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Birth

What role does intimacy play in childbirth?

Feeling safe and undisturbed supports oxytocin, the hormone that helps the body relax and labour progress. Why intimacy matters during birth and how to create it in hospital.

  • Medically reviewed
  • Published
  • 3 min read
What role does intimacy play in childbirth?

Childbirth is a unique, transformative experience, both physically and emotionally. It is a time of great joy, anticipation and excitement. At the same time, it is also a time of vulnerability, uncertainty and pain.

Giving birth is natural, childbirth is not an illness or a problem and should be a positive experience for us. We can face it ourselves - one of the basic prerequisites for a good birth is an intimate atmosphere.

The feeling of safety and closeness allows the release of the powerful magician - oxytocin.

The hormone of love, trust and cuddling helps our body relax, unwind and trust itself. And thus has a very positive effect on the course of birth. Thanks to this miniature molecule, pain floats away and maternal behavior and love grow rapidly.

Oxytocin also enters the baby's blood during childbirth and reduces brain activity, thereby protecting it from damage caused by lack of oxygen during childbirth. After childbirth, it ensures milk production and supports the winding of the uterus.

Our body is a brilliant mechanism and everything is connected to everything.

In order for us to give birth well, we should not have many "spectators" during childbirth. Even in nature, females intuitively choose a calm, warm and safe place - the more intimate the birth, the easier and more natural it can be. Just like making love - would you be able to relax in a cold, impersonal environment with strong lighting, in the presence of several strangers, in an unnatural position and in a hurry?

If we can behave freely during childbirth, move freely and spontaneously change positions, we gain a sense of security and intimacy. As a rule, then no interventions or medication are needed and it remains a good experience that we fondly remember. Perhaps even together with our children.

If we are deprived of the feeling of intimacy during childbirth, the opposite reaction occurs. Stress hormones - adrenaline and cortisol - are released, which cause withdrawal and complicate the entire process of coming into the world.

Birth is a living event. It cannot be fully planned in advance and can be an unpredictable and demanding experience with unexpected complications and procedures. In such situations, the focus can shift from intimacy to ensuring the health and safety of the mother and baby.

However, trust in your own body is always very important.

How to help yourself with intimacy?

Imagine that the place where you give birth is your safe space. You can use everything it offers you - a ball, a shower or a bath, you can light a candle, play music, close the curtains. Try to act in the same way as if you want to make love beautifully.

Products mentioned in this article

Aniball and Aniball INCO are medical devices. Please read the instructions for use before use.

Dr. Lucie Horáčková

Author and medical reviewer

Dr. Lucie Horáčková

Medical Advisor, RR Medical

A physician who answers women’s questions in the Aniball advice centre and works closely with doctors, physiotherapists and midwives.

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