Natural ways to induce labor?

taesmommy · September 2010

Are there any real ways to n aturally induce labor besides sex? Sex is not an option for me since my husband and i are seperated (have been since first trimester) and since im stil married i cant even bring my self to date so sex is completely out of the question.

Im set for a csection in 10 days but i would really like to go into labor on my own rite before then....

ju.vanderw · September 2010

Sorry, the only "scientific" way to induce labor, according to my OB, is sex. She said walking and all the other stuff people tell you is most likely old wives tale.

Mishelle62 · September 2010

I am two days overdue and scheduled to be induced Tuesday...but would rather go into labor NOW! I ate an entire pineapple this morning, thats supposed to help somehow but who knows! Good Luck!

sillypit · September 2010

Why do you want to go into labor on your own before your scheduled c-section? I'm praying I don't go into labor before mine and have to have an emergency c-section rather than a scheduled.

taesmommy · September 2010

I was really excited at first over picking the day and time and not having to go through the pain of labor but as time has gone by ive gotten to where it doesnt feel right knowing exactly when I will be holding my son. I was induced last time so I feel like im missing out not going into labor on my own. We believe my induction was the cause of the emergency c setion last time so maybe I wouldnt need it this time.

nosoup4u · September 2010

taesmommy:
I was really excited at first over picking the day and time and not having to go through the pain of labor but as time has gone by ive gotten to where it doesnt feel right knowing exactly when I will be holding my son. I was induced last time so I feel like im missing out not going into labor on my own. We believe my induction was the cause of the emergency c setion last time so maybe I wouldnt need it this time.

Can you talk to your provider about this? You have a right to attempt a VBAC (and say no to a repeat c-section) - ACOG just came out with new guidelines saying they support VBAC, and every woman who wants to attempt one has a right to...

As for natural ways to induce labor, women use evening primrose oil vaginally - you can google around for details.

ju.vanderw · September 2010

If you go into labor on your own, are you planning on having VBAC??

isoproud · September 2010

Here's a list I found on the Internet...I've never been able to induce labor myself through any method - haven't tried a lot though...

Please be sure to consult with your obstetrician or midwife if you are considering using any of these techniques marked with an asterisk* and listed below to naturally induce labor.

*Acupressure/Acupuncture - various points can start contractions. See acupressure for labor site for more information about inducing labor.
*Nipple stimulation/breast pump - uses the mother's own oxytocin to stimulate contractions; discontinue if contractions are prolonged or become intense.
*Castor oil - often mixed with juice or food; this stimulates prostaglandins to contract the uterus (Castor oil can have an undesired affect of diarrhea for several hours so use with caution and consult with your doctor or midwife.) For more information, see this site at gentlebirth.org.
Walking/changing positions frequently - this is one of the least invasive ways to stimulate contractions and can be used during labor if contractions slow down.
*Herbs - common herbs used are black and blue cohosh or tinctures including these herbs (these are contraindicated for mothers with high blood pressure) Some herbs are medicinal so please be sure to check with your primary provider or a licensed herbalist should you plan to take any herbs! See this site on herbs for information.
Spicy Food - Some mothers say spicy food does the trick possibly because it may also stimulate digestion and thereby increase prostaglandin production to get contractions going.
Massage - this is a great way to relax while your massage therapist stimulates trigger points for labor; often when stress hormones are reduced, labor can start more easily.
*Glass of wine - although there is no evidence that wine stimulates contractions, it can help an anxious mom relax. Bear in mind that any alcohol affects your baby and can be dehydrating. Be sure to take only one glass with dinner and check with your provider before considering this way to start labor.
Love-making/Intercourse/Orgasm - uses both oxytocin and prostaglandins to stimulate contractions and potentially induce labor. Do not have intercourse if your water has broken.
Pineapple is considered to be a labor-inducing food, however there is no research that supports this method beyond women's own stories.
Nipple stimulation
Certian herbal teas

J+MS · September 2010

**Don't try nipple stimulation without talking to your doctor first.

jamiemsmith · September 2010

nosoup4u:

Can you talk to your provider about this? You have a right to attempt a VBAC (and say no to a repeat c-section) - ACOG just came out with new guidelines saying they support VBAC, and every woman who wants to attempt one has a right to...
As for natural ways to induce labor, women use evening primrose oil vaginally - you can google around for details.

