The Masterpiece Mom

Home » Misc » Fast ways to induce labor

Fast ways to induce labor


How to induce labor naturally

Around 38 weeks into their pregnancies, I start to see a shift in my expecting patients. The excitement of being pregnant has worn off. They are sore, uncomfortable and often feeling a great deal of pregnancy fatigue.

This is also usually when I start getting questions about natural ways to induce labor.

“Is it true that eating spicy food will get things going?” “Does drinking castor oil really work?”

Some of my expecting moms are willing to try just about anything at this point, and the internet provides endless ideas. However, I always caution that very few methods have been proven effective in getting labor started. And some methods can actually be dangerous for both mom and baby.

Here are six natural ways to induce labor that I get questions about from my patients, and the advice I share with them. I recommend that you first get your doctor’s permission before trying any of these methods as a way to induce labor.

1.

Exercise

Walking and exercise often make it to the top of the list of things to try. While there’s no research that says it will induce labor, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week can be helpful in any stage of pregnancy. And, it’s safe to use a birthing or exercise ball to stretch and help relieve some of the pressure in your pelvis, hips and back (unless you’ve been instructed otherwise by your doctor). Staying fit can help improve sleep and your mood. It can also decrease your risk of cesarean delivery and gestational diabetes.

2. Spicy foods

Spicy foods can make you sweat, but they won’t induce labor. That’s an old wives’ tale. Research has shown that eating spicy food can trigger heartburn and indigestion, but as for labor, there has been no documented research to prove this theory.

3. Sexual intercourse

You might be wondering “How would sex induce labor?” For starters, it can release oxytocin from the brain – the same chemical that causes contractions. And it can also release prostaglandins, which help the cervix naturally soften and prepare for labor. Be sure to ask your doctor whether you have the go-ahead to give sex at this time a try. If you’re given the okay, it’s certainly one of the more fun ways to try and get labor going.

4. Acupuncture and acupressure

Using acupuncture, acupressure or massage to induce labor is somewhat controversial. The belief is that stimulating certain pressure points in the body can release oxytocin and induce labor. While the effectiveness of this method is still up for debate, a foot massage is still enjoyable, especially at the end of pregnancy. And massage therapy can help treat the hip, back, ligament and musculoskeletal pain you might feel while pregnant. Both are very safe as long as the care professional has experience in taking care of pregnant women. Here at Park Nicollet, we’re lucky to have massage therapists specifically trained to work with pregnant women and their much more loose and relaxed muscles and joints.

5. Nipple stimulation to induce labor – discouraged

Some of my patients ask me whether using a breast pump can help start labor. Similar to sex, nipple stimulation can lead to oxytocin release. However, there is no research that shows using a breast pump to induce labor is safe or effective, so I discourage my patients from trying this method.

6. Castor oil to induce labor – highly discouraged and potentially dangerous

Castor oil can cause uterine contractions. But, the contractions may or may not be labor. The theory is that castor oil stimulates the bowels, which irritates the uterus and causes contractions. This can lead to side effects like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting – all of which can lead to dehydration. I highly discourage my patients from trying this method.

Be patient, and remember these methods for later

At the end of the day, your baby will come when they are ready. But once you’re in labor, some of the things listed above may actually help it progress. Walking, acupuncture, massage and more can also be used as natural ways to manage labor and delivery pains.

Until then, try to stay comfortable and be patient. And know that, if needed, your doctor can help you get your labor started safely and effectively.

7 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

Anecdotal evidence suggests that exercise, sex, and eating certain foods may help move labor along. But it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional before attempting to induce labor.

Your due date is an educated guess for when your baby might make its arrival.

While many women deliver perfectly healthy babies 2 weeks before or after this presumed due date, it’s recommended that women wait until at least 39 weeks for delivery.

It’s best to let mother nature decide when your baby comes.

In a 2011 study, 201 women who had recently delivered babies were surveyed about inducing labor at home. Of these women, 50 percent had tried a natural method of getting labor started.

