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. There are sex positions to induce labor. It turns out that the intimate act of lovemaking may not only strengthen the emotional bond between partners but also potentially introducing labor.
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Does Sex Induce Labor?
Sexual intercourse is often suggested as a natural method to induce labor for a pregnant woman. So, ironically, sex may be what caused the pregnancy, but it could also be the way out. Though research has not definitively proven that sex induces labor naturally, this doesn’t mean you can’t try (and enjoy) this method for yourself.
How does Sex Induce Labor?
Sexual intercourse can stimulate labor in several ways, one of them being through semen. Scientists say that semen has the most concentrated amount of prostaglandins. These are the compounds that produce effects similar to hormones. When human sperm enters the vagina during sex, these prostaglandins get deposited near the cervix. This then softens it to prepare it for dilation. It can even cause the uterus to contract.
Uterine contractions that are produced by the female orgasm can also induce labor. However, these could just be false contractions called Braxton-Hicks. On the other hand, it could turn out to be the real thing if the contractions gain strength and rhythm. Oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’ due to its role in sex, reproduction, and romantic relationships, can cause uterine contractions. It is given in its synthetic form, pitocin, either to start or hasten labor.
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 infections such as 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 to take into consideration include ruptured membranes, specific medical conditions, and pain or discomfort.
Remember, it is 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 any 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
When it comes to sex positions that help induce labor, the Cowgirl often finds its way into the conversation, as it offers an exciting twist to intimate encounters. Pregnant women and most women, in general, enjoy this sex position as it gives them control over the depth and pacing of penetration. You can find more sex positions that women love right here.
A huge plus is that the bump won’t get in the way. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the vagina can become tender and swollen, causing quick penetration to be uncomfortable. But with this position, you can decide what feels best for you.
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
Standing doggy is another great sex position to induce labor. Again, it’s great for women because their bellies won’t get in the way. This makes penetration from behind pleasurable, but men should still be careful, as deep penetration while standing could cause some discomfort. Perhaps other standing sex positions will work better for you.
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 similar to doggy style, uses his hips to go 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 talked about 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, your partner’s mouth, or a breast pump.
- Gently rub your nipple and areola either over thin clothing or directly on your skin. You may also opt to use lubricant or oil on your nipple for added comfort.
- Practice care. To prevent overstimulation, try to 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 to 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 every 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 in front of 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 an intimate sex position that is considered a variation of the doggy style. Leaning forward allows the guy to reach further and possibly incorporate some nipple or breast stimulation. Plus, it can even be great for clitoral stimulation.
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.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, folks. Sex might be one way to induce labor, and we’ve provided you with the six best sex positions to do so. But ultimately, while the idea that sex can induce labor is intriguing, it is essential to approach it with caution and consult your doctor. Once you’re given the go signal, try these positions out and see how things go. If it doesn’t induce labor, then it may just be a pleasurable way to pass the time until your baby is born.
Thanks for reading my guide for the best sex positions to help induce labor!
Sandra
Do you have any sex position questions? Ask us on Twitter.
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