Breaking the water to induce labor

Stripping Membranes and Breaking Water for Labor Induction, Augmentation

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

What Is Labor Induction?

If your doctor or midwife has concerns about your health or your baby's health toward the end of your pregnancy, they might suggest speeding up the process. This is called inducing labor, or induction. Instead of waiting for labor to start naturally, your doctor or midwife will use drugs or a procedure to start it sooner.

Induction can be the right choice for some women, but it has risks. And it doesn’t always work. If it doesn’t, you may need another induction or a c-section. Most experts say it's best to let labor begin on its own and progress naturally unless there's a clear medical reason.

Why Is Labor Induced?

Induction is very common -- 1 out of 4 women in the U.S. starts labor with induction. Many times it's done for medical reasons, but it can be elective.

Why do some women need to have labor induced?

You’re 1-2 weeks past your due date. Studies show that inducing labor at 39 weeks doesn’t raise the risk for having a C-section or birth complications for the baby. After 41 weeks, you and your baby are at greater risk for complications. Being a little "late" isn’t a reason to induce. You also don’t want to be induced too early. Babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have health problems, longer hospital stays, and time in neonatal intensive care.
Your water breaks but labor doesn’t start. Once your water breaks, you and your baby have a higher risk of infection. You might not need induction right away, though. Check with your doctor or midwife. Sometimes it's still safe to let labor begin on its own. After your water breaks, your doctor will limit the number of vaginal exams performed because of the potential for infection.
A problem puts you or your baby’s health at risk. Examples are infection (chorioamnionitis), too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), and placental abruption. If you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or eclampsia, your doctor or midwife might want to induce labor.
If your baby isn’t growing as it should be, or has an abnormal heart rate, your doctor or midwife might want to induce labor.

Some doctors recommend "elective" inductions for non-medical reasons. Maybe you live far from the hospital and your doctor worries that you won't get there in time. Or maybe your doctor asks you to accommodate their schedule. Experts say you should reconsider, though. Because induction poses some risks, experts say that women shouldn't be induced unless it's medically necessary.

Reasons Not to Induce

You doctor shouldn’t induce if:

You had C-section before that involved a classical incision or major surgery
The placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa)
Your baby is in the wrong position (sideways or feet-first)

How Is Labor Induced?

There are a few ways a doctor or midwife can induce your labor, including:

Stripping the membranes. In this procedure, your doctor or midwife will use a gloved finger to gently separate the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus at the cervix. This releases hormones that can trigger contractions. You can get it done in your doctor's or midwife's office. It can be uncomfortable. Afterward, you’ll probably go home to wait for contractions. You might have cramping and spotting. Studies disagree about how well membrane stripping works. Considering that and the discomfort it causes, talk over the pros and cons with your doctor or midwife beforehand.
Hormones. At the hospital, your doctor will give you hormones called prostaglandins to open the cervix and trigger contractions. If you’ve had a C-section in the past, your doctor won’t use this treatment, because it raises the risk of uterine rupture.
Mechanical dilation. Another way your doctor or midwife triggers labor is with a balloon catheter. At the hospital, your doctor inserts a thin tube through your vagina into your cervical opening. Then the doctor uses water to inflate the balloon at the end of the tube, causing your cervix to expand.
Medications. The medicine Pitocin (oxytocin) can start contractions. You get this at the hospital through an IV tube in your arm. Your doctor or midwife starts with a small dose and gradually increases it until your contractions are strong and frequent enough for your baby to be born.

Some women go into labor and deliver within a few hours after induction. Others take 1 or 2 days to start labor. If none of these methods starts your labor, and staying the course isn’t a good option, you'll most likely need a C-section, especially if your water has broken.

What Are the Risks of Inducing Labor?

