Is there anything you can do to induce labor yourself?
As the due date approaches, many couples are eager for labor to begin so they can finally meet their little one.
In especially hot weather, pregnant women are extremely uncomfortable and start looking for a safe way to jump-start labor in whatever natural way possible. Waiting another couple of weeks is just out of the question!
If you listen to the old wives’ tales, there are some things you can do to hasten the little one on. But do any of these “tricks” work?
Unfortunately, most of these don’t work, but most are harmless. Maybe they even provide a helpful psychological effect.
Spicy Foods
If you are not used to spicy food, the results may be uncomfortable to say the least. Viva la chili, but you’ll pay the price—at both ends. No evidence suggests any food will induce labor.
Chocolate
Indulge in this pleasure, and you’re only likely to induce heartburn and puffy ankles because the food wreaks havoc on your digestive system, as will spicy foods.
Walking
For years people have proclaimed walking is the way to the delivery room. Although walking is helpful during the early stages of labor because of gravity and pressure on your cervix, it doesn’t bring on labor. Short walks are fine, but avoid long walks and save your strength.
Sex
While orgasms can cause your uterus to contract, and semen contains prostaglandin–a natural fatty acid that helps soften and dilate your cervix– sex won’t bring on labor unless your baby is ready to arrive. That doesn’t mean you can’t have sex—any excuse to feel good is helpful during the last weeks of pregnancy!
Castor Oil
Don’t do it! What you end up with is a terrible bout of diarrhea.
Herbs & Teas
Little evidence has been presented that they work–and some evidence that certain herbs may be harmful. Some specialists agree that evening primrose oil has substances that your body changes into prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and get it ready for labor. Check with your Gainesville obstetrician before taking any herbs.
Acupuncture
There are some pros and cons associated with acupuncture. In some studies, acupuncture has shown promise, but other studies link it to prolonged pregnancy. You may want to play it safe on this one since prolonging the pregnancy is the opposite reaction and is the last thing you want.
Nipple Stimulation
It seems the only thing specialists agree that research has definitely linked to inducing your labor is nipple stimulation. Do not attempt this at home on your own without physician approval: It can cause very strong contractions that may affect your baby’s heart rate, so your practitioner might have you try this method only at the birth center or hospital, where the heart rate can be monitored.
This technique sometimes starts contractions because rubbing your nipples in late pregnancy can help your body release oxytocin; oxytocin is a hormone similar to Pitocin, which is the drug most practitioners use to cause contractions in pregnancies where labor needs to be induced or helped along.
Overall, getting labor started is something that’s probably best left up to your baby, even if you’re overdue. Although this is the most exciting time of your life, you might want to slow down and not rush through things.
Get some sleep while you can!
If you plan to try any of these methods, consult your doctor or midwife first. For more information about your upcoming delivery, read our article Bringing Home Baby: Tips for the Transition.
All About Women specialists provide compassionate pregnancy care for women and families like you in Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas.
