How to induce labor naturally at 38 weeks

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.

Ways to induce labor: Medical and natural options

Most pregnancies that involve just one baby last about 40 weeks from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. Multiple gestation pregnancies may vary in their duration.

It is usually best to maintain a pregnancy for as long as it is safely possible to allow for continued growth and weight gain as well as fetal brain, liver, and lung development. All of these processes are essential for the health of a newborn.

Infants who are born before 39 weeks are more likely to experience complications, such as breathing difficulties, vision and hearing problems, being unable to stay warm, and feeding difficulties, among other health problems.

However, if a baby is born after 42 weeks, other problems can arise. For this reason, a doctor will sometimes recommend inducing labor.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend classifying full-term pregnancies in one of four ways.

The categories are:

Early-term: Delivery occurs between 37 weeks and 38 weeks and 6 days.
Full-term: Delivery takes place after 39 weeks but before 40 weeks and 6 days.
Later-term: Delivery is within 6 days after 41 weeks.
Post-term: Delivery happens at any time after week 42.

Doctors do not know why some women have post-term deliveries, but a 2012 study suggests that possible reasons may include:

hormonal factors
obesity, possibly because fatty tissue affects the balance of hormones in the body
genetic factors, as parents who were born post term appear to be more likely to have a post-term delivery
having a baby for the first time

Preventing the risks of a post-term delivery

Post-term pregnancies may carry a higher risk of delivery complications.

Risks to the baby include:

increased fetal size, which can make injury more likely during delivery
inhaling fecal waste, which can lead to lung problems in the newborn
the aging of the placenta and low pH levels in the umbilical cord, leading to neonatal acidemia (low blood pH)
issues arising from growth restriction in the womb, such as wrinkled, peeling skin and a thin body due to malnourishment

Risks to the woman include:

the need for a cesarean delivery
a higher chance of tearing when giving birth
an obstructed, slow, or delayed labor
a negative emotional effect, as waiting tends to increase anxiety

In some situations, a doctor may recommend inducing, or bringing on, labor. However, they will first consider the risks, benefits, and necessity of the intervention.

A doctor may recommend inducing labor in instances in which:

they have concerns about the health of the woman or baby
the post-term date is approaching
there is an infection in the uterus
there is delayed fetal growth
the levels of amniotic fluid are low

Certain medical conditions may pose a risk to the woman or baby, including:

high blood pressure
preeclampsia
diabetes
kidney disease
blood problems due to rhesus (Rh) factor issues

Rh factor is a protein that is sometimes present on the surface of red blood cells. People with this protein in their blood have Rh-positive blood, while those who do not have this protein have Rh-negative blood.

Problems can arise if the fetus has Rh-positive blood, but the woman’s blood is Rh-negative.

Typically, maternal blood does not mix with fetal blood during pregnancy. However, this can sometimes occur during a medical procedure, such as amniocentesis, or if the woman experiences trauma to the abdomen.

If it does happen, the woman will develop antibodies against the Rh factor of the fetus, and her body will fight against the unborn baby’s blood. This attack can be life-threatening for the unborn child, and it can also result in complications with subsequent pregnancies.

If it is necessary to induce labor, a healthcare professional will use certain medications and procedures to cause labor to start.

These procedures include:

Cervical ripening

It is possible to ripen, or dilate, the cervix by inserting a catheter with a small balloon-type device on the end or by introducing a substance that absorbs water.

Amniotomy

A healthcare professional may burst the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby inside the uterus to start labor or to progress labor that has already begun. They can only perform this procedure if the cervix has dilated enough to make the amniotic sac accessible.

Hormones

Doctors may use naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins to try to soften and thin out the cervix and encourage cervical dilation. They deliver prostaglandins to the cervix through the vagina. In some cases, they may administer the hormone oxytocin to induce labor by stimulating contractions.

Stripping the membranes

This method can help release prostaglandins to induce labor, according to ACOG. A doctor or midwife will use a finger to “sweep” over the membranes connecting the amniotic sac to the uterine wall.

