Generally, the date of delivery is calculated around the 40th week of pregnancy. If you exceed this limit, you may begin to feel uncomfortable, impatient and agitated at the thought of going into labor. Before resorting to medical interventions for induction of childbirth, you can try to trigger labor naturally by staying at home.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Consuming Certain Foods
Step 1. Eat pineapple
It is a fruit that can induce labor. Contains bromelain, a substance that contributes to soften and "ripen" the cervix: a fundamental process for the initiation of rearing.
Eat the fruit plain, drink the juice, or use it to make a smoothie
Step 2. Eat licorice
Black licorice stimulates labor. Get the natural one because it contains less sugar. You can also take it in the form of supplements. This root is able to trigger intestinal cramps by creating a laxative effect. In turn, the cramps help induce spasms of the uterine muscles.
Step 3. Consume a lot of fiber
Foods rich in these nutrients help prevent constipation. If you are a prone to constipation, it is very likely that the intestines and the rectum are not completely free because they take up the space the baby needs to begin to descend towards the cervix. Hence, increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Plums, dates, and other nuts can also help you.
Step 4. Drink raspberry leaf tea
It is able to both strengthen and tone the uterus and, at the same time, cause the muscles to contract. Prepare a cup by placing a sachet in 180ml of boiling water. Leave it to infuse for 3 minutes, wait for it to cool and finally sip it.
In summer, raspberry leaf tea is an excellent refreshing drink
Part 2 of 6: Taking Certain Positions
Step 1. Get on all fours
This allows the baby to take a good position. When the baby's head begins to exert pressure towards the cervix, the cervix begins to dilate or shorten and thin. By getting on all fours for 10 minutes, several times a day, you will help the baby to position his head optimally for delivery.
Step 2. Don't lean back on the sofa
You will likely be quite tired and exhausted in this late stage of pregnancy and would like to relax. However, it can be counterproductive to remain seated or reclined on the sofa, as this does not make it easier for the baby to get into the right position for delivery. Instead, try lying on the sofa on your left side, bringing your body slightly forward. Support yourself with some pillows so that you are comfortable.
Step 3. Jump on the pregnancy ball
It is a large inflatable ball (also used for training) that allows you to sit comfortably during the last period of gestation. You can also use it to stimulate labor. By sitting or bouncing gently with your legs apart, you can help the baby get closer to the birth canal.
Part 3 of 6: Preparing the Body for Labor
Step 1. Walk
By walking, you can stimulate the baby to move and head towards the cervix. When the head begins to put pressure on the cervix, it means that labor is not very far away. Try to walk for 15-20 minutes. Even just getting out in the fresh air is of great help.
Try walking up a steep slope. This will force your body to lean forward at a certain angle. If it is 40-45 °, it can help the unborn baby move in the right direction to get out
Step 2. Try to have sex
Having sex with your partner helps to circulate prostaglandins, substances that behave like real hormones, which can induce labor. Sperm ejaculated into the vagina helps to soften and dilate the cervix, preparing the pregnant woman's body for labor.
- Orgasm stimulates the production of prostaglandins, so if you don't feel like having sex, you can get yourself an orgasm.
- Do not have sexual intercourse if you have already broken your water because infections could develop.
Step 3. Stimulate the nipples
It is another way to induce uterine contractions. Move your thumb and forefinger over the nipple for 2 minutes and let it rest for 3 minutes. Continue for about 20 minutes. If you feel no contraction, increase the stimulation to 3 minutes and stop for 2 minutes.
Apply olive oil to your fingers to avoid any irritation
Step 4. Try castor oil
By drinking castor oil, you can stimulate intestinal cramps and cause the intestines to empty. In turn, the contraction of the intestinal muscles is able to favor the spasms of the uterine muscles. Keep in mind that this method causes diarrhea and, as a result, can create enormous discomfort.
- Combine 60ml of castor oil in a glass of fruit juice. Drink it all in one sip.
- Alternatively, you can try giving an enema. However, use this method only once and proceed with extreme caution. It helps you empty your intestines, but you may become dehydrated and also feel sick.
Part 4 of 6: Relax Physically
Step 1. Take a warm bath
Soaking in hot water helps to relax the body and relieve muscle tension.
Make sure the water isn't too hot to make your skin red. You don't have to stress the baby with excessive heat
Step 2. Try the visualization technique
Enter a meditative state and imagine the onset of labor. Breathe deeply and visualize when the contractions begin. Focus on the dilating cervix, imagine the baby moving and descending towards the birth canal.
