You have been waiting for this moment for many weeks. Your birth plan is complete, and your suitcase is ready. You have the feeling that your stomach is going to burst, and you are sure that you will feel your first contraction any minute. At this moment, you are probably thinking about how to induce labor?
Keep patience! Your baby will come out when she/he feels ready. Some babies like to take their time. If your due date is approaching, you might want to give your baby a little push. Here are some natural methods of how to induce labor.
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How to induce labor naturally
Before you start, you should know that the effectiveness of these methods is not scientifically proven. Few studies came out on the subject, and the testimonies are difficult to verify.
No one can guarantee that these methods are 100% safe in women with pregnancy complications either. For your safety and the safety of your baby, we recommend that you tell your healthcare professional which method you plan to try.
Nipple stimulation
Nipple stimulation involves gently rubbing or rolling the nipple between your fingers to promote the onset of contractions. In theory, breast stimulation encourages the secretion of oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions.
Is it safe?
A study of 719 women concluded that the contractions caused by stimulation of the nipples did not overstimulate the uterus (which could be dangerous for the baby). However, all the effects of this technique are not known. It is better to avoid it in the case of pregnancy at risk.
Is it effective?
Although not exhaustive, the study mentioned above shows that nipple stimulation speeds up labor in women whose cervix has already started to soften and shorten. 37.3% of women who tried this method saw their labor start within 72 hours, compared to 6.4% of those who did not.
How do I do it?
The idea is to simulate the sucking of a baby. Therefore, it would be best if you massaged your entire areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple). Place your palm over the areola and perform a circular motion, applying light but firm pressure. You may need to continue for a while. Generally, it recommends stimulating the breasts for an hour, three times a day, first spending 15 minutes on one breast, 15 minutes on the other, then alternating for an hour.
Castor oil: how to induce labor?
The Egyptians already used castor oil to induce labor. While no one is sure exactly how this technique works, one explanation dominates: Once ingested, the oil acts as a powerful laxative that stimulates the intestine and, therefore, the uterus. It causes the onset of labor.
Is it safe?
You may experience nausea followed by severe diarrhea. The chances of dehydration are great. We DO NOT recommend that all pregnant women use castor oil.
Is it effective?
A study of 100 post-term women found that 57.7% started labor after a single 60ml dose of castor oil, compared with 4.2% of women who did not. All the women who took castor oil experienced nausea; no other side effects on the mother or the baby. However, this study did not include a sufficient number of women to be considered conclusive.
How do I do it?
We DO NOT recommend this method but, according to a survey carried out among midwives, it suffices to mix 12 cl of castor oil with orange juice. It is very oily and disgusting to drink. To make the mixture easier to absorb, some women suggest adding a teaspoon of baking soda to make it bubbly. A second dose can swallow 12 hours later.
Intercourse
There are three ways that intercourse can promote the onset of labor: first, orgasm can increase uterine activity; second, intercourse can promote the secretion of oxytocin, the “contraction hormone”. Fnally, semen contains a lot of prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix, preparing it to dilate early in labor. That’s the easiest way of how to induce labor.
Is it safe?
You can have sex as long as you haven’t broken the waters. Once the water is lost, intercourse increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid sex if you have a low inserted placenta (placenta previa) or have had vaginal bleeding. Some men are uncomfortable making love to their partner when the baby is getting bigger. But fear not, the latter will know nothing of what is happening and will not suffer either.
Is it effective?
There is no evidence that this method is effective. Almost all of the studies on the subject show that intercourse does not help loosen the cervix or induce labor sooner. Although considered ineffective, this means will at least have the merit of occupying your mind a little.
How do I do it?
At this stage of pregnancy, making love is more comfortable than at other times. Try the “spoon” position, where your partner is standing behind you. Use the bed as support. Your stomach will not get in the way if you lie on your back at the edge. Or the foot of the bed with your knees bent. Your buttocks and feet at the edge of the mattress. Your partner can either kneel on the ground or stand, facing you. You may also prefer oral sex. It reports that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently from the intestine than from the vagina. But you may choose to keep this information to yourself!
Eat pineapple: how to induce labor
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain supposed to promote the cervix’s dilation and, therefore, the onset of labor.
Is it safe?
There is nothing to say whether or not there is a risk. Pineapple contains only minimal amounts of bromelain, so you would have to swallow seven to see any effect. If you eat a lot of pineapples, you are most likely to get diarrhea.
Is it effective?
In some cultures, one swears by pineapple to induce labor. But little research shows its effectiveness. However, eating large amounts of pineapple may stimulate the gut and, like castor oil, increase uterine activity.
How do I do it?
