Sex causing labor?

brokensmyl · August 2011

So one of the ways to help kick start labor is sex. What exactly does sex do that it would help cause you to go into labor?

Sorry if this sounds really dumb, but could sex break your water?

When your water breaks, what is it like as far as texture, smell, etc. (for second time moms)?

DH and I had some... rough sex earlier (sorry for the TMI), and it just got me a little concerned.

jonnygurl76 · August 2011

i believe it is your orgasm that helps start contractions and the semen that can soften the cervix.....? but honestly i don't think it will help bring on labor until your body is ready to go into labor.

antosh2008 · August 2011

Y'all are about to start hearing of MANY different things that cause labor: pineapple juice, sex, standing on your head, eggplant parmesan, etc. The real true reason for the start of labor is a hormone in the baby. That baby decides when it's time. Not the pineapple juice!

brokensmyl · August 2011

I understand. I just know that out of everything that supposedly helps start labor, that sex is the main thing on the list. It is even on the birth plan that my doctor has (talking about naturals ways to start labor before trying medical ways).

rockchalkbride · August 2011

Popping over from Nov 2011...

The semen can help to soft the cervix. You aren't going to cause yourself to go into labor this early by having sex, so go ahead and have some fun while you can!

pete0121 · August 2011

Last Tuesday we had sex for the first time in a couple of weeks and I had contractions every 5 minutes for an hour. At my 30 wk appt the next day the doctor said not to have sex until 34 weeks. I said that the stimulation probably started the contractions and he did note that semen can soften the cervix.

With DS, we had sex and my water broke 4-5 hours later. I think, like most people say, it depends on the person, the body and the pregnancy.

forensicmama · August 2011

Prostoglandins are in the semen and the orgasm kick starts contractions. It only works if your body is ready for labor. No, it doesn't break your water - your cervix protects against that. Not sure of the smell, but I do know that if you are unsure what that liquid was, smell it - if it smells like urine, it's urine. If it doesn't smell like urine, then go in and get checked - could also be normal discharge. You never know until they test the liquid.

pearblossom · August 2011

forensicmama:
Prostoglandins are in the semen and the orgasm kick starts contractions. It only works if your body is ready for labor. No, it doesn't break your water - your cervix protects against that. Not sure of the smell, but I do know that if you are unsure what that liquid was, smell it - if it smells like urine, it's urine. If it doesn't smell like urine, then go in and get checked - could also be normal discharge. You never know until they test the liquid.

This. I'm a believer that if you're not ready, you're just not ready and none of the labor inducers will work. And vice versa. I can tell you from my first pregnancy that no amount of sex or masturbation did anything for my labor, both during the pregnancy and when I was overdue. I was always worried that I was leaking water too but I was just very dischargey. I was constantly sniffing my panties and trying to get DH to also.

LisaMarie_ · August 2011

As was mentioned.. sex can help by releasing a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. Additionally, semen contains a substance known as prostaglandins, which will help soften the cervix.

I am currently on pelvic rest.. meaning I am not allowed to have sex because of my placental abruption that I had and it is KILLING me that I can't!! lol Its not like you are 40 weeks pregnant, so go for it girl! Have no worries!

stabil19 · August 2011

Here is my question... probably TMI, but someone has to be able to help me out here...

I am not worried about this yet, but in about a month I will be. When I have an orgasm, half the time I ejaculate a LOT of fluid. Sooooo, how do you know it's not water breaking? I assume that painful contractions would soon follow water breaking but thought I would ask if anyone else had advice for me.

I have a feeling DH is going to lose interest in having sex for fear of hurting me or baby. He is already aprehensive. For the first time since I got my BFP I actually am wanting some action.

pearblossom · August 2011

stabil19:
Here is my question... probably TMI, but someone has to be able to help me out here...

I am not worried about this yet, but in about a month I will be. When I have an orgasm, half the time I ejaculate a LOT of fluid. Sooooo, how do you know it's not water breaking? I assume that painful contractions would soon follow water breaking but thought I would ask if anyone else had advice for me.

I have a feeling DH is going to lose interest in having sex for fear of hurting me or baby. He is already aprehensive. For the first time since I got my BFP I actually am wanting some action.

Honestly? I would get familiar with the smell of that stuff now. That way you will know later on if something is off. I know it's not exactly the most romantic afterglow activity...

jeanniez · August 2011

Hormone when you orgasam. It's a small amt of the one that the baby produces so it will only put you over the edge if you're close

hairspray77 · August 2011

There is a hormone in the semen that can help to soften the cervix and get things going. I'm pretty sure this wont happen until your body is ready to go into labor though.

Want a personalized experience?

Sex causing labor?

Re: Sex causing labor?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards