releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that can induce uterine contractions, making standing doggy enjoyable and a potential method to naturally encourage the onset of labor.
How To Do It
- Both partners stand up with the man behind the woman.
- The woman bends down on the counter or any surface.
- She spreads her legs open.
- The man enters from behind and uses his hips to gently thrust in and out.
- Continue this movement and find what feels good.
Nipple Stimulations
While Nipple stimulation may seem like one of the easiest ways to induce labor, it can be quite powerful, particularly in late pregnancy, but do keep in mind that this method is recommended for low-risk pregnancies. We discussed the hormone oxytocin earlier, and massaging the nipples is one way to release oxytocin.
The image above represents a woman using nipple clamps. If you want to try using them, you can check out the best nipple clamps we ranked and tested.
How To Do It
- Choose your tool: your or your partner’s fingers, mouth, or a breast pump.
- Gently rub your nipple and areola either over thin clothing or directly on your skin. You can also use lubricant or oil on your nipple for added comfort.
- Practice care. To prevent overstimulation, focus on one nipple or breast at a time. Take breaks during contractions, and stop when the contractions are around three minutes or less or when they last a minute or more. Lastly, keep stimulation for five minutes and rest for at least 15 minutes before doing this again.
Reverse Cowgirl
We all love a good cowgirl but flip the cowgirl around once in a while. The woman is in control, and this sex position is known to be comfortable, even in the last few weeks of the pregnancy. While Reverse cowgirl offers the same advantages as the traditional cowgirl, one pro to this sex position is that it stimulates your clitoris, increasing the chances of achieving an orgasm.
The better the woman orgasms, the more chances your uterus will begin contracting. If the deep penetrations of the reverse cowgirl are your thing, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy sex positions for deep penetration as well.
How To Do It
- The man lays down with his knees bent or legs stretched out.
- Facing away from him, straddle the lying partner and climb on top.
- Similar to cowgirl, lean forward and reach behind to grab your partner’s penis or strap on and insert it.
- Place your arms on your partner’s legs and bounce your hips up and down.
- Move your hips in a circular or grinding motion. This helps with deeper and fuller penetration, leaving you feeling satisfied.
Spooning
When a woman is late in her pregnancy, spooning can be one of the most comfortable sex positions, as laying on her side removes the pressure off of her uterus and back. It is also a great sex position to induce labor because the woman gets to relax and enjoy while having intercourse at the same time. Now, doesn’t that sound perfect?
How To Do It
- The man and woman lie on their sides facing the same direction.
- The woman or small spoon bends their top leg before the man. This makes it easier for the man in terms of access and also facilitates deeper penetration.
- The man inserts his penis into the woman from behind.
- He moves his hips upward and downward, with both partners feeling every sensation.
The Hound
The Hound is great for deep penetration, which can help direct semen closer to the cervix. This setup can potentially aid in releasing prostaglandins, hormones that soften and prepare the cervix for labor.
This position also takes advantage of gravity, helping the baby move lower into the birth canal. Additionally, the physical activity and stimulation of the G-spot can lead to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes uterine contractions, making the Hound a good and enjoyable way to potentially encourage the onset of labor.
How To Do It
- Start with doggy style where the woman gets on her hands and knees.
- The man kneels behind her and leans forward over her back. He can then cup her breasts or rub her nipples.
- The man guides his penis inside the woman, and they have sex from behind.
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