Making love to trigger labor: myth or reality?

It is not uncommon to hear that some couples have sex at a significantly higher frequency at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy in order to induce labor. Myth or reality? Making love to trigger labor is an effective method. Is this grandmother's trick, an old popular belief, or is it really effective advice?

Several factors lead us to believe that this is not a myth, But of a real fact! However, special attention should be paid to a few details. Indeed, in order to cause the onset of labor through sexual relationships, several elements must be present.

- First, the body must be completely relaxed in order to be able to reach orgasm and thereby secrete as much oxytocin as possible. In fact, orgasm causes the secretion of oxytocin, a hormone that has a major impact on the onset of labor and during delivery.
- In addition, during an orgasm, the uterus and vagina contract for an instant of a few seconds. While these contractions may help with cervical maturation and the onset of labour during late pregnancy, they are not strong enough to cause birth on their own.
- You should know that it is not mandatory to have a sexual relationship with penetration in order to secrete oxytocin. In this sense, making love at the end of pregnancy can help trigger labor even if it is only an exchange of caresses and tenderness. Nevertheless, women secrete hormones that are favorable to relaxation and to the beginning of work. Clitoral masturbation, alone or with your partner, is also an interesting alternative to reach orgasm and help the secretion of oxytocin.

‍

The role of sperm in inducing labor

Making love at the end of pregnancy can help trigger labor since sperm contains a hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone plays two important roles. It helps the maturation of the cervix and causes uterine contractions (with oxytocin). On the other hand, for it to be beneficial, the cervix must be open so that sperm can get there. It is therefore only during the end of pregnancy that its effect can help trigger labor.

If your cervix is already slightly open during pregnancy, your doctor or midwife may recommend that you avoid penetrative relationships. Some medical conditions are also contraindicated in terms of sexuality during pregnancy. Conditions such as vaginal bleeding, premature delivery to the previous pregnancy, placenta previa and premature rupture of membranes are important issues to consider as they could foresee significant risks.

If you have doubts about the possibility of continuing sexual relationships with or without penetration, talk to your treating professional or one of our Prenato nurses during your appointment.

‍

Make love because you want to

Making love to trigger labor may seem appealing, but the important thing is above all to do it with desire and desire on the part of both partners. At the end of pregnancy, it is completely normal to experience less sexual desire. So don't force yourself to make love for the sole purpose of triggering labor. In the same vein, if you make love only with the intention of bringing the baby out more quickly, your body and mind will be less relaxed, making you less likely to have an orgasm and therefore less likely to benefit from these benefits.

Finally, remember that no matter how many intimate relationships and orgasms you have, until your baby is ready to go outside, he will stay warm and cozy. So do it for pleasure and for your well-being... and so much the better if in the end making love helps to trigger your work!

‍

Born and growing up (2021): Sexuality during pregnancy: questions and answers https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/grossesse/sante-bien-etre/sexualite-durantgrossesse