Truly natural 'induction' methods and increased risk

papagena

I'm not talking about EPO or blue/black cohosh (or whatever that is, honestly I only heard about that one on the boards this pg).  I'm talking truly non-herbal methods - sex, acupuncture, and the like.  Does it pose any increased risk of uterine rupture? 

Jb&Jb

I don't know enough about acupuncture to comment there, but as far as sex goes, the semen is essentially the same as inserting EPO vaginally (as far as I understand - though I'm sure there are some differences).  The orgasm could bring on contractions, but I don't get them any stronger after O than a run of the mill BH.  I'm obviously not a health professional, but I wouldn't think that sex would increase the risk of rupture.

 edit to add: from my understanding, the black and blue cohoshes are potentially more risky than sex/RRL tea/EPO

edit x2:  and when i say potentially more risky in terms of the cohoshes, i don't mean for uterine rupture, i just mean for pregnancy in general

JoelsGirl07

I don't think so. The reason I say this is because "natural" induction methods only work if your body is on the fence and just needs a little push. it is NOT the same 0-60 of pitocin or other syntehtic induction methods. The reason those have an increased risk is because they cause stronger contractions than your body would instigate on its own, in most cases.  Or at least they wouldn't start that way.

babyike

As long as your uterus doesn't begin to "hyperstimulate", then natural induction methods are just fine (according to NIH and ICAN).  Nipple stim (hand/pump), acupuncture, sex, etc were all listed as safe methods for naturally bringing on labor.  Just remember that they only "work" when your body is actually ready and primed for labor (hence the phrase "kick start" your labor). 

FWIW (and this is purely anectdotal), I used all of the above-mentioned methods and had no issues with uterine rupture.  I also had a very fast active labor... just sayin'   GL and HTH!

The link below was given to me by my MWs and my doula.  I avoided the castor oil and enemas, but the majority of the information was helpful for me.

https://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html

papagena

Thank you!!!