Induction doesn’t work for everyone, and every pregnant mom’s body reacts differently to induction technique. Generally, inducing labor is safe, but there are risks:

Longer hospital stay. If you're induced, you may be in the hospital longer during labor and delivery. If you wind up needing a C-section after induction, your time in the hospital will be even longer.
Increased need for pain medicine. Inducing labor might cause contractions to come on stronger and more often than they would naturally. You're more likely to need an epidural or another medicine to manage the pain.
Increased risk of infection. Breaking the amniotic sac can lead to infection if you don't deliver within a day or two after induction.
Health problems for your baby. Women who are induced before the 39th week for medical reasons may deliver a baby who has problems with breathing. These babies have a higher risk of long-term developmental problems.
Complications during delivery. Induction, especially with medications, might not be safe for women who’ve had a previous C-section or other surgery to the uterus. They have a higher risk of uterine rupture. Intense contractions also cause the placenta to detach from the wall of the uterus, called placental abruption. Both of these conditions are serious but rare, even with induction.

If your doctor or midwife recommends induction, ask questions. You want to be absolutely sure that it's the best decision for your health and your baby's health.

Can I Induce Labor Myself?

Tales abound of home remedies that supposedly bring on labor, but there is no scientific evidence to back them up. These methods include:

Having sex
Gently stimulating your nipples
Herbal remedies including blue or black cohosh (some herbs can be dangerous if you don’t use them properly)
Drinking small amounts of castor oil (Recent, well-controlled studies say it’s safe during late pregnancy but castor oil can have unpleasant side effects, like diarrhea. )
Walking

Don’t try any of these methods without first talking to your doctor or midwife. Some can cause side effects or pose risks.

Health & Pregnancy Guide

Getting Pregnant
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Labor and Delivery
Pregnancy Complications
All Guide Topics

Stripping Membranes and Breaking Water for Labor Induction, Augmentation

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

What Is Labor Induction?

Why Is Labor Induced?

Induction is very common -- 1 out of 4 women in the U.S. starts labor with induction. Many times it's done for medical reasons, but it can be elective.

Why do some women need to have labor induced?

You’re 1-2 weeks past your due date. Studies show that inducing labor at 39 weeks doesn’t raise the risk for having a C-section or birth complications for the baby. After 41 weeks, you and your baby are at greater risk for complications. Being a little "late" isn’t a reason to induce. You also don’t want to be induced too early. Babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have health problems, longer hospital stays, and time in neonatal intensive care.
Your water breaks but labor doesn’t start. Once your water breaks, you and your baby have a higher risk of infection. You might not need induction right away, though. Check with your doctor or midwife. Sometimes it's still safe to let labor begin on its own. After your water breaks, your doctor will limit the number of vaginal exams performed because of the potential for infection.
A problem puts you or your baby’s health at risk. Examples are infection (chorioamnionitis), too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), and placental abruption. If you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or eclampsia, your doctor or midwife might want to induce labor.
If your baby isn’t growing as it should be, or has an abnormal heart rate, your doctor or midwife might want to induce labor.

Reasons Not to Induce

You doctor shouldn’t induce if:

You had C-section before that involved a classical incision or major surgery
The placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa)
Your baby is in the wrong position (sideways or feet-first)

How Is Labor Induced?

There are a few ways a doctor or midwife can induce your labor, including:

Stripping the membranes. In this procedure, your doctor or midwife will use a gloved finger to gently separate the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus at the cervix. This releases hormones that can trigger contractions. You can get it done in your doctor's or midwife's office. It can be uncomfortable. Afterward, you’ll probably go home to wait for contractions. You might have cramping and spotting.Studies disagree about how well membrane stripping works. Considering that and the discomfort it causes, talk over the pros and cons with your doctor or midwife beforehand.
Hormones. At the hospital, your doctor will give you hormones called prostaglandins to open the cervix and trigger contractions. If you’ve had a C-section in the past, your doctor won’t use this treatment, because it raises the risk of uterine rupture.
Mechanical dilation. Another way your doctor or midwife triggers labor is with a balloon catheter. At the hospital, your doctor inserts a thin tube through your vagina into your cervical opening. Then the doctor uses water to inflate the balloon at the end of the tube, causing your cervix to expand.
Medications. The medicine Pitocin (oxytocin) can start contractions. You get this at the hospital through an IV tube in your arm. Your doctor or midwife starts with a small dose and gradually increases it until your contractions are strong and frequent enough for your baby to be born.

What Are the Risks of Inducing Labor?

