Sexpert Q&A: Climaxing During Childbirth

Dear Yvonne, I heard it's possible for a woman to have an orgasm while giving birth. Is this fact or fiction? -Anna Maria

Dear Anna Maria, Yes, females can indeed experience climax during natural childbirth, a reaction Dr. Danielle Harel coined an "unexpected birthgasm." In researching this phenomenon, Harel learned some women have experienced a rather surprising orgasm at the moment of birth without sexual stimulation or fantasy. Understandably, given the circumstances, this response is not interpreted by these women as sexual. It has been speculated that one of the reasons for this reaction is due to the baby's head putting pressure on the pelvic and hypogastric nerve system as it descends, inducing orgasm.

In learning about birthgasms, couples have actively sought to have a woman experience such a "passionate birth." Research indicates that the primary factors that allow for such are that:

- The woman has a good sex life and understands everything that birthing entails. - A woman and her partner incorporate massage, kissing and masturbation as part of the birthing experience. - The woman is not given anesthesia during childbirth and uses sexual stimulation to ease contractions. - The woman is in a safe, private environment for the birth. - The woman's partner is supportive, for example, he or she holds her.

For information on how a woman can have an orgasmic pregnancy, please check out my newly released book "Your Orgasmic Pregnancy: Little Sex Secrets Every Hot Mama Should Know."

Dr. Yvonne KristAn Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of

Sexuality Source Inc.

She is the author of several books including, "Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots."