You know when you 'do the deed' to try and bring on labour...

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

What exactly is it that does so?

Is it the movement of it, the actual sperm or the womans orgasm?

[crokky]

I think it is the hormones in the sperm. They say they are more effective taken orally though.

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

Ummm, right, ... really?

Don't know if I want to mention that to DH!

[crokky]

Yes, really! There was a thread on MN a while ago where the OP was really offended by her midwife telling her that!

[littleboyblue]

It's the hormone in the sperm. It is the same hormone they use when they induce people. In order for it to work, you need a good few gallons though, so unless you've been saving it in a bucket......
Nothing worked for us
Spicy curry
sex
fresh pinapple
red wine
walking up the stairs side ways
Nothing

[hannahlouhoo]

CROKKY IS RIGHT I'M AFRAID sorry caps!

dont tell dh that tho!

didnt work for me! a days shopping and a massive chinese got things moving!!

They come when they come!! good luck,sending positive labour thoughts your way x

[littleboyblue]

I may be being a bit thick, but why would it have more effect taken orally as I didn't think your digestive tract was connected to your womb.
For the same reason why I don't understand heart-burn being a sign that your baby will have lots of hair (although I did and ds did)

[hannahlouhoo]

The hormone needs to get into your blood stream the most effective way is orally!

This is because sperm contain prostaglandins, which are sometimes used to help induce labor in the hospital.

i thought the heartburn thing was an old wife tale?

[littleboyblue]

Thanx hannahlouhoo. I thought the heart burn was too, but everyone I know that has suffered like myself with heartburn have had babies with lots of hair.
Thanx for explaining the sperm thing. I am such a numpty sometimes.

[nowwearefour]

well i was told also it is the woman orgasm so worth focussing on that too!

[Cocobear]

Clearly some man thought up the 'more effective orally' bit!

[LoveActually]

It's the feel-good hormone your body releases, Oxytocin, that is supposed to bring on labour.
x

[HolidaysQueen]

Don't know what the science is, but it was the thing that did the trick for me

[HensMum]

My midwife told me about the "more effective orally" thing IN FRONT OF MY PARTNER! He had the biggest grin on his face until I told him, in no uncertain terms, that there was no way, at 42 weeks pregnant with horrific heartburn that I was going to try that.
We did try the least romantic sex ever, loads of pineapple and raspberry leaf tea, walking, bouncing on the birthing ball, acupuncture and a stretch n sweep. Nothing.