At what point may sex go from being amazing, to possibly triggering labor?

MegsTactical · September 2014

I am a second time mom, but my first daughter was from a previous relationship, where sex was almost non-existent. This time, my boyfriend and I are very sexually active. I have seen recommendations in late pregnancy for using sex to help jump-start labor. But where is the transition point? I am hoping my body will just know the baby is not ready. This may be a dumb question, but I wanted to ask.

nopegoat · September 2014

It won't until your body is ready to go into labor.

haleyusf · September 2014

The semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions, but it's not going to be enough to set you into a laboring pattern of contractions that result in birth unless the body is ready.

nopegoat · September 2014

Semen may help soften cervix a little and if you have an orgasm it could lead to contractions but unless your body is ready to go into labor and you have no complications or restrictions sex is fine.

Eora3 · September 2014

Talk to your OB if you are genuinely concerned. However, I wouldn't worry about unless you are supposed to be on pelvic rest.

In a few months, this board will be flooded with posts about ways to try and induce labor. Women will be attacking their significant others left and right (while eating pineapple and chugging RRL tea). It won't work. Unless your body is already at the tipping point of going into labor, it won't do a thing.

soulcupcake · September 2014

I have very little interest in sex right now, but that will change come early December. And sex won't do a thing unless your body is ready. And I've heard the effects of the semen/prostaglandins works best when ingested. :P

drpayne · September 2014

haleyusf said:
The semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions, but it's not going to be enough to set you into a laboring pattern of contractions that result in birth unless the body is ready.

It softens the cervix. It doesn't cause contractions.

CandEChicago · September 2014

MegsTactical said:
I am a second time mom, but my first daughter was from a previous relationship, where sex was almost non-existent. This time, my boyfriend and I are very sexually active. I have seen recommendations in late pregnancy for using sex to help jump-start labor. But where is the transition point? I am hoping my body will just know the baby is not ready. This may be a dumb question, but I wanted to ask.

I think your OB would be more qualified to answer this question.

MegsTactical · September 2014

As much as I give him bjs, I can't let him "finish" like that. The thought of everything I ingest going to the baby creeps me out too much.

Thanks guys! I knew it was a dumb question.

CandEChicago · September 2014

MegsTactical said:
As much as I give him bjs, I can't let him "finish" like that. The thought of everything I ingest going to the baby creeps me out too much.

Thanks guys! I knew it was a dumb question.

Or you could just not swallow.