Best sex positions to induce labor: What works and what doesn’t
- Updated Dec 3, 2024
- Published
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Created with Nataliia Yermolovych, MD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Sex is often suggested as a natural method to help induce labor, since hormones like prostaglandins in semen may soften the cervix, while orgasms, which release oxytocin, may stimulate uterine contractions. The best sex positions to induce labor are missionary, spooning, and doggy style, as they may promote cervical ripening. However, sex won’t induce labor if the body isn’t ready, and results can vary.
By the time the end of the third trimester rolls around, many moms are ready to speed up the process and meet their baby as soon as possible. It isn’t surprising that after nine months of discomfort, pain, and aches, moms are ready to move on.
Sex and orgasms have long been suggested as natural methods for inducing labor, mostly because of the release of certain hormones that can affect the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions.
With so many women asking, ”does sex really induce labor?”, the answer revolves around the roles of prostaglandins, oxytocin, and other hormones that prepare the body, so you can give birth sooner.
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Does sex induce labor?
The short answer is “no.” But, sex helps your body prepare for labor more quickly. For example, a 2006 study from NCBI reported that sexually active women did tend to deliver sooner compared to those with no sexual activity in the trimester.
Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances found in semen help soften and dilate the cervix, a process medically known as cervical ripening. When having sex in the third trimester, particularly if ejaculation occurs in the vagina, the semen deposits prostaglandins directly onto the cervix. This has been shown to accelerate the natural process of preparing the cervix for labor.
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Does having an orgasm help induce labor?
Some women also wonder, “can orgasm help induce labor even without penetration?” The answer is yes! Orgasms trigger the release of oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin plays a vital role in stimulating uterine contractions, allowing the cervix to dilate and the baby to move down through the birth canal.
This hormone is used in Pitocin, a synthetic version of oxytocin that hospitals often use to medically induce labor. Alongside stimulating uterine contractions, orgasms help increase blood flow to the uterus and pelvis, potentially helping the body to transition into labor faster.
A 2014 study published by NCBI reported that the gestational age of babies born to sexually active couples was “significantly lower” compared to those born to couples who were not sexually active. This study suggests that sexual activity in the third trimester may very well be associated with bringing on labor.
Best sex positions to induce labor
As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, you may seek natural ways of inducing labor, and one of the most popular ones is having sex. There is a belief that certain positions can potentially help in stimulating labor. Here are some of them:
- Missionary: this is the best sex position to induce labor. The woman lies on her back while her partner is on top. This position might be helpful because of the deep penetration, which applies pressure to the cervix, potentially encouraging it to soften and dilate.
- Spooning: This is a side-lying position that allows for a gentler form of intercourse, so it is a suitable option for those nearing labor. Although it isn’t as intense in terms of penetration, it still helps increase blood flow to the pelvis, preparing the body for labor.
- Doggy style: Here, the woman stays on her hands and knees while her partner penetrates from behind. Similar to the missionary position, this one allows for deep penetration and creates pressure on the cervix. This position may also help align the baby’s head with the cervix, which might aid in moving labor along.
As we mentioned, sex itself won’t immediately start labor if the body isn’t ready, but choosing these sex positions—and having sex, in general—may help prepare the body to deliver sooner. Aside from the hormonal and relaxation effects, the active physical movement involved in these positions may also help encourage the baby to descend further into the birth canal.
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Sex positions to induce labor at 37 weeks
By 37 weeks, many women are already considered full-term and may be wondering, can sex induce labor at 37 weeks? While sex won’t start labor if the body isn’t ready, if you want to try, it’s crucial to choose safe and comfortable sex positions that don’t put too much strain on your body or cause discomfort. Aside from those mentioned earlier, consider these two:
- Modified Missionary: Lying flat on your back can be uncomfortable, so consider placing a pillow under your hips to reduce pressure. Such modification enables continued stimulation of the cervix and does not compress your lower back.
