In a message dated 9/1/98 7:04:38 AM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  It has been my experience that
 patients who have ANY problem with first trimester pregnancy loss are
 cautioned to avoid orgasm and breast stimulation, at least throughout the
 early weeks.  Even though the literature seems to indicate that as long as
the
 primary problem (such as low progesterone) is addressed, that orgasm and
 breast stimulation DO NOT cause miscarriage, patients will often be advised
to
 avoid them "just in case". >>

I have a question here.  If stimulation of the uterus by oxytocin (through
nipple stimulation, orgasm, breastfeeding, showers -- whatever --) can cause
miscarriage in the early weeks (up through 20 weeks, lets say), then why can't
they abort women using pitocin "inductions?"  And, why are there so many
failed inductions leading to C/Sections even at 40-42 weeks?

IMHO, the amount of oxytocin that is released through orgasm, nipple stim, bf,
etc is certainly not going to cause the uterus to contract enough to cause a
miscarriage.  Now, if the mom has a uterus that is so friable that she's on
absolute bedrest and on tocolytics after the first 16 to 20 weeks, then I'd
agree that stimulation with oxytocin is no appropriate.  But why, even if a
mom has a history of first trimester miscarriages, are we telling her not to
breastfeed a toddler?

Inquiring minds want to know....

Jan