Find audio recordings of meditation to induce labor on the Internet. They are often available in the form of downloadable MP3 songs. You can also find them by searching for the term "hypnobirthing", a method that uses similar techniques to help the expectant mother go through the entire process of natural childbirth
Step 3. Have a good cry
Crying can release physical tension, allowing the body to relax enough to go into labor. Often, the final stage of pregnancy is very stressful, so take advantage of it and give yourself a chance to let off steam by crying.
If necessary, grab a packet of tissues and watch a good, tear-jerking movie
Step 4. Give yourself a massage
A relaxing massage can be a great way to relax physically. Talk to a professional who can do prenatal massages. Lie on your left side with a pillow between your knees to support your body.
Part 5 of 6: Relying on Medical Care
Step 1. Learn about the conditions that prompt a gynecologist to induce labor
If you prefer to give birth at home, a doctor or midwife should still be present. Typically, doctors do not rush to induce labor, unless there are circumstances of force majeure, including:
- The waters break in the absence of contractions;
- The pregnancy continues for 2 weeks beyond the term;
- The woman in labor has a uterine infection;
- The parturient has gestational diabetes, hypertension or does not have enough amniotic fluid;
- A problem has arisen with the placenta, positioning or development of the fetus.
Step 2. Expect the doctor's first action to be to mechanically separate the amniotic membrane
With the gloved hand, the gynecologist will insert a finger into the cervix, rotating it circularly a couple of times to create a gap between the uterine tissue and the fetal membranes. In this way it stimulates the release of hormones in the mother's organism which can initiate labor.
Step 3. Expect the gynecologist to artificially break the waters
To perform this procedure, known as an "amniotomy," the gynecologist uses a small hook to tear apart the fetal support membranes. In this way, it induces and accelerates labor.
Even if it doesn't last long, the operation could be painful and annoying
Step 4. Note that prostaglandin administration may be required
They are natural hormones, which can be applied locally in the vagina or taken orally. Usually, they are given on an inpatient basis for the purpose of thinning the cervix and preparing it for labor.
Prostaglandins often cause severe cramps and pain
Step 5. Expect intravenous oxytocin administration
It is a common practice in cases of slow or stalled labor. In emergencies, such as those described above, it can also help induce labor.
Often, labor induced with the use of oxytocin leads to more frequent contractions
Step 6. Consider the risks of induced labor
These strategies don't always work, especially if the expectant mother's body isn't ready yet. If you have unsuccessfully tried to speed up labor, admission to a hospital is absolutely necessary. Always consider the following risks and related precautions:
- Infections (especially in case of water breakdown);
- Laceration of the uterine wall;
- Late premature birth (labor takes place between the 32nd and 36th week);
- Irregular contractions.
Part 6 of 6: Knowing When to Seek Medical Assistance
Step 1. Go to the hospital if the waters break
When you go into labor, you must go to the hospital immediately. A sure sign, attributable to the beginning of labor, is the breaking of the waters. In this case, call the gynecologist and be prepared to go to the hospital.
- When the waters break, the baby is exposed to the external environment and is at risk of infection. Don't hesitate to hospitalize.
- You should start to feel the contractions after your water breaks, but even if they don't start, you need to go to the hospital to make sure everything is okay.
Step 2. See your gynecologist if you fall or get injured
Physical activity, such as walking and horseback riding, is great for promoting labor naturally, but you could get hurt or fall. In these cases, you need to get examined immediately to make sure the fetus is okay.
- A minor injury, such as a sprained ankle, does not require medical attention, but call your gynecologist to be sure.
- If you fall on your stomach, don't panic. Go to the hospital for a checkup. Keep calm so you don't stress the baby.
Step 3. Call the emergency services if you have an allergic reaction to herbal treatments
Even the most delicate plant can cause adverse reactions in some people. Since you are pregnant, you need to take extra precautions in case of negative reactions to a herbal treatment. Go straight to the hospital if they occur.
- Even a mild symptom, such as hives, itchy eyes, or cracked skin, can be harmful to the fetus.
- Serious symptoms associated with allergic reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and asthma-like wheezing.
Step 4. See your doctor if you have anxiety or depression
You may be worried or depressed about having to go through labor. Your doctor can help you accept what lies ahead or assist you in inducing it. Don't keep it all inside, but contact him and tell him what's going on.
- He can direct you to a psychiatrist who can help you manage your problems.
- Depression is a common symptom during pregnancy, so you're not the only one feeling this way.
- Many symptoms related to anxiety or depression disappear after giving birth.
Warnings
- Always consult your midwife or gynecologist before trying any of these methods.
- Most of these strategies are not supported by scientific evidence.
- Do not use any of these techniques until you have entered the 40th week of pregnancy. While they're not guaranteed to induce childbirth, you shouldn't rush to stimulate labor.
