Are you nearing the end of your pregnancy? If you are feeling uncomfortable and wishing that your labor would just start now and have been tempted to try some natural remedies for inducing labor, then read on. This post aims to give you a head start with some helpful tips to what works and what doesn't.
Lets start with what works!!!
According to the research done and the evidence out there, acupressure is the number one method for inducing labor. It has been certified 100% safe by the WHO and NIH, plus it is very simple to learn!
1. Maternity Acupressure works by stimulating specific points in the body which cause uterine contractions. This method also encourages the head of the baby to descend and engage.
Evidence: A recent study in 2005 (Complement Ther Med) revealed that the number of women who went into labour was significantly higher in the acupressure group compared to those who were not using acupressure. Even more significant is the results published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004. This study showed that by stimulating one single acupressure point labor pains were significantly reduced and total labor time was much shorter. Unlike pain relief medications such as epidurals, acupressure does not slow down the labor process hence reducing the risk of complications to the baby. There is no evidence of any adverse effects on mother or baby.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
2. Castor oil is commonly mentioned everywhere. It is a powerful laxative and is said to stimulate the digestive system which in turn stimulates the uterus and so aids in inducing labor. However this method had not been recommended by health professionals because of the side effect of diarrhoea, nausea and potentially dehydration.
Evidence: Garry et al in 2000 showed that of 100 overdue women, fifty seven per cent went into active labour with just a single dose (60ml of castor oil). There were no adverse effects reported however the pregnant mothers did feel nauseous.
3 . Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which initiates contractions and induces labour.
Evidence: A study conducted in 2005 (Kavanagh et al) showed thrity seven percent of women who used nipple stimulation into labour within 72 hours.
4. Sex and orgasms cause the release of oxytocin and can stimulate the induction of labor. Semen also contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which help to soften the cervix in preparation for labour.
Evidence:there is no evidence that sex works to induce labor. If your water has broken having sex may increase the risk of infection.
5. Raspberry leaf tea contains the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus. This helps them to contract more efficiently during labour.
Evidence: Research has found that taking raspberry leaf during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labour by making contractions more effective. There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labour to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it speeded up the second stage of labour and reduced the need for a forceps delivery (Simpson et al 2001).
Conclusion: The only proven natural remedy to induce labor yourself that is safe and natural is maternity acupressure. Though other methods such as castor oil, raspberry leaf tea, nipple stimulation and sex/orgasms are commonly mentioned, there is just not enough evidence to support its effectiveness and I would be reluctant to recommend anything that may have any side effects or risks to mother and baby.
I hope this post has helped you.
If you are interested in giving maternity acupressure a try, check out this link.
Lets start with what works!!!
According to the research done and the evidence out there, acupressure is the number one method for inducing labor. It has been certified 100% safe by the WHO and NIH, plus it is very simple to learn!
1. Maternity Acupressure works by stimulating specific points in the body which cause uterine contractions. This method also encourages the head of the baby to descend and engage.
Evidence: A recent study in 2005 (Complement Ther Med) revealed that the number of women who went into labour was significantly higher in the acupressure group compared to those who were not using acupressure. Even more significant is the results published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004. This study showed that by stimulating one single acupressure point labor pains were significantly reduced and total labor time was much shorter. Unlike pain relief medications such as epidurals, acupressure does not slow down the labor process hence reducing the risk of complications to the baby. There is no evidence of any adverse effects on mother or baby.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
2. Castor oil is commonly mentioned everywhere. It is a powerful laxative and is said to stimulate the digestive system which in turn stimulates the uterus and so aids in inducing labor. However this method had not been recommended by health professionals because of the side effect of diarrhoea, nausea and potentially dehydration.
Evidence: Garry et al in 2000 showed that of 100 overdue women, fifty seven per cent went into active labour with just a single dose (60ml of castor oil). There were no adverse effects reported however the pregnant mothers did feel nauseous.
3 . Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which initiates contractions and induces labour.
Evidence: A study conducted in 2005 (Kavanagh et al) showed thrity seven percent of women who used nipple stimulation into labour within 72 hours.
4. Sex and orgasms cause the release of oxytocin and can stimulate the induction of labor. Semen also contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which help to soften the cervix in preparation for labour.
Evidence:there is no evidence that sex works to induce labor. If your water has broken having sex may increase the risk of infection.
5. Raspberry leaf tea contains the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus. This helps them to contract more efficiently during labour.
Evidence: Research has found that taking raspberry leaf during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labour by making contractions more effective. There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labour to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it speeded up the second stage of labour and reduced the need for a forceps delivery (Simpson et al 2001).
Conclusion: The only proven natural remedy to induce labor yourself that is safe and natural is maternity acupressure. Though other methods such as castor oil, raspberry leaf tea, nipple stimulation and sex/orgasms are commonly mentioned, there is just not enough evidence to support its effectiveness and I would be reluctant to recommend anything that may have any side effects or risks to mother and baby.
I hope this post has helped you.
If you are interested in giving maternity acupressure a try, check out this link.
