Enema to try to induce labor?

MotherMonster

I was doing some research on it because I seriously don't want to poop on the table because of how I plan on birthing (on my hands and knees and with me up right since gravity is a law and all).

I read a story that one lady used a water enema to help induce labor. No laxitives or anything, just water...

Has anyone else tried this? I'm just curious. I don't want to be chemically induced in the hospital, so I'm exploring all my options just in case.

tiannalee

Just to give you a bit of insight - with DS, nearly every single time I pushed, I pooped.  The only reason I know this is because I asked DH.  The nurses did not mention it, did not smirk, and most definitely did not treat me any differently.  They quietly cleaned me off, replaced the pads underneath me and kept coaching me on.  A lot of women are very self conscious about this and I totally get it - I was too - but knowing now how they will and will not treat you over it makes me no longer care. You are a pushing madwoman down there and some unwanted things are going to come out....its just reality.

I dont really know about the enema thing.  Truthfully, I dont think you really can induce labor without chemicals.  Your body will go when it is ready.  Just be careful if you do decide to do it, enemas are not fun and will add to the already extreme discomfort you feel towards the end of 3rd tri.

All the best to you.

pinksweetpea2

You can still poop even if you do the enema.  Seriously, there is a reason they no longer do enemas before women give birth.  Why would anyone want to put themselves through this while in labor???   

It's just poop people.  This is the day of your child's birth.  Lets have a little perspective. 

 

MotherMonster

I'm not talking about doing it while in labor. I'm talking about it to induce labor.

Midwifes use castor oil because they cause bowel contractions that also end up causing uterine contractions.

I just have questions. 

Cinamom

It's actually the opposite. I was having really bad contractions this past week and when my doctor checked me he said I was really constipated and to do an enema. I did the enema and since then no more contractions. 

pinksweetpea2

MotherMonster:

I'm not talking about doing it while in labor. I'm talking about it to induce labor.

Midwifes use castor oil because they cause bowel contractions that also end up causing uterine contractions.

I just have questions. 

::sigh:: I  know about castor oil.  I took it when I was 42 weeks pregnant with my first.  It did nothing and she came when she was ready.

Are you actually seeing a MW?  I can't imagine a MW worth her stuff would be recommending an enema to induce labor.  As I said, I went way late and we tried several methods of natural induction and this one was never suggested (probably because it doesn't work as the PP said). 

Why are you worrying about this at 24 weeks anyway?  

indiana101

pinksweetpea2:

MotherMonster:

I'm not talking about doing it while in labor. I'm talking about it to induce labor.

Midwifes use castor oil because they cause bowel contractions that also end up causing uterine contractions.

I just have questions. 

::sigh:: I  know about castor oil.  I took it when I was 42 weeks pregnant with my first.  It did nothing and she came when she was ready.

Are you actually seeing a MW?  I can't imagine a MW worth her stuff would be recommending an enema to induce labor.  As I said, I went way late and we tried several methods of natural induction and this one was never suggested (probably because it doesn't work as the PP said). 

Why are you worrying about this at 24 weeks anyway?  

Meow. As OP explained, she is just curious. No need to get on your high horse and try to make her feel stupid or whatever it is you are trying to do.

OP, I haven't heard of this one to induce labour but am curious to hear others experiences with it if there are any.

Kristine Schilling

I know i have randomly read and heard about how they used to do enemas back in the 50's before labor. Dont recall if it was to induce labor(not likely) or to make the Dr's job less messy(most likely considering the mindset of Maturnity wards in the 50's)

As uncomfortable as enemas are, I had one once...  I dont recomend it. And since even with a good cleaning you may still poo on the table. I wouldnt worry about it. We 3rd tri women are miserably uncomfortable anyway.  Many women claim their bodies do a pretty good clean out before labor gets going as well. My sister went poo about 4 times a day for 2 days before she went into labor on her own, naturally. (sorry if TMI)

If you are so concerned about poo around the Drs and nurses, just cut back on certain foods as you get closer to your due date. Cut out some foods that give you super stinkies or things that keep shape like corn. Increase your fiber intake a couple weeks before your due as well to help naturally clean yourself out.

MotherMonster

I'm diabetic...I can't see a midwife because I'm high risk. I just want to try all I can before being induced at 39 weeks.

I'm all about being very prepared and having back up plans, so I'm looking into everything I can so when the time comes...I can totally MacGyver it. Plus it's interesting to know.