Induction doesn’t work for everyone, and every pregnant mom’s body reacts differently to induction technique. Generally, inducing labor is safe, but there are risks:

Longer hospital stay. If you're induced, you may be in the hospital longer during labor and delivery. If you wind up needing a C-section after induction, your time in the hospital will be even longer.
Increased need for pain medicine. Inducing labor might cause contractions to come on stronger and more often than they would naturally. You're more likely to need an epidural or another medicine to manage the pain.
Increased risk of infection. Breaking the amniotic sac can lead to infection if you don't deliver within a day or two after induction.
Health problems for your baby. Women who are induced before the 39th week for medical reasons may deliver a baby who has problems with breathing. These babies have a higher risk of long-term developmental problems.
Complications during delivery. Induction, especially with medications, might not be safe for women who’ve had a previous C-section or other surgery to the uterus. They have a higher risk of uterine rupture. Intense contractions also cause the placenta to detach from the wall of the uterus, called placental abruption. Both of these conditions are serious but rare, even with induction.

If your doctor or midwife recommends induction, ask questions. You want to be absolutely sure that it's the best decision for your health and your baby's health.

Can I Induce Labor Myself?

Tales abound of home remedies that supposedly bring on labor, but there is no scientific evidence to back them up. These methods include:

Having sex
Gently stimulating your nipples
Herbal remedies including blue or black cohosh (some herbs can be dangerous if you don’t use them properly)
Drinking small amounts of castor oil (Recent, well-controlled studies say it’s safe during late pregnancy but castor oil can have unpleasant side effects, like diarrhea. )
Walking

Don’t try any of these methods without first talking to your doctor or midwife. Some can cause side effects or pose risks.

Health & Pregnancy Guide

Getting Pregnant
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third Trimester
Labor and Delivery
Pregnancy Complications
All Guide Topics

Induction of labor or induction of labor

The purpose of this informational material is to familiarize the patient with the induction of labor procedure and to provide information on how and why it is performed.

In most cases, labor begins between the 37th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. Such births are called spontaneous. If drugs or medical devices are used before the onset of spontaneous labor, then the terms "stimulated" or "induced" labor are used in this case.

Labor should be induced when further pregnancy is for some reason unsafe for the mother or baby and it is not possible to wait for spontaneous labor to begin.

The purpose of stimulation is to start labor by stimulating uterine contractions.

When inducing labor, the patient must be in the hospital so that both mother and baby can be closely monitored.

Labor induction methods

The choice of labor induction method depends on the maturity of the cervix of the patient, which is assessed using the Bishop scale (when viewed through the vagina, the position of the cervix, the degree of its dilatation, consistency, length, and the position of the presenting part of the fetus in the pelvic area are assessed). Also important is the medical history (medical history) of the patient, for example, a past caesarean section or operations on the uterus.

The following methods are used to induce (stimulate) labor:

Oral misoprostol is a drug that is a synthetic analogue of prostaglandins found in the body. It prepares the body for childbirth, under its action the cervix becomes softer and begins to open.
Balloon Catheter - A small tube is placed in the cervix and the balloon attached to the end is filled with fluid to apply mechanical pressure to the cervix. When using this method, the cervix becomes softer and begins to open. The balloon catheter is kept inside until it spontaneously exits or until the next gynecological examination.
Amniotomy or opening of the fetal bladder - in this case, during a gynecological examination, when the cervix has already dilated sufficiently, the fetal bladder is artificially opened. When the amniotic fluid breaks, spontaneous uterine contractions will begin, or intravenous medication may be used to stimulate them.
Intravenously injected synthetic oxytocin - acts similarly to the hormone of the same name produced in the body. The drug is given by intravenous infusion when the cervix has already dilated (to support uterine contractions). The dose of the drug can be increased as needed to achieve regular uterine contractions.

When is it necessary to induce labor?

