Trivia Junction

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Does late sex cause early labor?

THE CLAIM: Expectant mothers awaiting the end of their pregnancy are often told that sex can induce labor. Compare that method with running around the block a few times or drinking castor oil – two other folk beliefs – and it's no surprise that surveys of pregnant women have found sex to be the most popular option.

THE FACTS: Whether the method works is another story. According to a study released this month, the first to examine the belief, having sexual intercourse in the late stages of pregnancy does not hasten labor and delivery, and in fact it may do the opposite.

The study, in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, followed 93 women in their third trimesters, all of whom answered questions about their sexual activity and underwent cervical examinations at regular doctor's visits. Those who reported having sex in their final weeks of pregnancy – about half – delivered on average at 39.9 weeks, compared with 39.3 weeks among those who had abstained.

The study also revealed something else. Part of the scientific explanation for the belief is that human sperm contains the hormone prostaglandin, believed to stimulate the cervix and help start contractions.

But pre-labor exams showed no signs of this effect in any of the women who were sexually active, said Dr. Jonathan Schaffir, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Ohio State University and the author of the study.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Sex during the late stages of pregnancy does not hasten delivery.

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