Natural Labor Induction

Natural Methods of Labor Induction

Sexual Intercourse

Semen contains naturally occurring hormones called prostaglandins. When released during intercourse, the prostaglandins can aid in the softening of the cervix which prepares it to dilate. Prostaglandins can also trigger uterine contractions. Another advantage of using intercourse to induce labor is the oxytocin that is produce during female orgasm. Oxytocin is a hormone that is proven to begin contractions in the uterus when the body is ready for labor.

Nipple Stimulation

This method, along with sexual intercourse, may be one that makes the expectant mother uncomfortable. Nipple stimulation is the act of taking the nipple between two fingers and rubbing or massaging. This practice causes the release of oxytocin, which we have established can trigger contractions. Many women who use this practice will caution that the resulting contractions from nipple stimulation are strong and can be quite painful. In order to experience true results, the nipples must be massaged for adequate time periods. The usual suggestion for stimulation is around 15 minutes per nipple several times a day. Physicians will warn if you decide to use this method at home, not to begin until you have reached or surpassed your due date due to the possibility of such strong contractions.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is another source of prostaglandins. Regularly sold as a soft gel capsule, it can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, however at-home methods of labor induction are strongly advised against before 37 weeks. The usual dosage is two 500mg capsules per day. For best results, primrose oil capsules can be inserted vaginally so they rest on the cervix causing it to thin and soften for dilation.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has long been thrown around as a method to induce labor. Some women swear by it, while others tell you to steer clear of it. Swallowing a few tablespoons of oil, even though this one is tasteless and odorless, is never pleasant. And of course, let’s not forget to mention how and why this stuff works.

The castor oil acts as a laxative, stimulating the bowels and causing diarrhea. The cramping that occurs with the diarrhea helps the uterus to contract, which is supposed to kick start your labor.

The controversy surrounding castor oil is due to the speculation that it can cause the baby to release meconium in the womb. Meconium is the baby’s first bowel movement and if released while still in the womb the baby can inhale it, possibly causing respiratory problems and even pneumonia. Another danger occurs if the mother has diarrhea severe enough to cause dehydration and exhaustion. Adequate fluids, most importantly water, are needed to provide sufficient nutrients to the baby. If the mother becomes dehydrated she will put the baby’s health in danger. Poor hydration can also lead to an inadequate milk supply for a breastfeeding mom.

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

It is said that the body will not respond to natural methods of labor induction unless it is ready for labor. You need to be free of stress and ready to handle the physical and emotional challenges labor will bring. To get your body ready for labor, one good at-home method to use is meditation. Sitting alone in a quiet room with soothing music and some aromatherapy will help the body de-stress and be ready for the on-set of labor. Acupuncture is another good way to relieve stress and even start contractions using two particular trigger points on your body. One point is located about 2-3 inches above the inner ankle on your calf. The other can be found the webbing between your thumb and forefinger.

Blue and black cohosh are said to help labor by triggering contractions. There is no significant research to prove that these plant roots actually start contractions, but some women feel that they do help stimulate the uterus.

Stripping of the Membranes

During a visit to your physician, she may perform a procedure call a stipping or sweeping of the membranes. She will insert a finger or two in the vaginal opening and “sweep” the cervix, pushing it from one side to the other. This pulls the membranes of the bag of water away from the cervix, causing the cervix to be able to stretch out and begin to thin. This process can also cause the release of prostaglandins, which will begin contractions. It is a quite painful and uncomfortable procedure and does not always produce results when performed.