Labor induction is recommended when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Induction of labor may be indicated in the following cases:

The patient has a comorbid condition complicating pregnancy (eg, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, or some other condition).
The duration of pregnancy is already exceeding the norm - the probability of intrauterine death of the fetus increases after the 42nd week of pregnancy.
Fetal problems, eg, problems with fetal development, abnormal amount of amniotic fluid, changes in fetal condition, various fetal disorders.
If the amniotic fluid has broken and uterine contractions have not started within the next 24 hours, there is an increased risk of inflammation in both the mother and the fetus. This indication does not apply in case of preterm labor, when preparation of the baby's lungs with a special medicine is necessary before delivery.
Intrauterine fetal death.

What are the risks associated with labor induction?

Labor induction is not usually associated with significant complications.

Occasionally, after receiving misoprostol, a patient may develop fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and too frequent uterine contractions (tachysystole). In case of too frequent contractions to relax the uterus, the patient is injected intravenously relaxing muscles uterus medicine. It is not safe to use misoprostol if you have had a previous caesarean section as there is a risk of rupture of the uterine scar.

The use of a balloon catheter increases the risk of inflammation inside the uterus.

When using oxytocin, the patient may rarely experience a decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), hyponatremia (lack of sodium in the blood), which may result in headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, depression strength and sleepiness.

Induction of labor, compared with spontaneous labor, increases the risk of prolonged labor, the need for instrumentation

(use of vacuum or forceps), postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, the onset of too frequent uterine contractions and the associated deterioration of the fetus, prolapse umbilical cord, as well as premature detachment of the placenta.

If induction of labor is not successful

The time frame for induction of labor varies from patient to patient, on average labor begins within 24-72 hours. Sometimes more than one method is required.

The methods used do not always work equally quickly and in the same way on different patients. If the cervix does not dilate as a result of induction of labor, your doctor will tell you about your next options (which may include inducing labor later, using a different method, or delivering by caesarean section).

ITK833

This informational material was approved by the Women's Clinic on 01/01/2022.

How to induce labor naturally

There are at least seven ways to induce labor that are supported by science. Let's take a look at each of these "evidence-based" methods.

1. Sexual intercourse

Many women manage to induce natural childbirth through sex. This is because semen contains prostaglandins, the same hormone-like compounds found in cervical ripening drugs such as Cervidil.

The key to having sex for natural induction is not to do it once. With this natural method of labor induction, "3 times is the way to go." It is assumed that three ejaculations contain the same amount of prostaglandins as Cervidil.
Of course, at 40+ weeks of pregnancy, frequent sex is definitely not what the expectant mother dreams of, but it is definitely the best alternative to cervidil and pitocin, which can lead to more painful contractions and even rupture of the membranes or fetal distress.

2. Nipple Stimulation

Nipple stimulation can actually help induce labor or speed up stalled or slow labor. You should stimulate the entire breast, not just the nipples. Try a slow, rhythmic breast massage behind the areola.

You can do this yourself or ask your partner to help.

3. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil contains prostaglandins that help prepare the cervix for childbirth. However, there is limited research on the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil. Evening primrose oil can actually prolong labor by several hours when used vaginally. It can also cause early rupture of membranes, meaning your waters break before contractions begin.

Although many mothers claim that oil speeds up labor, there is still a risk, so it should be considered as a last resort.

4. Castor oil

Castor oil causes the intestines to contract, which can stimulate uterine contractions. But like evening primrose oil, this method should also be used with caution and only with the approval of your midwife or doctor.

Although many mothers have used it with great success and no other interventions. Yet it should be remembered that intestinal contractions cause terrible diarrhea. At best, this can be inconvenient; at worst, it can cause dehydration. If you and your birthing team decide to try this method, be sure to drink at least 500 ml of water to keep yourself hydrated and maintain healthy electrolyte levels.

5. Red raspberry leaf tea

Red raspberry leaf tea is a great way to tone the uterus during pregnancy and can also help induce labor.

Due to its stimulating effect, most midwives do not recommend drinking until the second trimester. For labor induction, increase the dose of this tea.

6. Eating dates

Research shows that eating dates during pregnancy helps women achieve greater cervical dilation, intact membranes, and more spontaneous labor when the time comes for delivery. Oxytocin use was significantly lower in women who consumed dates, and the average duration of the first stage of labor was shorter in women who consumed dates. As the study concludes, “dating dates during the last 4 weeks before delivery significantly reduced the need for labor induction and induction and resulted in more favorable labor.”

