Using sex for induction?

[melanie_rabbitbarn]

My SIL told me that this is what worked for her, inadvertently, one week early... BECAUSE her husband had been away for 5 weeks. A period of abstinence is the key according to her UK midwife. Does anyone know about using sex for induction and whether there is an optimal time of abstinence beforehand? I am 25 weeks and had a c-section for multiple reasons stemming from 42 weeks and true post-dates. I want a VBAC this time and don't want to go overdue!

[ellairiesmom]

[Calee]

I don't know any "facts" about this, but I can tell you that I am 40 weeks pregnant and my DH was just out of town. After no sex for 2 weeks, and then DTD two days ago, still no baby here!

[MiaMama]

From what I understand, semen is full of prostoglandins, which can ripen your cervix. Cervidil is made of prostoglandins. Also, nipple stimulation releases oxytocin (the natural version of Pitocin). So, while what you make yourself and get from your partner are not "pharmecutical grade" it seems there is some reason to believe that this may help.

I remember reading a study that said women who did at least 3 hrs of nipple stimulation a day in the last 2 weeks were less likely to go postdates... maybe someone could help me find it?

So, as long as your water has not broken, it would at least be fun to give it a try.

[Jenne]

You didn't hear it from me...

but

uh

Applying said naturally derived prostagladins to the stomach is more beneficial then direct application to the cervix...


Anonymous

[MyBoysBlue]

Originally Posted by Jenne

but

uh

Applying said naturally derived prostagladins to the stomach is more beneficial then direct application to the cervix...


Anonymous

LOL. I was going to mention the same thing.

For me I think I was already in labour when DH and I DTD, we went the cervical application route, because DS was born less then an hour later.

I think conditions need to be favorable for it to help start labour.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by Jenne

but

uh

Applying said naturally derived prostagladins to the stomach is more beneficial then direct application to the cervix...


Anonymous

Seriously? Why is that?

As an aside, it was my experience that sex did not work to induce me. When I was ready to go, I was ready to go, and if I wasn't, I wasn't. None of the natural things seemed to work at all. Which really sucked, considering I was in padromal labor FOREVER with #3.

[JorgieGirl]

Your DH would have to administer many, many applications of natural prostaglandins to equal anything close to what's included in something like a prostaglandin gel. IYKWIM.

I found that orgasm on *my* part helped a lot more than just a romp in the hay with hubby. I think it helped to keep things 'active' down there and remind my cervix, vagina and uterus that being stimulated was good and maybe labour was an idea they should take seriously. lol.

Obviously I don't have studies or facts to back this up, but I'm quite sure it helped in my case anyway. Even if it hadn't brought on labour it was still a great way to get alone time and relax and enjoy myself. TMI sorry...

[Mawood]

Hmm, our doula said it helps to get labor started when baby is ready anyways - because of the prostaglandins but only if you are really enjoying it and ideally have an orgasm. She said it wouldn't help if it is just an exercise...

[Jenne]

"Alternatively, giving your partner oral s@# may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina."

That's from "Natural Way to Bring on Labour" from the UK Babycenter site.

I don't know that this a empirically based statement and I don't have the time today to search and find the study...sorry! I know there are studies about giving oral prostagladins (actual medicine) to induce labor sucessfully.

Good luck!

Jenne

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by Jenne

"Alternatively, giving your partner oral s@# may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina."

That's from "Natural Way to Bring on Labour" from the UK Babycenter site.

I don't know that this a empirically based statement and I don't have the time today to search and find the study...sorry! I know there are studies about giving oral prostagladins (actual medicine) to induce labor sucessfully.

Good luck!

Jenne

Oh wow. You learn something new everyday. :

[Rosemaryluna]

Well, it worked very well for me, twice in fact. Perhaps it has a bit to do with orgasm as well, I don't know. But I went into labor within a day both times.

[JennTheMomma]

I personally don't think any natural induction works unless you are already ready to go into labor and body has already made those changes that you didnt' know about. We have an active sex life with this pregnancy and last, I also walked all the time with last baby and I still didn't go until 41 weeks.

[MamaMelis]

I think that my poor husband was feeling used and abused at the end of my pregnancy........he works from home and lets just say that he got used to me knock knocking on his office door every single afternoon around 3 pm, LOL.

Both of mine came 4 days early, I have no idea if DTD had anything to do with that or not.

I have to admit that I don't get the oral administration of prostaglandins thing ~

[Jenne]

You don't get it like you don't understand the mechanism or don't know what it means?

The mechanism is that prostagladins are hormones and in this case, this particular hormone is more easily absorbed in the digestive tract rather than via the reproductive system. Since dilation is hormonal, it makes some sense to me. I guess I think of it like tylenol for a headache. I don't rub the tylenol on my forehead, I swallow it.

As for the other type of not getting it...well...um...maybe someone else can explain. I don't want to get banned for UA violations... I am fairly certain that discussing oral recreation might get a mod giving me a warning.

Jenne

[MamaMelis]

LOL, the former. When they use cervical ripening agents in hospitals (cytotech or whatnot) don't they administer them locally to the cervix.......not orally? I have never used it, but my SIL did and they inserted it vaginally.

[jenneology]

Sex induced labor with both of mine. First one was at 38 weeks and the second at 40 weeks.

I've heard of some mamas trying to get labor started this way for weeks before anything happened though.

I'm not sure anyone understands what factors make it work or not, but I am guessing it might have something to do with the Bishop's score. If a woman is considered "favorable for induction" by artificial means, natural means would probably be more likely to work.

[noobmom]

Originally Posted by Jenne

but

uh

Applying said naturally derived prostagladins to the stomach is more beneficial then direct application to the cervix...


Anonymous

Okay, I'm SO stupid. When I first read this I was thinking...how the HECK would rubbing it into your skin help?

My DH's opinion is, "I'm sure they're right." sigh. I know what I'll be doing tonight.

[MiaMama]

Originally Posted by MamaMelis

LOL, the former. When they use cervical ripening agents in hospitals (cytotech or whatnot) don't they administer them locally to the cervix.......not orally? I have never used it, but my SIL did and they inserted it vaginally.

Both methods are used. I was induced with oral cytotec.

[rhiOrion]

Originally Posted by noobmom

Okay, I'm SO stupid. When I first read this I was thinking...how the HECK would rubbing it into your skin help?

I thought the same thing!