Does Sex Induce Labor?

Does sex induce labor? Some evidence suggests that sexual intercourse can trigger contractions, but more research is needed. Orgasms, for example, release the hormone oxytocin. This hormone is similar to drugs that healthcare providers administer to induce or speed up labor. Keep in mind, however, that sex will not induce labor if your body is not ready.

There are several other beliefs about ways to induce labor: eating spicy foods, dancing, taking a shot of castor oil, and more. By the time you are 40 weeks pregnant, you might be ready to try anything to safely induce labor. Read on to learn whether sex can induce labor and how it works.

Can Sex Induce Labor? 

It's a common belief that sex can induce labor. Research has shown that exercise and nipple stimulation can increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor. Sexual intercourse, however, may not be effective.

That said, it's not a fictitious idea. You could trick your body into thinking it's time for labor if you have post-climax contractions, but research is limited. Orgasms trigger a surge of oxytocin, which is key to the production of contractions. This hormone is similar to Pitocin (oxytocin), which healthcare providers use to induce or speed up labor.

How fast does sex induce labor? Some evidence suggests that rupture of membranes, or when your water breaks, may occur within 12 hours of sexual intercourse. Keep in mind that research is inconclusive.

How Does Sex Induce Labor

The physical rubbing of the cervix by the penis can stimulate the release of hormones that induce labor in people with a history of early labor or a weak cervix. Sex involves two hormones that are crucial to labor: oxytocin and prostaglandins.

There are a couple of theories about why sex could prime the body for labor. Orgasms release oxytocin, for example, which might trigger contractions. 

Sex causes mechanical irritation of the cervix, or the lowermost part of the uterus, which releases prostaglandins. Semen also contains high amounts of prostaglandins, which are introduced to the cervix during unprotected sex. Prostaglandins soften and open the cervix, which could lead to the onset of contractions.

Is Sex Safe in Late Pregnancy?

Sex is generally safe in late pregnancy, although it's unclear whether it can induce labor. You'll want to avoid sex, however, if your water has broken. Sexual intercourse may lead to infection if bacteria enter the vagina. Bacteria can reach the fetus if the amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus in the uterus, ruptures.

Use condoms to protect yourself and the fetus from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you are sexually active with a new partner. See a healthcare provider if you develop heavy bleeding and severe cramps after sexual intercourse.

Can Masturbating Induce Labor?

Masturbating causes the uterine muscles to contract, which may induce labor. Your body also releases oxytocin, which can trigger contractions if you orgasm when masturbating. You might try nipple stimulation to increase the chance of spontaneous labor.

How Can I Induce Labor Naturally?

Some people recommend castor oil to induce labor naturally, but it's not safe. Castor oil may cause dehydration, diarrhea, and nausea. Other herbs and supplements that are advertised to induce labor may also be unsafe.

Some safe methods to possibly induce labor naturally, in addition to sex and nipple stimulation, include:

• Acupuncture: This technique, common in traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting fine needles into the skin. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture might lead to cervical ripening and trigger labor.
• Dates: Research has found that eating dates might increase cervical ripening and dilation (widening).
• Exercise: You might be able to safely induce labor by walking briskly for 30 minutes per day, three times per day, during the last couple weeks of pregnancy.
  

Why You Might Not Want To Induce Labor

It might be beneficial to wait for labor to begin naturally, especially if you have not reached 39 weeks. Possible benefits for the fetus include:

• Ability to feed easily after birth 
• Decreased risk of breathing, hearing, or vision problems
• Increased time for the vital organs (e.g., the brain and lungs) to grow
• More time to reach a healthy birth weight 
• Reduced risk of health and learning disabilities later in life

A Quick Review

Sex is only likely to trigger labor if you are full- or past-term and have a low-risk pregnancy. Sexual intercourse releases the hormones oxytocin and prostaglandins, which may trigger contractions and open the cervix.

It's not dangerous to have sex in late pregnancy. You might give it a try if you are full-term. Keep in mind that sex can be unsafe and lead to infections if your water breaks.