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Chapter 22 - Sex for Induction of Labor

from Section 2 - Specific Issues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 November 2022

By
Jazleen Dada  and
Stefania Ronzoni
Edited by
Dan Farine  and
Pablo Tobías González
Dan Farine
Affiliation:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Pablo Tobías González
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina de Parla, Madrid
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Summary

The relationship between sexual intercourse and its role in onset of spontaneous labor has been questioned for decades. Intercourse for the induction of labor is regarded by many as a “natural” method for initiating labor. Possible physiological explanations for this include prostaglandin action of sperm, oxytocin production via breast/nipple stimulation, and direct mechanical effect of sex on uterine contractions. This chapter reviews the most current literature on these theories and whether increasing the frequency of sexual intercourse hastens the onset of spontaneous labor. Limitations of the recent literature and internet/social media sources are also highlighted in detail. Other alternative and popularized “natural” methods of inducing labor, such as physical activity, acupuncture, and herbal remedies, are also analyzed. Ultimately, most robust studies reveal there is no evidence to suggest that sex at term has an effect on spontaneous onset of labor or adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Simultaneously, there are no known harmful consequences in engaging in sexual activity for those patients with low-risk pregnancies.

Keywords

induced laborsexintercoursepregnancynipple stimulation
Type
Chapter
Information
Sex and Pregnancy
From Evidence-Based Medicine to Dr Google
 , pp. 165 - 172
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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