Childbirth in Pleasure and Ecstasy: A Fountain of Hormones and Chemicals

Birth is generally perceived as a painful event and some women prefer to undergo a Caesarean section in order to escape from labor pain. Dissimilar to childbirth, sexual activity is known as a pleasant event in which various degrees of gratification are achieved. Evidence demonstrates that both birt...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Khajehei, Marjan, Doherty-Poirier, Maryanne
Format: Journal Article
Published: International Childbirth Education Association 2012
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/44350
Description
Summary:Birth is generally perceived as a painful event and some women prefer to undergo a Caesarean section in order to escape from labor pain. Dissimilar to childbirth, sexual activity is known as a pleasant event in which various degrees of gratification are achieved. Evidence demonstrates that both birth and orgasm are progressed through similar internal mechanisms and unique blends of hormones and chemicals, and they share some common physical characteristics. In this article the similarities between the process of childbirth and orgasm are discussed, and it is suggested that labor contractions can be augmented by having pleasure and experiencing orgasm. Childbirth may be a pleasant experience for women if they give birth in ecstasy.