My Childbirth Instructor just informed us this week that our hospital doesn't do VBAC. I was shocked! So if something goes wrong with this one, I'll be finding another hospital!!

LuvWestCoast · September 2010

taesmommy:
I was really excited at first over picking the day and time and not having to go through the pain of labor but as time has gone by ive gotten to where it doesnt feel right knowing exactly when I will be holding my son. I was induced last time so I feel like im missing out not going into labor on my own. We believe my induction was the cause of the emergency c setion last time so maybe I wouldnt need it this time.

Good for you! In the book "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" has an entire section about how to naturally induce labor. But agree with another poster that you should talk to your provider. Although VBACs are getting more support, if your doc is not prepared, they may want to rush you to a C-section if you go into labor yourself. (the book also has a great section about VBAC).

But her recommendations for natural induction besides sex (both semen and the orgasm are beneficial) are: Breast/nipple stimulation (manual and oral) to release oxytocin; I don't know if a breast pump would have the same effect as a partner using oral stim. Castor Oil to act as a laxative. Sweeping the Membrane (you need a medical prof to do this). I believe there are some acupressure points on the inside of the leg above the ankle bone or you can try acupuncture. There are some aromatherapy oils that can cause uterine contractions.

Sorry about you and your husband.

jasrun80 · September 2010

i honestly did everything possible -- i even ran a 5K !! i had sex, drank rasberries, got tinctures, massages, pedicures, tried wine, tried oergano, i even tried to "see" how dialate i may have been to try and massage the area into going, i did rose oil petal pills or whatever they are called,,, i did EVERYTHING,,, he was 6 days late...

im sorry your first emergency c section was probably the result of being induced,,, i was scared of that happening to me & honestly there is a movie about the business of babies and how c sections bring in more $$ etc...

i know when i was "done" i wouldnt have cared about the so-called business of babies,,, but now that i was fortunate enough to labor on my own i recommend it !

good for you for trying !! i agree with the above to try VBAC -- if it were natural you very well may be able to labor on your own !

im not aDR so i dont know that for sure but i dont think many DRs do either.

gl !

gracelord121809 · September 2010

Ok the act of sex itself isnt what causes labor. Seman softens your cervix making it easier for you to dialate. Where as your orgasms create oxctocin (sorry for the spelling) which is the same drug used in the pitocin shot. So technically speaking you could still get the baby to come on your own. Have a good O and the little one might be here soon! Good luck? lol.

taesmommy · September 2010

Thank you ladies so much for all the adivse and support. And good luck to all of you!

mrschahbar · September 2010

gracelord121809:

Ok the act of sex itself isnt what causes labor. Seman softens your cervix making it easier for you to dialate. Where as your orgasms create oxctocin (sorry for the spelling) which is the same drug used in the pitocin shot. So technically speaking you could still get the baby to come on your own. Have a good O and the little one might be here soon! Good luck? lol.

This is what I was going to say. And even if it doesn't work, at least hopefully it will distract you for a little bit Wink

kg_08 · September 2010

Stripping membranes and castor oil for me. I was past due though.

McKenna04 · September 2010

I tried everything, walking, sex, castor oil.. nothing worked. So i believe baby comes when baby is ready!

PeaPod30 · September 2010

Evening Primrose Oil! It contains prostaglandins, the same signalling molecules present in a man's sperm. It will soften and prepare your cervix. I've take one vaginally, and two orally every night since 34 weeks. I am almost completely effaced and a couple of cm dilated at 38 weeks, and my cervix has anterior. This will make labor easier and shorter since the cervix is conditioned, and has less centimeters to open before I'm fully dilated. I won't be spending hours in the hospital on pitocin and cervadil !

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