Can Sex Induce Labor? What Science Says About This Natural Method

When you’re 9 months pregnant and eager to meet your baby, waiting for labor to start can test your patience. You’ve probably heard all sorts of advice about getting labor started. And sex often tops that list. 

But can sex induce labor? The studies don’t all agree. Ultimately, your body and your baby will decide when it’s time. But if you’re already nearing or past your due date, sex might give things the nudge you need.

Does sex induce labor?

Technically, no — but sex might help speed things along if you’re close to going into labor. If you’re wondering whether this is just an old wives’ tale, scientists have looked into it. So far, the research doesn’t give a clear answer. Some small studies suggest that sex late in pregnancy might affect when labor starts. Other, larger studies found no real connection.

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For example, researchers gathered information from 120 women who came to the hospital showing early signs of labor. They found that women who had sex in their last week of pregnancy delivered slightly earlier than those who didn’t. In an earlier study tracking 200 healthy pregnant women, those who were sexually active at the end of their pregnancy were less likely to go past their due date. They were also less likely to need labor induction if they did go beyond their due date.

But other, higher-quality research tells a different story. An analysis of nearly 1,500 women compared those who had sex close to their due dates with those who had less sex or no sex. The timing of labor was about the same, regardless of sexual activity. So, more research is needed to draw a strong conclusion.

How does intercourse help induce labor?

Although sex doesn’t induce labor, it may be safe for most people. If your obstetrician gives you the go-ahead, you can give it a try, as there may be a small chance it can help.

There are several theories about how sex might encourage labor, even though it’s not guaranteed, said Michael Reed, MD, a board-certified gynecologist specializing in functional and cosmetic gynecology. 

Prostaglandins in sperm 

"Sperm contains prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that help soften and prepare the cervix for labor," Reed said. During unprotected sex, prostaglandins might help your body prepare for birth if you’re close to your due date. 

Oxytocin release 

During orgasm, your body releases oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This hormone triggers labor contractions, but at much higher levels during childbirth, said Reed. In labor, Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is often used to start or strengthen contractions. 

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Uterine contractions from orgasm

Your body’s response to sex also plays a role. During orgasm, your uterus contracts, which can mimic early labor contractions. This can help jumpstart labor if you’re already close, said Reed. 

The same is true for masturbation, said Cielo Gnecco, MD, an OB-GYN with Orlando Health Women’s Institute Center for Obstetrics & Gynecology. Orgasm during masturbation can cause uterine contractions. But this hasn’t been proven to start labor on its own, she added. As with sex, masturbation-induced orgasms release oxytocin. This might encourage labor when your body is ready.

There’s no evidence that specific sexual positions induce labor. But some positions, such as side-lying, may help sperm reach your cervix. This might increase the chances of prostaglandins getting where they need to be, said Reed. Still, there isn’t one magic position to jumpstart labor.

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"Intercourse could be helpful at speeding up labor, but it hasn’t been shown to actually cause it," said Gnecco. If you’re thinking about trying it, check with your obstetrician or another qualified healthcare professional first.

Is it safe to have sex late in pregnancy to induce labor?

Reed and Gnecco agree that, in most cases, sex during late pregnancy is safe unless your obstetrician tells you otherwise.

But there are times when it may be best to avoid sex late in pregnancy. For example, a prenatal healthcare professional might recommend avoiding sex if you have placenta previa, a condition where your placenta covers your cervix, Reed said. They might also advise against sex if you have a history of cervical insufficiency. This condition can cause the cervix to open too early during pregnancy. Also, if your water has broken, it’s best to skip sex to avoid the risk of infection, as the protective barrier is gone, he added.

"For those who are given the green light, sex can be a gentle, enjoyable way to support the body’s natural process as it gets closer to labor," Reed noted. But there’s no guarantee that it will induce labor. 

Are there other ways to induce labor naturally?

Your body knows best when it comes to starting labor. Natural methods might help if your body is already gearing up for delivery. That said, discuss these methods with your prenatal care team first, especially since research on some of them is limited.

Exercise 

Get those pregnancy waddles in! Regular walking during late pregnancy might help your body prepare for labor and could reduce the need for medical interventions. Plus, it’s considered safe for your baby. 

Most healthcare professionals recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week during healthy pregnancies. If you’ve heard about curb walking — walking with one foot on the curb and one on the street — to kick start labor, there’s no data to back this up. If you’d like to try it anyway, be extra careful about your balance. 

Nipple stimulation 

This natural method likely has the most evidence behind it. Recent research suggests that those who used nipple stimulation went into labor sooner and needed less synthetic oxytocin (given through the vein) overall. Another study found that nipple stimulation helped speed up early labor and reduced the need for synthetic oxytocin.

Dates 

Some studies suggest that eating dates can decrease the chance of needing an induction later in pregnancy. But Gnecco cautions that these studies are limited. And dates have to be taken in moderation as they have more sugar than other fruits.

Herbal supplements

Some turn to remedies like blue cohosh, red raspberry leaf tea, or evening primrose oil to try to start labor. While these natural options are popular, the science isn’t there to back them up. 

More importantly, there’s no standardized way to use them safely. Some herbs, especially blue cohosh, have been linked to harmful side effects. Before you brew that tea, talk to your prenatal healthcare professional.

Castor oil 

This age-old labor induction method comes with mixed reviews. Some research suggests castor oil might help induce labor, but it also carries significant risks. 

Castor oil works as a laxative, and experts believe it may cause cramps that might trigger uterine contractions. However, it can also lead to diarrhea and complications like dehydration, which can throw off your body’s electrolytes. So, it’s generally not recommended.

When to seek professional help to induce labor

Sometimes, a healthcare professional might recommend medical induction (using medications to start labor). This usually happens if you’re past your due date — around 41 weeks — or if waiting longer could affect your health or your baby’s health, Reed said. Medical induction may also be an option at 39 weeks during your first pregnancy to avoid a cesarean section. 

Here are some common situations where medical induction may be needed:

• Pregnancy complications, like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia

• Your water breaks, but labor doesn’t start on its own

• Your baby is moving less than usual

• Significant bleeding or signs of infection, such as fever or unusual discharge

In these cases — or if you have any other concerns about your pregnancy — contact your obstetrician or prenatal healthcare professional right away. 

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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