What else can help induce labor?
While not backed by science, many moms claim these natural or "anecdotal" ways to induce labor.

1. Pamper yourself

Pamper yourself is a great way to relax and focus before having a baby. Sure, prenatal massage is great, but you might want to focus on the feet, which have special trigger points that can induce labor. A foot massage, reflexology, or even just a pedicure can be rewarding and definitely an enjoyable pastime.

2. Guided Relaxation

Soothing affirmations, guided meditation, and deep breathing can do wonders to help your body relax and prepare to welcome your baby. Fearful thoughts and anxiety can lead to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that stop the birth process.

Interestingly, before giving birth, cats go to a dark, quiet place. Darkness helps bypass stress hormones and increases levels of melatonin, a key hormone that can help trigger hormonal cascades. You can try this by turning off the lights, closing your eyes and focusing on your body and the amazing feat you are about to accomplish.

3. Nutrition

Follow your ideal pregnancy diet and remember to drink water. Childbirth is hard work and you will need all the support you can get. Although nutrition may not stimulate labor, it will definitely help you feel strong, prepared, and calm when labor actually begins.

4. Exercise

Moderate exercise is fantastic throughout pregnancy, and some women have been lucky enough to induce labor by walking, cycling, swimming, or other exercise. By moving our body, we can help the baby into its birth position and open up our pelvis for a faster delivery. However, the main thing is not to overdo it. You don't want to be tired when labor starts.

5. Acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic

In addition to mental readiness, you and your child need to be physically ready, and acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic can help with this. Acupuncture is a potentially useful way to induce labor, but there isn't a lot of solid research on this topic. However, acupuncture and acupressure have been used for many years to induce labor and are trusted by many women.

The idea of acupressure is that acupuncture and acupressure help to unblock any stagnant energy, which can help the child get into the correct position. Specifically, acupuncture points for inducing labor are found on the feet, arms, and back. They stimulate the thyroid, digestive and reproductive systems.

Chiropractic induction methods are based on the same idea. Opening and balancing the pelvis with chiropractic helps your baby get into the correct, deep position and stimulates your body for labor.

Find a suitable acupuncturist for pregnant women or contact a local mothers' group for recommendations.

6. Pineapple

The bromelain in pineapple and other tropical fruits is said to induce labor by stimulating the uterus. On the other hand, it may just be the stimulation of the intestines from eating a large amount of pineapple, which causes labor. Either way, it's a delightful way to induce labor naturally.

7. Spicy food

Some mothers use spicy food to induce labor. Like castor oil, spicy foods stimulate the intestines. Keep in mind that spicy foods can cause stomach upset, a side effect that is best avoided during childbirth.

8. Eggplant Parmesan

Scalinis Restaurant near Atlanta, Georgia, claims to have helped more than 300 women go into labor within 48 hours with its famous eggplant parmesan. Don't live near a restaurant? Dish you can try at home:

Ingredients:

3 medium eggplants
0. 5 cup flour
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
1L cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated romano cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
200 gr mozzarella cheese, grated
2 cups ricotta cheese

How to cook:

After washing the eggplants, cut them into slices.
Lay the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt, then cover with another layer of paper towels and press down with something heavy. This will remove excess moisture. Let them sit for about an hour.
Working with one eggplant slice at a time, dust it with flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat well in breadcrumbs. Fry in hot olive oil on both sides until golden brown.
In a baking dish, alternate layers of marinara sauce, eggplant slices, ricotta, Parmesan, and Romano cheese until the baking dish is filled. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes at 375°C. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Note. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or buckwheat flour in place of flour and almond flour or semolina in place of breadcrumbs.

9. Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Common homeopathic remedies used to induce labor include Pulsatilla 200C, Caullophyllum 200C, and Cimicifuga 200C. Some midwives recommend alternating all three times every three days until labor begins. Consult your gynecologist for dosage.

For more information on homeopathic remedies during pregnancy and childbirth, read Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy and Childbirth by Richard Moskowitz and Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Childbirth and Your Baby's First Year by Miranda Castro.

10. Special Exercises

This chart helps misplaced babies get into the ideal birthing position, which puts pressure on the cervix and stimulates labor.