- On the edge of the bed: Consider lying on your back or side near the edge of the bed while your partner stands. This position helps reduce discomfort and allows for flexibility in penetration depth.
Timing: How long after sex does labor start?
Sex towards the end of pregnancy is often suggested as a natural way to help induce labor, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t guarantee immediate or even near-immediate labor. The timing of delivery after sex will vary greatly, if it happens, and there is no one answer to how long after sex does labor start.
Some other factors that may influence timing include:
- The body’s readiness for labor: as we mentioned, sex can only be effective if you are already close to labor naturally. If the cervix is not yet softening or dilating, sex won’t trigger immediate labor.
- Gestational age: for sex to have a positive effect on labor, a woman’s pregnancy should be considered a full-term (which is 37 weeks or more).
- Frequency and timing of sex: repeated exposure to semen’s prostaglandins over time may have a cumulative effect on ripening the cervix.
- Individual differences: every pregnancy and woman’s body is unique, so some individual factors may play a role in whether sex will help start labor or not.
Addressing myths: Does sex really induce labor?
While limited research exists and proves the validity of these methods, most studies indicate that having sex won’t immediately start labor. However, the smaller studies mentioned earlier show that having sex in the third trimester may help prepare the body for labor because of the small amount of prostaglandins present in semen (the same hormones that promote cervical ripening).
In addition, oxytocin, which is released during sex and female orgasms, may also cause uterine contractions. However, these contractions may not be consistent or lead to full-fledged labor.
It’s also essential to note that sex in general and even modified sex positions to induce labor won’t be safe for every pregnant person, and this should be discussed with a healthcare provider. For example, women with placenta previa or other pregnancy complications who have been instructed to stay on pelvic rest should avoid having sex during pregnancy.
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Questions from the Femia community
Can sex induce labor even if my cervix isn't dilated?
Sex itself won't immediately start labor, but it may help soften the cervix, preparing the body for a quicker and smoother delivery.
Can orgasm alone induce labor without penetration?
Orgasm can cause uterine contractions, which might help, but it's usually less effective without penetration.
What sex position induces labor faster?
No sex position will immediately start labor if your body isn't ready by itself. But, certain positions like missionary, spooning, and doggy style help promote cervical ripening for a faster delivery.
Does the frequency of sex affect the chances of inducing labor?
There's no specific evidence indicating that frequency has a direct impact, but consistent attempts may increase the chances of quicker delivery.
The bottom line
While sex and certain sex positions to induce labor may help prepare the body for the process, there is no guarantee that this method will immediately start or hasten labor. The release of hormones during sex can aid the process, but labor will only begin when the body is ready naturally. Always consult a healthcare provider to verify if sex is safe in your specific case and get personalized recommendations if you want to start labor sooner.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. “Prostaglandins.” Cleveland Clinic, 4 Nov. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24411-prostaglandins.
- Watson, Stephanie. “Oxytocin: The Love Hormone.” Harvard Health, 13 June 2023, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone.
- Tenore, Josie L. “Methods for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor.” American Family Physician, vol. 67, no. 10, 15 May 2003, pp. 2123–28. www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0515/p2123.html/1000. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.
- Tan, Peng Chiong, et al. “Effect of Coitus at Term on Length of Gestation, Induction of Labor, and Mode of Delivery.” Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 108, no. 1, July 2006, pp. 134–40. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.aog.0000223229.83920.af. Accessed 21 Aug. 2022.
- Kafaei Atrian, Mahboobeh, et al. “The Association of Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy with Labor Onset.” Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, 26 Dec. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341500/, https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.16465. Accessed 8 July 2022.
- NHS. “You and Your Baby at 37 Weeks Pregnant.” Nhs.uk, 8 Dec. 2020, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/28-to-40-plus/37-weeks/.
- Mayo Clinic. “Placenta Previa – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/placenta-previa/symptoms-causes/syc-20352768.
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