Pineapple must be fresh: Bromelain destroys when pineapple is canned or made into juice.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies use very diluted versions of more potent substances to heal the body. Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are two homeopathic remedies commonly used to stimulate labor.
Is it safe?
Homeopathic remedies are very safe. The UK’s Faculty of Homeopathy has studied their effects on childbirth and haven’t noticed any problems. Let’s say that, at worst, homeopathy will not affect.
Is it effective?
Many patients claim homeopathy is helpful. However, no systematic research came out on the subject. One trial found no difference between women who used Caulophyllum and those who did not, but the methodology used to reach this conclusion is doubtful.
How do I do it?
Contact a homeopath recognized by the Professional Syndicate of Homeopaths of your country.
Blue cohosh:
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus) are herbs that should not use in early pregnancy but can be useful in inducing labor.
Is it safe?
Two reviews of Canadian studies on using these herbs concluded that black cohosh should be used “with caution” and blue cohosh “with extreme caution.” The latter can cause severe complications for the baby at birth. Be aware that herbs have much more powerful effects than homeopathic remedies. Therefore, they should always use under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Given the questions about them, it is better to avoid them.
Is it effective?
Testimonials claim that they are, but no scientific study confirms this with certainty.
How do I do it?
Seek advice from an herbalist-therapist accredited by the Herbalist Guild
Eat curry dishes
Spicy foods often get as a way to induce labor. Although no scientific studies confirm this, it may be that curry stimulates the intestines and increases uterine activity.
Is it safe?
uSpicy foods can cause heartburn and, if you are not used to eating them, irritate the gut. Therefore, it is better to avoid choosing a very spicy dish if it is not in your habits.
Is it effective?
There is no evidence one way or the other, although many women believe in curry virtues when it is time to induce labor.
How do I do it?
Buy a ready-to-go Indian dish. Now is not the time to spend hours cooking.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture consists of the insertion of beautiful needles in specific strategic points of the body. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, acupuncture stimulates energy inside the body and affects an organ or organ system’s function.
Is it safe?
There are few studies on the subject, but none have shown any side effects associated with the use of acupuncture for mother and baby. Acupuncture is generally considered safe at this stage of pregnancy.
Is it effective?
The few studies carried out on the subject so far, and several testimonials affirm that acupuncture can be useful.
How do I do it?
It would help if you found a qualified acupuncturist. You will probably need regular treatment until you give birth. Ensure that your practitioner complies with the safety and hygiene rules in force (single-use needles in particular).
Raspberry leaves
Raspberry leaves are available in herbal tea or tablet form. Several people recommend using these sheets in conjunction with other methods that are supposed to induce labor. It’s a myth!
Is it safe?
It is essential not to use raspberry leaves until the last two months of pregnancy due to their stimulating effect on the uterus.
Is it effective?
There is no evidence that raspberry leaves promote the start of labor. However, an Australian study found that these sheets speed up the second stage of work and limit forceps.
How do I do it?
If you want to prepare the uterine muscles and possible for labor, start with one cup of herbal tea or one tablet per day and gradually increase to four cups or tablets per day. You can also drink herbal tea during labor. You can find these products in health food stores or herbalists.
Raspberry leaves are not recommended for women who have already had a cesarean section or premature childbirth and for women whose final delivery lasted less than 3 hours. You should not take raspberry leaves if you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family if you have endometriosis, or have uterine fibroids. You should also avoid raspberry leaves if you are pregnant with twins, have high blood pressure, or breach your baby. That’s the safe way of how to induce labor.
Walking
The most common explanation is that the pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, thereby triggering labor. When you stand, the force of gravity works for you, encouraging the baby to descend onto the cervix.
Is it safe?
Yes, but avoid exhausting yourself. The labor of childbirth can be grueling.
Is it effective?
Nothing proves the effectiveness of walking. If your baby is still high in the pelvis, walking should encourage her to adopt a better position and help her start labor.
How do I do it?
Go for a short walk. Now is not the time to start walking fast, especially if you don’t
FAQ of how to induce labor
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How do you know if the birth is coming soon?
Here are a few to watch out for: One of the most well-known signals is losing a mucous plug. Although women don’t immediately notice it.
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How do you know if the cervix is starting to change?
To assess labor progress, midwives examine the cervix, which changes in texture, position, length, and dilation. Texture: tonic, the neck softens: becomes supple then soft.
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How do you know if the cervix is open?
When the cervix is dilated to 3 fingers, this means that the midwife can pass three fingers through the cervix, which roughly corresponds to a dilation of 3 cm.
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Does the baby move during labor?
And if you don’t think you can tell the difference between your moving baby and a contraction, Anna enlightens you: “When the baby moves his back, it may seem like the uterus is hard on one side. While during a contraction, the uterus is hard all over.
