Can Having Sex Help Induce Labor? Here's What the Science Says
As a birthing person approaches their due date, it's common to wonder about ways to help labor start naturally. One method often suggested is having sex, but does it really work? In this Sweet Bee blog post, we'll explore the scientific evidence behind using sex as a natural method to induce labor. Remember, while this information is based on research, it’s important to discuss any new methods with your healthcare provider.
Theories Behind Sex for Labor Induction Sex as a natural labor induction method is based on three primary theories:
Prostaglandins in Semen: Human semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormones known to help soften and thin the cervix, potentially encouraging labor to start. Prostaglandins are often used in higher doses in medical settings to induce labor.
Oxytocin Release: Sexual activity, particularly nipple stimulation, can raise the levels of oxytocin in the body, a hormone that triggers uterine contractions. Oxytocin is also the hormone used in its synthetic form, pitocin, to induce labor in hospitals.
Uterine Contractions: During sexual intercourse and orgasm, the uterus may contract. These contractions might help start labor, especially in the final stages of pregnancy when the body is more prepared for labor to begin.
What Does the Research Say? To determine if sex truly helps induce labor, we can look at the findings from a 2019 meta-analysis that combined the results of three randomized control trials (RCTs) involving nearly 1,500 pregnant participants. These trials compared groups who were encouraged to have sex with those who were not, to see if there was any difference in how soon labor started. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the groups; about 82% of people in both groups went into spontaneous labor, meaning sex did not significantly increase the chances of labor starting.
Interestingly, fewer people in the sex-encouraged groups had emergency cesareans due to abnormal fetal heart rate patterns compared to the control groups. While this difference was statistically significant, researchers are still unsure why this happened.
The research also showed that the frequency of sex didn’t differ much between those encouraged to have sex and those who weren’t. Even when participants kept diaries of their sexual activity, the results indicated that those encouraged to have sex did not engage in it significantly more often.
Observational Studies: A Mixed Bag Observational studies, while less rigorous than RCTs, have produced mixed results. Some studies found that sex in the third trimester was linked to benefits like a shorter labor and less need for medical induction. For example, a study from Iran in 2010 found that birthing people who had sex in the final weeks of pregnancy were more likely to go into labor naturally and less likely to need an induction. However, another study found the opposite, with people who had sex later in pregnancy actually giving birth slightly later than those who didn’t.
Is It Safe? For most pregnancies, sex is considered safe, even in the third trimester. It does not increase the risk of preterm birth, and penetration doesn’t harm the baby. However, sex may not be safe in certain high-risk pregnancies, such as when there is a premature rupture of membranes, a low-lying placenta, or a high risk of preterm labor.
Conclusion The best available evidence suggests that sex is not a highly effective method for inducing labor. While there are logical reasons why it might help, research indicates that it does not significantly increase the chances of spontaneous labor. That said, sex is generally safe during pregnancy, so there’s no harm in trying if you and your partner are comfortable with it. Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure that it’s safe for your specific situation.
If you’re interested in learning more about natural labor induction methods, check out our previous posts on techniques like acupressure, breast stimulation, castor oil, and more. And remember, every pregnancy is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another.
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned for more posts in our series on natural labor induction methods, and be sure to check out our childbirth classes for more evidence-based information to empower your birthing experience.
References
Carbone, L., et al. "Effectiveness of sexual intercourse for inducing labor: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2019.
Tan, P.C., et al. "Sexual intercourse at term is not associated with spontaneous labor: A randomized trial." Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2007.
Skhavat, L., Karbasi, S. "Sexual intercourse and risk of preterm delivery." Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2010.
Foumane, P., et al. "Impact of unprotected sex on labor and delivery outcomes." Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 2010.
Schaffir, J. "Sexual activity during pregnancy and risk of preterm labor." American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2006.
