Does sexual intercourse at term influence the onset of labour? A survey of attitudes of patients and their partners

Abstract

It is not known if sexual intercourse at term influences the onset of labour, but there are several theoretical reasons why it may. Performing a definitive study to address this issue would pose practical and ethical difficulties. This study therefore sought to assess whether the scientific answer to this issue is of importance to pregnant women and their partners. Women and their partners attending antenatal clinics were asked to complete a questionnaire. Eighty-six per cent of women and 93% of men questioned wished to know if sexual intercourse did influence the onset of labour. If sexual intercourse did influence the onset of labour then a large proportion of those questioned indicated that it would have an effect on sexual activity at term. This study indicates that well-designed studies should be performed to assess whether sexual intercourse at term is implicated in the onset of labour.