According to one source, this may be uncomfortable for some women and is only possible following the dilation of the cervix.

As with any medical procedure, labor induction involves some risks.

These include:

strong, frequent contractions that can lead to fetal complications, such as an increased heart rate and umbilical cord problems
maternal or fetal infections
torn uterus
increased likelihood of a cesarean delivery
fetal death

Some women may seek out natural or nonmedical ways to induce labor at home. However, some of these methods may not be safe.

It is essential to discuss any thoughts of induction with a healthcare professional. There are several factors to consider before deciding on any method of induction. These include the gestational age of the fetus, the fetal position, and any pregnancy complications.

Some natural methods of inducing labor that people have tried include:

Nipple stimulation

Nipple rolling or gentle rubbing may lead to a release of oxytocin, which could help induce labor.

Exercise

Exercise is advisable during pregnancy unless a doctor specifies otherwise. However, there is no evidence that it can induce labor.

Sex

Having sex could help induce labor because orgasms cause uterine contractions, nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin, and semen contains high levels of prostaglandins.

An Iranian study of 120 women concluded that sex during the last week of pregnancy “might be associated with the onset of labor” and could be a natural way to induce this process.

However, a 2012 study of almost 1,200 women in Malaysia found no difference in labor and delivery whether or not the women had sex with the aim of inducing pregnancy.

It is generally safe to have sex during pregnancy, but it is not advisable:

after labor has started
if the woman has a low-lying placenta
if there is vaginal bleeding

In some cases, sex during pregnancy could lead to bleeding, putting the health of both the woman and baby at risk. Women should talk with their doctor if they have any concerns about having sex during pregnancy.

Homeopathy and herbs

Some people recommend herbs and homeopathic remedies to induce labor. The authors of a study that BMJ Open published in 2018 concluded that even though some herbs may be effective, there is a lack of evidence to confirm that they are safe to use.

It is vital to discuss the safety of using herbs to induce labor with a doctor or midwife before trying this method.

Castor oil

Some people have recommended taking castor oil to trigger contractions. Doing this may cause a stomach upset, but it is unlikely to initiate labor.

The authors of a 2012 review concluded that castor oil and evening primrose oil are not likely to induce labor and may increase the risk of complications.

Food

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some foods, including spicy foods and pineapple, may induce labor.

However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims, and these foods may worsen acid reflux, which is already a common problem in the later stages of pregnancy.

Some have argued that because pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which people use to tenderize meat, eating it might cause the cervix to soften.

However, stomach acids break down any enzymes in food, so they will not travel directly to the cervix.

In some cases, a doctor may decide that it is necessary to induce labor to try to ensure the safety of the woman and baby.

Several medical procedures can help encourage labor to start, and people can also try a variety of natural methods at home with the approval of their doctor or midwife.

It is important that people speak with their doctor or midwife about any methods of labor induction and the associated risks and benefits.

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

2. Nipple stimulation

Nipple stimulation can actually help induce labor or hasten a 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 you.

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.

It is interesting that 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 to 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 pregnancy acupuncturist or contact a local mums 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 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. nine0013 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. nine0013 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. nine0013 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. nine0013 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:

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 massaged the pressure points on my feet and around my 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. That day, I started having contractions! — Sarah L.
Acupuncture! I came in with very weak, irregular contractions and left with active labour, intense contractions 6 minutes apart. She gave birth 10 hours later. — Sherry M.
I worked every day of both my births (throughout all pregnancies). I also had sex. — Susan B.
Acupuncture, chiropractor and pumping (nipple stimulation). — Angela G.

Original - here

The most effective way to induce contractions and speed up labor

HealthChildbirth

First of all, do not forget that any pregnancy is individual. Even for one woman with several children, the scenario of each new pregnancy can be completely different from the previous one. Do not forget that the preliminary date of birth (DA) does not guarantee the appearance of the baby on a particular day. But do not panic ahead of time - you will not remain pregnant in any case.