If you’re 40 weeks in, here are seven natural ways to get things moving along.

Most of these methods are anecdotal and don’t have solid evidence that they work, so you should always talk to your healthcare provider before attempting any of these methods.

Your midwife or doctor may not be able to confirm that they work, but they can let you know if it’s safe to try with your pregnancy.

Exercise can be anything that gets the heart rate up, such as a long walk. Even if this method doesn’t work, it’s a great way to relieve stress and keep your body strong for the task ahead.

Theoretically, there are multiple reasons why having sex could induce labor.

For example, sexual activity, especially having an orgasm, can release oxytocin, which may help jumpstart uterine contractions.

Also, for pregnant people who have sex with men, there are prostaglandin hormones in semen that might help ripen the cervix.

Having sex is safe during the final weeks of pregnancy, but you shouldn’t have sex after your water has broken. Doing so can increase your risk for infection.

Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and may bring about labor.

Nipple stimulations stimulate oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract and the breast to eject milk.

In fact, if you choose to breastfeed your baby right after delivery, this same stimulation is what will help your uterus shrink back to its original size.

You or your partner may manually stimulate your nipples, or you can try using a breast pump.

Solidresearch shows that breast stimulation can be an effective way to:

  • induce and augment labor
  • avoid a medical induction
  • reduce rates of postpartum hemorrhage

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. The exact way that acupuncture works is unclear.

In Chinese Medicine, it’s believed that it balances the chi or vital energy within the body. It might also stimulate changes in hormones or in the nervous system.

Acupuncture should be administered only by a licensed acupuncturist.

In a 2013 randomized trial in Denmark, more than 400 women were given acupuncture, membrane stripping, or both procedures before labor.

Study results showed that acupuncture didn’t decrease the need for induction, but sweeping membranes did.

According to research, the main benefit of acupuncture is increased cervical ripening.

Some practitioners believe that acupressure can help start labor. Prior to applying acupressure to yourself, make sure you get proper instruction from a trained acupressure professional.

If acupressure doesn’t get your labor going, it can still be an excellent way to alleviate pain and discomfort during labor.

Drinking a little bit, like only 1–2 ounces (29.57–59.14 mL) of castor oil stimulates prostaglandin release, which can help ripen the cervix and get labor started.

It’s recommended that this be done under the supervision of a midwife or doctor. People should be careful not to drink too much.

Someresearch shows that eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy

  • increases cervical ripening and cervical dilation at the start of labor
  • decreases the need for Pitocin use during labor

Most pregnant people at 40 weeks are likely ready to have their babies out of their bellies as soon as possible and in their arms.

However, there are plenty of perks to waiting until your body naturally decides to go into labor — including recovery.

Women who weren’t induced typically recover more quickly than those who were. More time in the womb can mean both you and your new baby get to go home from the hospital sooner.

Infants who are born after a full-term pregnancy also experience other benefits. More time in the womb typically means:

  • more time to build muscle and strength
  • reduced risk of low blood sugar, infection, and jaundice
  • improved breathing as infants born even as little as two weeks early can experience twice the number of complications
  • better feeding once born
  • increased brain development, with the brain growing a third of its size between weeks 35 and 40

Let your body do the work for a few more days and take the time to get as much rest as you possibly can.

We know, that’s easier said than done when you’re 9 months pregnant. You and your baby will need all your energy soon enough!

Before trying anything that might induce labor, speak with your healthcare provider to go over any risks or possible complications.

Though some of these methods are popular folklore among pregnant women, little scientific evidence supports their efficacy.

In most cases, it’s best to let baby set their own birth date, even if it means waiting another week or two.

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. nine0003

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. nine0022
  • 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. nine0022

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. nine0022
  • 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. nine0022
  • 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0099 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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.” nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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 with Parmesan

Scalinis Restaurant near Atlanta, Georgia claims to have helped more than 300 women go into labor within 48 hours with their 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. nine0099 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. nine0099 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. nine0003

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. nine0099 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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0099 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. nine0003


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. nine0003

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: