Intercourse to get labor going?

Question

I am going to be induced on monday because I will be a week overdue- does this tale work? willing to try, but I have read there is no scientific proof that it does anything! any luck

Answer 1

This happened to my friend. Her orgasm made her uterus start contracting and she went into labor.

Answer 2

Intercourse is said to get things started in two ways- orgasm is basically the uterus contracting and sometimes the uterus will keep contracting after sex, therefore putting you into labor.

The other way is that semen contains hormones called prostiglandins. They can help soften the cervix preparing it for labor. Having your husband "deposit" some semen near your cervix is said to help prepare the cervix for labor.

Of course, this doesn't always make labor happen. If it did there would be no need for man-made labor inducing drugs.

A few things to keep in mind- they guy that determined that a human pregnancy is only 40 weeks long died in 1856! that's a long long time ago. Recent studies indicate that human gestation is actually, on average, 41.2 weeks- or 41 weeks and 2 days.

and... babies are the ones that are the main players in determining when they are ready. They release small amounts of a hormone called oxytocin and this gets into the mother's blood stream and then kicks mom into labor.

And if you were to wait for baby to come in his/her time there is less chance for respiratory issues, colic, difficulties breastfeeding, and a host of other issues- not to mention that an induction raises your chance of a c-section by 50%- and c-sections have their own risks as well.

You are completely within your rights as a mom/patient/woman/human to reschedule or even cancel your induction if you feel you would rather wait for your baby to choose his own due date.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

There is sound theoretical reasoning behind the "sex to start labor" idea. The three major theories are:

1. A man's semen contains prostaglandins, hormones that are also present in a woman's body and which act to soften and thin the cervix in preparation for labor.

2. Nipple massage triggers release of oxytocin, a molecule that encourages muscle contraction. When an induction occurs, the doctors are actually giving you a form of oxytocin to force your uterus to start contractions.

3. Female orgasm causes contractions of the uterus, and some people think that if you can get the contractions started that way, they will continue if baby is ready to come out.

From personal experience, my water broke at home the morning after I had intercourse with husband (I was at 38 weeks). The doctors forced me to take the oxytocin in an effort to deliver within 24 hours of my waters breaking. It didn't work and my uterus didn't make the rhythmic contractions, it just constantly contracted. I ended up having a C-section and a healthy baby girl.

Answer 4

I did hear this can be true. Sperm has a hormone that can cause your uterus to contract.Also having an orgasm causes contractions which indeed could set off labor especially since you are past due. You poor thing being a week overdue. Well you can try it,otherwise you only have a couple more days left!!! Try to relax and rest as much as possible you will need all of your energy for the big day. Have you lost your mucous plug yet?

Answer 5

I was told by my OB, an OB nurse and an OB at Tufts Medical center that a mans ejaculate contains a chemical that can induce labor.

It is a very safe method to get labor going. A meal of a salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing and something spicy to follow can also help as well as being on your hands and knees scrubbing a kitchen floor or a bathroom. The position and activity can help better than walking.

Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 6

My mother told me last weekend that it worked for her with both of her children. It started labor with my brother. With me, it made her water break and she actually had to be induced twice.

The (layman's) scientific explanation is that something in the semen causes the cervix to soften, which supposedly gets things going.

Good luck.

You could try reading this:
http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/tired_of_being_pregnant

Answer 7

The hormone in the semen actually softens your cervix and just having intercourse once will most likely do nothing for you. If you have intercourse multiply times or have the big o you are more like to go into labor. my husband and I are on our third and it seemed to help bring it on for the first 3. if you are desperate might i suggest nipple stimulation.

Answer 8

It worked for me. I lost my mucous plug almost immediatly after and 2 days later i was in labor. I was almost 2wks overdue, and due to be induced on the day i went in. They still put me on pitocen (EEk is that how its spelled) though. I think its the uterus, semen or combo. I know I didnt care much about getting mine.....I just wanted his stuff....HEEEHEE! ok TMI!

Answer 9

It did not work for me. It was the last thing on my mind but I tried it to help start labor....maybe you will have better luck.

Answer 10

I asked my doctor this same question when pregnant with my first and he said that the only way that this is effective is if you are already in active *early* labor. But hey... enjoy trying! ;)


Im not at all saying to have sex after losing your mucous plug or after consistent contractions! ;)

Answer 11

. Unless otherwise specified by your doc It cant hurt . I tried with my 1st and it didn't work for me I was 5 days over due. It may or may not work but if you feel up to it give it a try.