How effective is sex when trying to start labor?

Has anyone found having sex a good way to get labor started?|||Sex is the most well-known trick to begin labor. Semen has natural prostaglandins鈥?a hormone involved in the start of labor. If you use this technique, don鈥檛 get up right away and elevate your hips to help the semen stay on the cervix. This will help to thin and dilate it.





However, in late pregnancy, many women are not in the mood for intercourse. Simple loving activities that are part of your normal foreplay can help, too. Female orgasm has been known to open the cervix up to two centimeters. You can also ask your partner to gently stimulate your nipples, or heat up a towel in the dryer for a minute or two and place it over your breasts. This prompts the release of oxytocin. Do not do this constantly, however. For some women, contractions started within 20 minutes of doing this. If a half hour or so goes by, stop and maybe try it again another day


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Sex








AdvertisementSex as means of getting labor started is thought to work in three ways. Firstly, the movement may help to stimulate the uterus into action. Secondly, sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, the 'contraction' hormone. Thirdly, semen contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which help to ripen, or soften, the neck of the womb (cervix) ready for it to dilate when labor starts.





Is it safe?


Sex is safe as long as your waters have not broken. Once this has happened, making love may increase the risk of infection. You should also avoid sex if you have a low-lying placenta or have had vaginal bleeding. Men often feel uncomfortable making love to their partners with a baby so obviously in the way but the baby will not know what is happening and will not be harmed.





Does it work?


Not enough studies have been done but, if nothing else, it will take your mind off the waiting.





How do I try it?


At this stage in your pregnancy sex is easier said than done. Try spooning, with your partner entering from behind or use the bed as a prop: your bulge isn't an obstacle if you lie on your back at the side or foot of the bed with your knees bent, and your bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. Your partner can either kneel or stand in front of you. Alternatively, giving your partner oral sex may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina. (Note: you may prefer to keep this piece of information to yourself.)


http://www.babycenter.com.ph/pregnancy/l鈥?/a>|||It is only effective if you are starting to dilate. He also has to c u m inside of you to help ripen and thin your cervix. You also need to have an orgasm, which release a natural hormone called pitocin (what they give you in an iv to start labor only it is the real deal). If you do this, try and stay laid down for a bit afterwards so the semen has time to do it's magic :) Congrats and good luck!|||well i am 1cm dialated and 90% efface. sex hasnt worked for me. so i would say, not too effective. then again, i guess maybe it depends on the person, and the sex. haha|||It was very effective for me because I was 41 weeks. My husband and I tried having sex doggy style and I was in labor the next day. You can also try walking or nipple stimulation (both work almost as well).|||hi its only really effective if your labour is about to start anyway or your dilated any in early stages but how anyone can be bothered i dint know ha ha.|||My doctor recommended it to me, so me and my husband did it every other night during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy..didn't help! I was induced, unfortunately.