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Natural ways to "induce" labour

KateLouiseKateLouise member
in 3rd Trimester
I have gestational diabetes, and here in NZ they pretty much won't let you go over 40 weeks. My first two babies were both born at 40 weeks and 5 days. So while every pregnancy is different, and this baby could come anytime, I wouldn't be shocked if I went past my due date and end up being induced.

So I'm not really looking to induce labour early, more just do things to try and get my body as ready as possible so that induction has the best fighting chance of going smoothly.

My mw suggested Raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil. Has anyone had experience with these good or bad? Does anyone have any other suggestions or thoughts.

I know babies come when they're ready, but just thought I'd ask. Thanks ladies.
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Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
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Re: Natural ways to "induce" labour

  • kanga915kanga915 member
    RRL tea will tone and strengthen your uterus which can make contractions and pushing more efficient. EPO softens your cervix and makes it stretchier. Neither of these things will make your baby come earlier. Other things that may help your body prepare for labor, though, are eating figs (do some Google research) and exercises like walking and bouncing on a ball.
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  • shantyraeshantyrae member
    I've always heard sex induces labor - which makes sense to me only if you reach the big O because your uterus contracts at that point.
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  • tbasinskitbasinski member
    edited August 2015
    Sex. There is something in semen that affects the cervix and causes it to efface/dilate.
    Also, nipple stimulation can cause contractions (which is why breastfeeding helps the uterus contract. There is more to it but that's the gist)
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  • wedding crazedwedding crazed member
    I am of the mind set that all of those old wives tales about inducing labor are just that, tales. I tried everything with #3 as I was desperate, 9 lb. 8 oz. GD baby and I'm only 5'1". None of it worked. Asked my OB about it and he basically said that your hubby might enjoy you trying (the sex part), but it's not going to do anything. I am a runner and have ran through all pregnancies. At the end it will get contractions going, but nothing time able and they stop. I have GD this 4th pregnancy also so the fear of a large baby again is there so I may be trying everything again due to desperation.
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  • TacoSarahTacoSarah member
    Semen contains prostaglandin which is used in synthetic form to induce labour, so that combined with nipple stimulation can help get things going.
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  • NurseRiegerNurseRieger member
    Pineapple has an enzyme that helps thin out the cervix. I've heard balsamic vinegar has pitocin like properties. And do pelvic tilts on an exercise ball can help too. So have a salad, snack on pineapple and raspberry leaf tea while rocking hips on a ball. Just make sure that you are at term and do not already have an issue with your cervix.
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  • ZoeyRaeJamesZoeyRaeJames member
    I've always been told sex, and nipple stimulation will get things going! Now, this will sound weird, but I knew of someone who drunk lemonade and ate a chocolate bar, and 3 hours later was in labour, and had her kid 3 hours later on. So, 6 hours in total! But each body is different! Normally, the first suggestion works best, thought! :)
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