Whether your pregnancy symptoms have turned you into an insatiable Fembot or the thought of being touched while ~with child~ feels about as sexy as pouring battery acid all over your body, there comes a time when most pregnant people truly *want* to get laid. It’s that not-so-magical period when you’re 39+ weeks pregnant, uncomfortable AF, and willing to do just about anything to get that parasite of a baby out of you. And that, my dear soon-to-be moms, is when you start trying just about every sex position to induce labor.
Unlike other wives’ tales, such as your baby’s early heart rate determining its gender or spicy food making you go into labor, the sex-to-induce thing actually has a shred of truth. Maybe. Cary Dicken, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at RMA of NY—Long Island, tells Betches that while scientific proof is limited, there is some compelling evidence that suggests a little wink-wink-nudge-nudge might move things along.
“First, semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormones that can help ripen (soften and thin) the cervix, potentially encouraging labor to begin,” she explains. In fact, Pitocin (which is used for medical inductions) increases local prostaglandin production, so in theory, some baby juice (ew?) could give you a head start. “Then there’s the fact that an orgasm can trigger uterine contractions, which might help to stimulate labor,” she adds.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a sperm dumpster or orgasming nonstop will make you have a baby immediately. Still, if you have a low-risk pregnancy (and get the okay from your doc, of course), Dr. Dicken says it’s generally safe to bone all the way up until you start experiencing signs of labor.
(Note: If you’ve been advised against sex due to medical reasons (like placenta previa, preterm labor risk, or cervical incompetence), don’t try any of this at home—or on the couch, in the back of the car, etc.)
Whether you’re a type A on a schedule or you’re trying to avoid a medical induction (which also, hi, been there — if it happens, you’ll be okay), getting yours might just be the key to having your kid on time. Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, consider trying these expert-recommended sex positions to induce labor. Naturally, Dr. Dicken says to go slow and stop if either of you feels uncomfortable, and don’t forget the lube! Worst case? You’ll have one last orgasm before your life — and vagina — change forever. (Jk Jk, your vagina will be fine!)
Sex Positions To Induce Labor
Spooning
I realize spooning is hailed as romantic (prob because it reminds us of the old couple that shared a bed when the Titanic sank—IYKYK), but the truth is: It’s for lazy people. And when you’re mere days away from having a baby, it’s your goddamn right to be as lazy as humanly possible. Plus? It’s the least uncomfy since you’re literally just curled up in the fetal position. “Spooning can be comfortable in later pregnancy as it avoids pressure on the abdomen,” Dr. Dicken explains. Lay on your side in the little spoon position, have your partner enter from behind in the big spoon position, and simply chill there while they do all the work.
Make it easier: Propping your leg up on something (like the pregnancy pillow that’s taken up a permanent residence in your bed) can help keep your hips aligned and make insertion easier. Also? It gives cozy vibes if you accidentally fall asleep mid-coitus.
Cowgirl
It’s a classic for a reason, even amongst the very pregnant. Your partner lies back, and you plop down on top of them, sitting directly on their goods. Granted, the thought of cliiiimbing on top of your partner at 40 weeks likely sounds like an impossible challenge from some sadistic reality show, but hear me out! “This allows the pregnant partner to control depth and angle, making it more comfortable,” Dr. Dicken explains. Um, also? Cowgirl provides ample clitoral stimulation (which increases the odds of you having that highly coveted climax). YW!
Make it easier: Lube is a must for every position, but if you’re hopping on cowgirl-style without being fully turned on (which is a real thing when you simply want to get off but don’t feel like doing all the prep work), it’s a non-negotiable. Snag a pregnancy-safe lube like Pre-Seed and go to town.
Reverse Cowgirl
I get it: You love the idea of riding your way to easy labor, but something (hormones) about looking at your partner’s face and/or feeling them breathe makes you go all Gone Girl. Enter: Reverse cowgirl. Simply turn around so you don’t have to look at your SO and throw on your fave Bravo show to hump to before a newborn’s cries drown out the on-screen drama.
Make it easier: If all that trusting is too exhausting/puts strain on your belly, position yourselves so you can hang onto something (for example, a table, headboard, or your partner’s legs) for leverage. You can also opt for a small, targeted vibrator like the Zalo Bess 2 that’ll do things to your clit that your SO could never. This way, you can essentially just sit there and make groaning noises until you both orgasm enough times to meet your offspring.
Edge of the Bed
It’s like missionary but without the sweaty person crushing you. “The pregnant partner lies on the edge of the bed while the other partner stands, reducing pressure on the abdomen,” Dr. Dicken explains. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can rest your (swollen) feet on your SO’s shoulders and think about the fact that pretty soon, your legs will be in stirrups, and you’ll be pushing a watermelon out of your vagina! Bless!
Make it easier: The issue with missionary-style positions is that it’s sometimes hard to get adequate clitoral stimulation, which makes the whole ordeal feel fucking pointless. While, sure, you or your partner could use fingers/hands to get the job done, a vibrator is honestly The Move. The rechargeable Magic Wand will get off faster than you can say, “I’m ready for my epidural now.”
Outercourse
Let’s be real: The thought of something going *in* your vagina when you’re about to push a literal human *out* of it could very well be the last thing you want to do. If that’s the case, you’ve got options. You can kick your partner out of the room, lock the door, and engage in a marathon masturbation sesh. Or if your clit feels like it’s about to fall off at this point/your pubes are too overgrown to feel, well, anything, Dr. Dicken suggests going for the mythical nipplegasm.
“Nipple stimulation during sex can increase oxytocin levels, a hormone that can promote uterine contractions,” she explains. Grab some lube and massage, tweak, and flick your nips until you get yours (or they get too sore to touch—which is good practice for breastfeeding, FYI).
Make it easier: Don’t wanna flick your own nips? Respect—you’ve got enough going on. So, grab yourself a set of vibrating nipple clamps, lay back, and let a little battery-powered robot do the work.
Again, there’s no guarantee that getting it on in the ninth hour will help evict your baby. But honestly, you might as well get off a few times before heading to the hospital, just in case. “While the idea of sex-inducing labor has some basis in theory, its effectiveness is not universally proven, and it may work differently for different individuals,” Dr. Dicken says. That said, as long as you prioritize comfort, communication, and clearance from your doctor, enjoy those pre-baby climaxes. You’ve earned ‘em.
