If you’re a soon-to-be momma who’s trying to induce labor, you probably already know that sex can help by stimulating the release of oxytocin. However, not everyone knows that certain sex positions can encourage contractions more than others.
One of the most comfortable sex positions in late pregnancy is spooning, where both partners are laying down and the woman is penetrated from behind by her partner. Other sex positions, like the cowgirl position, can also trigger contractions.
1. Side-by-side position
If you’re at full term and your baby hasn’t arrived yet, you may be trying just about anything to speed things up. One old-wives’ tip that has caught on is having sex to induce labor, but does it really work?
There’s no definitive answer, but experts say having sex is likely to stimulate the uterus and encourage the production of oxytocin, which triggers contractions. This can be a helpful way to start labor, especially if you’re overdue or having irregular contractions.
Having sex or having an orgasm may also help with back pain during labor and may allow your baby to get into position for birth. However, you shouldn’t try this if your water hasn’t broken, as it can increase the risk of infection.
Many of these positions are designed to let you rock or sway, which can help ease back pain and make it easier to cope with contractions. If your labor slows down, changing positions every 20 minutes or so may help to get it going again. You can also try leaning over a chair or birthing ball to take pressure off your back.
2. Modified missionary position
The modified missionary position is similar to the classic missionary position, but involves bending at the knees and lifting the hips. This positioning helps increase contact between the mother-to-be’s pelvic area and her partner’s, which can help stimulate the cervix and encourage contractions.
This position also allows the partner to deepen penetration, which can be highly pleasurable for some partners and may help induce labor. However, it’s important to note that there is no evidence that any sexual positions are more effective at inducing labor than others.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, many expectant mothers are eager to meet their little one. However, if labor does not start on time, some couples may try natural methods of induction. These can include sexual activity, as well as various types of sex positions. But before trying any of these methods, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that they are safe for you and your baby. In addition, it’s important to note that sexual activity is not recommended if you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia). The risk of infection can be high.
3. Doggy style with a twist
Doggie style is one of the most popular sex positions for couples, but it’s also another excellent position to try for labor induction. This position allows for deep penetration while promoting the release of oxytocin and helping your cervix to get ready for the birthing process.
The woman is on all fours with her knees flat on the bed or other surface and her partner stands behind her. He places his hands on her lower back and uses them to enter her vagina. She can move her hips front and back or in a circular motion for even more pleasure. You can use lube or a vibrator to heighten the pleasure, and you can add pillows below the stomach for more support and comfort.
As with any sexual position during pregnancy, it’s important to communicate openly and listen to your partner’s needs and comfort levels. Remember to go slow, use plenty of lube, and stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort. This can help ensure a safe and smooth delivery for both you and your baby!
4. Seated ball rock
It’s no secret that sex has the potential to induce labor, but it might not be the most comfortable with a large pregnancy bump in the way. If you have the green light from your practitioner, however, sex can help get things moving.
In theory, sexual intercourse stimulates your uterus in several ways, including orgasm, which can trigger a release of oxytocin (the hormone that causes contractions), and penetration, which can soften and open the cervix, making it easier for baby to pass through the birth canal.
For the seated ball rock, lie down on your bed with a small exercise ball between your legs, and position your hands on top. Then, gently bounce up and down, concentrating on your breath and not overdoing it. This positions opens your pelvis, and it also helps to reduce back pain. If you want to ramp up the intensity, try adding weight or moving the ball farther away from your body. This can be especially beneficial if you’re past your due date and looking for any natural induction methods that might help kickstart your labor.
5. Side-lying spoon position
In the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s common to feel impatient for your baby’s arrival. As your due date draws closer, you may start to wonder if there’s anything you can do to encourage your labor. One option that many pregnant women turn to is sex.
Although sex isn’t guaranteed to trigger labor, it can help with the process by stimulating your cervix and encouraging contractions. This is especially true if you do it in the best sex position to induce labor: reverse cowgirl style.
For this position, you lie on your side with your partner kneeling or standing behind you. Then, he penetrates you from the back. This is a comfortable sex position in the third trimester because it takes pressure off your back and uterus, says sex therapist Kat Van Kirk.
Whether you try these or other sex positions to induce labor, be sure to check with your doctor before trying them. And remember that abstinence is fine if that’s what feels right. “Sexual activity in late pregnancy should be about pleasure for you and your partner, not about speeding up labor,” says Selzer.
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