There are tons of ideas out there on how to bring on labour. You have probably trawled through tons of stuff with some crazy methods such as bouncing on a gym ball and kissing a rose! Yeah, I know! If you are anything like me, you are probably quite fed up and just want some solid scientifically proven ways to induce labour that actually make some sense. Well I was in the same position and decided to compile my findings.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
Start learning the techniques now with this easy to follow, step by step guide complete with illustrations. Click here to find out more.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
Start learning the techniques now with this easy to follow, step by step guide complete with illustrations. Click here to find out more.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
