By the time you’re pregnant, you’ve probably seen enough of people on social media and modern cinema suffering awful, painful births, complete with plenty of screaming and sobbing and a spouse’s hand being squeezed; but what if childbirth did not have to be like that? What if it was pleasurable? Cue: an orgasmic birth.
Every woman has a unique labor experience, and there is some evidence that a small number of women have climaxes during birth. According to practitioners who work with these women, the intensity of the experience stems from the love, relief and ecstasy of finally welcoming their baby.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Diana Rangaves writes for 21Ninety’s as a health and wellness expert. She is a pharmacist, philanthropist, and ethics professor turned writer, holding a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of California. She also serves as the Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer for Healthcare Worldwide Central and has published several works in medical and pharmaceutical publications, academic books, as well as, scholarly articles.
What Is An Orgasmic Birth?
Orgasmic birth, also referred to as an ecstatic birth, is simply the theory that specific individuals might be able to have one or more orgasms during childbirth. Although there isn’t much scientific study on orgasmic births, it is thought that they can happen naturally during labor and delivery or can be planned to reduce pain or have a more pleasurable and powerful birth.
Is It Possible To Have An Orgasmic Birth?
Yes, it seems likely that it might be accomplished. However, there is little scientific investigation into the occurrence; therefore, the evidence for this is mainly anecdotal. And while it is possible, it appears to be uncommon. However, scientists are unsure how uncommon because the subject is contentious and underreported. According to a 2013 study, it may occur in approximately 0.3 percent of vaginal births.
However, advocates believe the numbers could be higher because the matter is still taboo, and people frequently do not notify their partners or doctors. The last thing women expect is to feel wonderful when in labor; those who do may feel embarrassed and even ashamed and may prefer not to share their experience with others. All of these are understandable sentiments, but they make it much more challenging to determine how frequently orgasm occurs during childbirth.
How Do They Occur?
Orgasm during childbirth is possible at any stage of labor, but it is more likely as delivery approaches and the baby stretches the cervix and vagina. While research is limited, it is believed that this occurs when the baby exerts pressure on the vagina, internal components of the clitoris, and the G-spot, resulting in an orgasm. While this is the most common type of orgasm during birth, there have been cases of people orgasming due to masturbation or clitoral stimulation.
Birth orgasms can also happen because oxytocin, a hormone that helps initiate contractions during labor, is released in huge quantities. However, this hormone is also in charge of orgasm and sexual arousal, indicating a potential connection between the two. Additionally, while oxytocin has been shown to reduce pain, and some people have utilized it as a way of pain management, experiencing an orgasm during birth may help with the pain.
Does It Hurt The Baby?
It is quite improbable that the infant will suffer any injury as a result of an orgasm during childbirth. The reason for this is that the pelvic floor contractions that occur during orgasm are comparable to those that occur during labor, although they are far less intense. As a result, your baby is unlikely to be bothered by orgasmic contractions and regular labor contractions.
How To Determine Whether You Are A Good Candidate An Orgasmic Birth
It is difficult to determine whether you are a good candidate for an orgasmic birth, and it is even more challenging to arrange for one. It may not be possible for everyone because each person’s anatomy is unique, as is their experience of orgasm. Some people rely heavily on clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm, yet clitoral orgasms differ from uterine ones. Clitoral orgasms may not act as well during labor and may not provide pain relief.
It appears that people who feel orgasms during labor are having vaginal orgasms. However, for this to occur, the baby must hit your G-spot when you deliver them. Furthermore, some people have lower or greater pain thresholds, which may influence how they feel during childbirth and whether an orgasm is feasible for them.
Your thoughts on sexuality are equally important. People who are less open about their sexuality or who feel ashamed about it may be less likely to experience pleasure because they perceive pleasure as psychologically inappropriate. In other words, you’d need to be open to the possibility of it happening.
It is also less likely that you will have an orgasmic birth in a hospital, which accounts for an estimated 98.4 percent of births in the United States. This is because you are less likely to have privacy during a hospital birth, and your freedom to move around or change positions is more likely to be restricted, whether due to hospital restrictions or because you are connected to fetal monitors.
What To Discuss With Your Doctor
Consult your doctor to determine whether giving birth at home is safe if you desire a more pleasurable experience. If they say it is not, you can still try to have a more pleasurable hospital birth by asking to be in a private room and talking to your doctor about your alternatives. They may allow you to give birth in various positions, underwater, or even move around the room. You should also discuss any plans you have to masturbate or have sex before or during birth with your doctor to make sure they are on board.
Many people believe that talking about pleasure during childbirth is improper or taboo. Some individuals also feel ashamed if they have an orgasm while giving birth because of this stigma and taboo. In general, less stressful deliveries can be a good idea, and orgasms can be a natural pain reliever. It is, therefore, your right to take charge of your delivery plan and to be open to the possibility of an orgasmic birth.