Will Sex Bring on Labor

pregant woman and her husband

The Truth About Inducing Labor: What Really Works?

By the time you reach the last trimester of pregnancy, if you’re like most women, you’re likely tired of being pregnant. As the due date approaches, the anticipation of giving birth intensifies. The first thing to remember, though, is that due dates are simply an estimate. According to the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only about 5% of women actually give birth on their due dates. Due dates are typically calculated based on the date of the last menstrual period, but they are subject to change as doctors adjust them according to uterine measurements and ultrasound information. So, while you may be eagerly awaiting your due date, there’s no guarantee your baby will arrive on that exact day.

In fact, 37% of all women deliver between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. For those who pass their due date, time is often spent looking for creative ways to bring on labor. Of course, there are plenty of old wives’ tales surrounding this topic. Does sex help induce labor? Can walking bring on contractions? Does castor oil speed up labor? Are there safe and effective herbal remedies?

Doctors generally advise women to wait. If you pass your due date with no signs of impending labor, doctors will monitor you closely, typically seeing you at least twice a week. Just as delivering too early can be dangerous for the baby, so can going past your due date. This is especially true in the last few weeks of pregnancy when the baby is growing rapidly. A larger baby can lead to complications during birth. Additionally, after 40 weeks, the placenta’s effectiveness starts to decline, which is why doctors often perform stress tests to monitor the baby’s health. So, are the myths about inducing labor true? Can you do things at home to speed things up?

Let’s Investigate Some Common Ways Women Try to Induce Labor

One of the most popular methods for trying to induce labor is having sex. Many medical professionals agree that sex can be an effective way to bring on labor. Of course, having sex at 9 or 10 months pregnant might not always be comfortable, and some men may worry about harming the baby. (Note: There is no penis large enough to harm the baby during sex, according to medical experts.)

The reason sex is often recommended is that during intercourse, prostaglandins—hormone-like substances naturally found in semen—can help trigger labor. These prostaglandins mimic the medications doctors use to induce labor intravenously or cervically.

For sex to be effective in inducing labor, it’s important for the man to ejaculate inside the vagina, as it is the semen that contains the prostaglandins. The good thing about using sex to induce labor is that it’s generally safe, and aside from some discomfort, there are no major side effects. Just be sure to choose a position that doesn’t put pressure on your lower abdomen.

Other methods women commonly try to induce labor include walking, eating spicy foods, and using certain herbs like black cohosh (which is not recommended), castor oil, and evening primrose oil.

Walking
Taking long walks can be a good way to encourage labor. Walking increases circulation and oxygen flow, and can also put gentle pressure on the cervix, which may help initiate labor. Additionally, walking can reduce swelling and alleviate late-term back pain. However, be careful not to overdo it. You don’t want to arrive at the hospital exhausted!

Castor Oil
Castor oil is often recommended after the 38th week of pregnancy. However, most people end up with diarrhea, as castor oil doesn’t directly affect the uterus—it stimulates the bowels. The idea is that the bowel stimulation and pressure might trigger labor. If you choose to use castor oil, don’t take it before the 38th week, and be cautious not to take too much.

Herbal Remedies
Doctors generally advise against using herbal remedies like black cohosh to induce labor. While it was once a common method, cohosh can be harsh and may cause problems for both you and your baby. Evening primrose oil, which also releases prostaglandins, is considered safer but should only be used in small amounts and under medical guidance.

The Bottom Line
The best rule of thumb is to simply wait it out. Your baby will come when they’re ready. Doctors rarely allow women to go past 42 weeks, and if you’re receiving good obstetric care, you and your baby will be monitored closely once you pass your due date. If you just can’t wait, the safest—and most pleasurable—way to induce labor is having sex.

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