Pregnancy Myth Explored

Not that this particular activity ranks extremely high on the list of, "things that I want to do frequently," for expectant mothers, however, it is time to inspect the myth that having sex late in pregnancy will trigger labor. Although most women report their desire for sex fluctuates frequently during the various stages of their pregnancy, they feel it is important to continue to comply with their partner's urges. For these expectant moms, sex becomes uncomfortable as their bodies get larger. For some, copulation becomes awkward and other means for providing intimacy have to be explored.

A number of women are familiar with the myth that having sex late in pregnancy will trigger labor, and have used it as grounds to ward off their partner's sexual advances during the later trimester of there pregnancy. However, according to a new study from Ohio State University College of Medicine, women who were sexually active during the later trimesters of their pregnancies didn't have their babies any sooner than those who had abstained.

In fact the study uncovered another starling fact. They discovered exactly the opposite affect occurs. Women who were sexually active in their final trimester and the weeks up to their pregnancies stayed pregnant slightly longer. Those women who remained sexually active, on average delivered four days later than scheduled. No cervical changes were detected, nor did the researchers discover any differences in fetal outcomes between the women who had sex close to delivery and the women who did not.

How did this myth begin in the first place? Dr. Jonathan Schaffir, M. D., at Ohio State University Medical School believe this myth most likely begin circulating when it was discovered that semen contains low levels of prostaglandins, the hormones that induce labor. According to Dr. Schaffir, the amount of prostaglandins exchanged during intercourse is of such a low level and volume that it could not initiate labor in any way. He went on to say, "having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy is safe and very commonly performed."

It is important that you check with your healthcare provider to determine what is healthiest for you. Every woman is different and needs to be evaluated individually. However, according to Dr. Schaffir, if the mood strikes you, go ahead and have sex, as long as it is comfortable for you and your partner and it does not place your unborn child in harms way.

Resource: Sex in Late Pregnancy Won't Bring On Labor - http://www.sexualhealth.e-healthsource.com/?p=news1&id=533646