It is important to know that all the methods discussed below can only be tested if your tests are normal, there are no pathologies, and the doctor observing the pregnancy has no objections. Think also about whether you really need to compete with nature and, in principle, take measures that bring the cherished day closer? nine0003

Photo: Getty Images/Hero Images

Let's breastfeed

There is a test that reveals the readiness of the whole organism in general and the uterus in particular for childbirth - mammary. Its essence is to stimulate the nipples, which triggers the production of the hormone oxytocin, which, in turn, provokes contractions. Within three minutes after the start, the first training session should happen, and after 10 minutes - three more. Did the diagram fit? Then childbirth is worth waiting for from day to day. Only if the reaction does not occur, we can say that you are "walking". By the way, breastfeeding is also useful for this reason: the uterus will actively contract, which is extremely important in the postpartum period. nine0003

Hands to hips, legs wider!

Physical activity is also among the top recommendations for speeding up labor, and for good reason. Walking up the stairs, long walks, sometimes even squats - it’s not without reason that women at the end of pregnancy often feel a surge of strength and energy, so nature has taken care of everything here. However, it is important not to overdo it, the consequences of indefatigable activity can be the most deplorable - for example, placental abruption. If you are not in the hospital, and the doctor did not recommend complete rest, the method can be used. nine0003

Relax… completely

Colon cleansing with enemas and microclysters is another harmless, effective way to induce contractions and call your baby out: intestinal peristalsis triggers contractions. But there is a more pleasant way to start the process: to revise the diet to include more vegetables, fruits and grains. Of course, nutrition alone is unlikely to provoke childbirth, but it may well bring them closer. In addition, the right diet will definitely save you from constipation, which often torment women in the last stages. nine0003

Photo: Getty Images/Tetra images RF

Remember how it all began

Love each other and have sex. This way to induce labor will be one of the first to be offered by both doctors and thousands of women whom he has helped. Not only is this a pleasant activity in itself, it can contribute to the onset of labor for three reasons.

Firstly, sex is nothing but physical activity. Secondly, orgasm causes a rush of blood to the uterus. And thirdly, semen contains biologically active substances prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and prepare it for labor. nine0003

This method has contraindications. You need to be one hundred percent sure of your partner's health and the absence of infections. In case the mucus plug has already moved away, there will be no barrier in their way. In addition, the method is not suitable for those who have a low placenta or placenta previa.

What else?

Harmless stimulation methods include:

foot and lumbosacral massage;
certain foods and drinks: raspberry leaf tea (note: raspberry leaves should not be taken before 8 months as they stimulate uterine contractions), redcurrant or beetroot juice, spicy food, fresh pineapple, parsley; nine0003
warm bath or contrast shower. By adding essential oils to the water that increase the tone of the uterus (basil, chamomile, juniper, etc.), you can cause it to contract.

What not to do:

take labor inducing drugs unless prescribed by your doctor;
perform any procedure alone;
try to induce labor prematurely;
uncontrollably try folk ways; nine0003
ignore the advice of your doctor.

Obstetrician-gynecologist

Births that occur between 37 and 40 weeks are considered normal, and the reasons for walking are always individual. It is important during this period to monitor the condition of the child. Is the baby getting worse? Then the question of childbirth comes up. We recommend actively stimulating labor activity only in a hospital setting, when doctors have the opportunity to monitor the opening of the cervix, the baby's heartbeat and its location, as well as the general condition of the mother. How to calculate the PDR? From the date of the first day of the last menstruation, subtract three months and add seven days. For example, if the critical days began on August 1, then the DA starts on May 8. nine0003

As for the natural ways to speed up the birth, one should not seriously count on their effectiveness. Some of them are more effective, some less. Warm baths with herbs, in my opinion, are just a pleasant procedure. The skin for the body as a protective barrier is impenetrable from the outside, so even if we add oils or herbs to the water, this is unlikely to affect labor activity. For the absorption of substances through the skin, there is a special physiotherapy - phonophoresis.

But sex can really lead to contractions, as well as intestinal irritation. But if the mother's body and the child are not yet ready for a responsible event, then neither a diet nor an enema will be able to provoke childbirth. nine0003

The last thing a child needs is a restless and worried mother.