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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. I am a few days overdue and my doctor says that if I do not go into labor on my own she will induce me thursday. I have heard that intercourse may help labor come about, but what I want to know is if it is the actual act of intercourse that stimulates labor or the orgasm. I guess in other words is would I have to have an orgasm for intercourse to even help me?

A. It's actually both. The orgasm can stimulate the uterus to contract, while the prostaglandins in semen serve to soften and ripen the cervix for labor. Also it makes for nice couple time before the baby gets here and you have none!

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.