![]() While it has many uses, most suggest castor oil induces labor because of its strong laxative properties. It is also one of the most popular, non-medical ways used to induce labor naturally (5).Ĭastor oil is a pale yellow liquid created by pressing castor beans. This is an excellent option for moms struggling to move due to pain or discomfort.Ĭastor oil is one of the most controversial labor induction methods on this list. Birthing ball: Stretch using a birthing ball to open up your pelvis and increase blood flow to the lower half of your body.This can help you throughout the entire labor and delivery experience. Squats: Squats not only help your baby drop, but they also strengthen your legs, thighs, and pelvic muscles.Walking: This low-impact, low-risk exercise not only increases your heart rate (which can support contractions) but it also uses the force of gravity to help your baby drop lower into your pelvis.There are a number of exercises you can try to help start labor. How to Use Exercise to Induce Labor Naturally Women who exercise consistently during pregnancy were also shown to begin labor earlier and have shorter labors overall (4). In one study, 32% of women reported physical activity as the trigger for their labor (3). Some scientific evidence supports exercise as a labor induction method. After all, exercise can help keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond! What Does the Science Say? Out of all the methods on this list, exercise may be the best one to implement - regardless of your due date. It’s also important for you to know your limitations, even if you hope sexual intercourse will help bring your pregnancy to its long-awaited end.ĩ Signs of Labor: Early Signs & Symptoms of Labor It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. Sex is generally safe throughout pregnancy until your water breaks, and couples should work together to determine how to be intimate in a way that is both pleasurable and comfortable. However, there is little solid evidence that proves sexual intercourse will induce labor with any regularity.ĭoes this mean you shouldn’t try sex as a natural induction method? Not at all! Most experts say you might as well go for it. You may benefit from encouraging your partner to make a deposit near your cervix and help you reach orgasm. ![]() On paper, these theories make a lot of sense, and many women swear that sex was how they induced labor naturally. Oxytocin: During sex, the chemical oxytocin is at an all-time high.Orgasm: The uterus is stimulated during an orgasm, which some believe can help jump-start contractions.Prostaglandins stimulate the cervix and may cause contractions. Ejaculate: Sperm and other biological components in ejaculate contain prostaglandins.Outside of the anecdotal evidence, these theories exist: People believe sexual intercourse induces labor for several reasons (2). Well, the answer is yes, and it may be just the thing you need to try to encourage your baby out into the world. You may be wondering if sex is even possible. Let’s start with the most talked-about method for inducing labor naturally - sexual intercourse. We want all mothers to feel empowered! As we review the ten most popular natural labor induction methods, we will evaluate the science, give tips on how to implement these methods safely, and give our final verdict on their efficacy. The exception to this is using the more potent methods, which we will talk about shortly, without the supervision of a healthcare professional. At this point, you will most likely have the option of a medical induction.įor mamas who are past their due date and want to help their little one join the outside world sooner, it’s usually OK to try natural labor induction techniques - as long as your baby is confirmed to have reached at least 39 weeks of gestation (1). Two weeks past your due date, or beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of complications increases. Is it OK to Induce Labor?Īs hard as it is to wait, most doctors and midwives will not suggest inducing labor until at least two weeks have passed from your due date. When a provider knows how long you have been pregnant, they can offer the appropriate tests and levels of care to ensure both you and your baby are healthy. Instead, view it as a rough measurement used for your medical care throughout your pregnancy. We advise that you avoid looking at your due date as a hard deadline. Some studies report only 4% of women give birth on their due date.įor women who view their due date as a deadline, panic can set in when their baby does not arrive, and they often begin searching for ways to induce labor as quickly as possible.īut in most cases, everything is fine! Most women give birth between 37 and 42 weeks.
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