This simple procedure has three parts, including:

1. Start in cat/cow pose with knees wide apart, then lower chest as low as possible and buttocks as high as possible. Swing while maintaining this position for 30 minutes. This helps the baby move out of the pelvis a little, allowing him to rotate and change his head position.
2. Roll onto your left side, straighten your bottom leg, then lift your top leg as high as you can. Roll forward using pillows for support. Maintain this position for 30 minutes.
Do your best to move for at least 30 minutes. Lunges, walking up and down stairs in twos, sideways, sitting on a birth ball, and hula hoops are especially helpful because they put your pelvis in an asymmetrical position.

Which food induces labor?

As noted above, when it comes to food to induce labor, dates are the best choice. Research shows that dates reduce the need for induction and shorten labor. Pineapple and spicy foods can also help induce labor, although there isn't much evidence to support these theories, only a lot of anecdotal evidence.

How long does it take to have a baby after induction?
As with most aspects of childbirth, there is no hard and fast rule. Every woman is different: for some mothers, induction of labor can take only a few hours, for others it can take several days. And sometimes induction doesn't work at all.

Why does induction cause more pain?
Our body naturally produces oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions. During induction, a woman is usually given a synthetic form of oxytocin, such as pitocin, to speed up contractions. This can cause labor to start too quickly, resulting in stronger and more intimate contractions.

What are the risks of induction?
The risks of induction vary depending on the method of induction, but the biggest risk is that the induction will fail. In 25% of cases, induction failed - this may mean that the mother is in labor for a long time, but a caesarean section may be required eventually. It can be physically taxing and emotionally draining for a mom.

Other risks include:

Low fetal heart rate: The strong, frequent contractions caused by pitocin may cause discomfort to the baby.
Uterine rupture: The strong, frequent contractions caused by Pitocin can cause the uterus to rupture. This is most common in mothers who have previously had uterine surgery.
Excessive bleeding in the mother after childbirth: When stimulated, the uterus may not contract properly after childbirth.
Infection: Rupture of membranes can put mother and baby at increased risk of infection.

What if I miss my due date? Should I induce labor?
Absolutely not! You have the right to refuse anything that does not suit you, including induction of labor.

At 40 weeks gestation, there is no evidence that induction is necessary in a normal healthy pregnancy. Remember that your due date is determined by a number of factors, including the average length of pregnancies in your family, the accuracy of your due date calculation, and your individual child. Your baby and body are the ones who initiate labor and usually know when they are ready.

If you have passed 41 weeks of pregnancy
There is no reason to consider induction in a normal healthy pregnancy before 41 weeks, and you may want to wait even longer before trying any of these methods. If you choose to go through 41 weeks without trying to induce labor, your healthcare provider will likely keep a close eye on you.

If you have passed 42 weeks of pregnancy
Natural induction of labor is still a priority and may increase the likelihood of other labor interventions. If mom and baby are healthy, it is perfectly reasonable and scientifically justified to give birth at 42 weeks.

How did other mothers induce labor?
I asked moms on my Facebook page about ways to induce labor naturally. Here are some of their responses:

My water broke but my contractions didn't start. That night I went for acupuncture and two hours later I had a nice steady contraction rhythm! — Jill B.
Massage of painful points, sex, walks. — Norma O.
I have massaged the pressure points on the feet and around the ankles that are supposed to induce labor. That night I went into labor, that is, a week before the expected date of delivery! I also started drinking 1 cup of red raspberry leaf tea a day at 32 weeks pregnant and gradually increased it to 4 cups by the time I was due. — Jennifer B.
A friend told me that she had read that pineapple can induce labor. Without thinking, the next day I ate almost a whole pineapple. That night I went into labor, a week early. — Stephanie N.
With both of my kids, I've tried everything - spicy food, pineapple, even scrubbing floors/lunges vigorously. But both times the trick was to have sex with my husband and make him ejaculate inside me. I went into labor less than 12 hours after two times. — Lisa S.
The first child was "delayed" for 3 days, so I stimulated naturally with evening primrose oil (oral and vaginal) and castor oil.
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