Coitus, twin pregnancy, and preterm labor

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Preterm labor is a significant concern in twin pregnancies.
• The role of coitus in precipitating preterm labor is debated, particularly in high-risk pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between coitus and the onset of preterm labor in women carrying twins.
• To determine if sexual activity is a risk factor for premature delivery in twin gestations.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 126 women with twin pregnancies attending a tertiary referral center.
• Data collected via questionnaires on the frequency of coitus during the third trimester.
• Comparison of coital frequency between women who delivered preterm and those who delivered at term.

Main Results:

• 40% of women reported coitus in early third trimester, decreasing to 24% by 36 weeks' gestation.
• No significant difference in coitus frequency was observed between women experiencing preterm labor and those delivering at term.
• Coitus did not emerge as a significant precipitant of preterm labor in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Coitus is unlikely to be a major trigger for preterm labor in women with twin pregnancies.
• Sexual activity can likely continue without concern for precipitating preterm labor in twin gestations.