At the end of pregnancy, sexual intercourse can promote the onset of childbirth, thanks to mechanically induced contractions and because sperm contains prostaglandins.
During pregnancy, sexuality is disrupted. The desire of women changes, but also that of men. Sensations can be heightened during intercourse, which is never dangerous for the baby. And making love at the end of pregnancy can trigger labor, even if it’s rare!
Interview with Dr. Sylvain Mimoungynecologist and specialist in sexuality (1).
Can making love trigger labor?
Dr. Sylvain Mimoun : It’s rare, but it happens ! But it’s not immediate. Sexual intercourse can trigger the first perceptions or the first changes in physiological preparation for childbirth. However, some couples have told me that half an hour after making love, their waters broke. The onset is slower if it is a first delivery. If the woman is multiparous, that is to say has had several children, then you have to be vigilant because the birth can come more quickly. But I don’t know many women who have been able to induce labor through sexual intercourse. It can be a facilitator, but it is not a trigger method.
By what mechanism can sexual intercourse trigger childbirth?
Dr. Sylvain Mimoun : On the one hand, there is a physical action, through the contractions that this will cause. On the other hand, semen contains prostaglandins. However, when we want to induce labor in a woman, we administer a suppository of prostaglandins. These are local hormones, which will help trigger uterine contractions and therefore childbirth. Well in semen there are some prostaglandins.
Interview with Sandrine Chauvard
(1) Author of several books, including “Coté Coeur, Côté Sexe: The ABC of Happiness for Two”, co-written with Rica Etienne and published by Albin Michel.
