Labor Inducing: Some Choices for You

Your due date says your baby should be here by now, but it’s clear that despite the anticipation, he or she would prefer stay inside for a little longer. You want to stage a coup, get rid of the petty dictator, and restore the delicate balance of power, but you don’t know whether there are any natural techniques that may be able to do this. Here are the ways to release oxytocin to induce labor for you.

Induction of labour with nipple stimulation

Nipple stimulation may enhance oxytocin production in a completely natural way. The synthetic equivalent of this hormone, pitocin, is often used by medical personnel to hasten labour and delivery, so you may already be familiar with it. The hormone oxytocin sends messages to your body instructing it to start contractions and labour, marking the beginning of the birthing process.

Acupuncture and acupressure have not been shown to be effective in inducing labour.

The process of inducing labour with the use of acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles into certain acupressure spots on the body. In place of needles, acupressure practitioners apply steady pressure and massage to certain acupuncture points.

Unreliable labour induction techniques

But what about the methods that Aunt Linda, best friend, or even doctor says never fails? I like to joke with my patients by suggesting they go for a walk, take some castor oil, and eat some really spicy Chinese food. But instead of giving birth, all you’ll experience is indigestion, diarrhoea, and muscle soreness.

Consider this: the following tactics are useless at best and perhaps harmful at worst:

At first glance, it would seem like a good idea to let gravity and vehicle bouncing help smooth out rough roads when driving, but that’s not the case.

Diarrhea, which in turn stimulates the intestines, is often brought on by consuming castor oil or foods high in spicy capsaicin. If the uterus begins contracting more often, it may be because hormones or mediators secreted by the intestines have stimulated this response. The same thing could happen if you are dehydrated, which can be brought on by diarrhoea. You won’t go into labour from any of them, however.

Plant-based pharmaceuticals: Natural remedies, such as evening primrose oil or red raspberry leaf tea, have little supporting data. And it’s possible that they’re not healthy for either the mother or the baby.

Some people use hypnosis, which involves methods like deep breathing, mental imagery, and gentler discussion about the upcoming birth. Hypnosis is a solution for some people. (A swaying pocket watch is unnecessary.) These methods may facilitate your progress, but they will not in themselves trigger labour.

Cleaning and removing membranes: A doctor or midwife may use this method on you if you have already started dilatation. The amniotic sac is separated from the uterine wall by circling a finger around the cervix.

Conclusion

While a stroll in the park or a brisk walk around the block might be a great way to clear your head and feel the breeze in your hair, Dr. Emery says walking has no health benefits. He also cautions women not to experiment with or get dependent on illicit drugs. Even while they may hasten labour, they offer a serious risk to both the mother and the developing baby.

Clare Louise