Now is the time to encourage the little chemical messengers that help you get into your labor groove.
Your baby is going to release some chemicals that tell your body that he or she is ready to be born. So, overall baby is somewhat the captain of this ship. BUT Mom can still do some things to encourage her body to push labor along.
Mom can encourage prostaglandins, these are hormone-like chemicals are released from mom’s tissue to help her cervix soften, open, and thin out.
Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.
Who needs to be medically induced? Mom or baby has a medical concern (prelabor rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, poor fetal growth) or baby is over his or her due-date by 7 to 14 days.
How does induction of labor work?
Is the cervix ready to soften & open?
- Based on the Bishop’s Score: dilation and effacement of cervix, station of baby, position of cervix, and consistency of cervix.
- < 6: cervix is not very inducible
- > 8: cervix is very inducible
Mechanical Induction of Labor
- Stripping membranes: causes the release of prostaglandins and cervical dilation
- Rupture membranes: causes the release of prostaglandins
- Laminaria (seaweed): causes the cervix to dilate
- Foley catheter bulb: causes the cervix to dilate
Medical Induction of Labor:
- Prostaglandin E2 (Cervidil):
- Medication used to soften the cervix
- For women with low Bishop’s score
- Prostaglandin E1 (Cytotec):
- Medication given in 3 different routes: oral, vaginal, or rectal
- Increased risk of causing frequent uterine contractions and distress to baby
- Shortens labor time and has higher success rate for vaginal delivery
- Oxytocin / Pitocin (used when cervix is >6)
- Medication is given intravenously (IV)
- Easy to control and safe
Natural Induction of Labor:
- Herbs and castor oil (not recommended)
- Herbal compounds such as evening primrose oil, black haw, black and blue cohosh, and red raspberry leaves, castor oil
- Side effects: dehydration, nausea, vomiting
- I do recommend that moms eat 7 dates per day starting at 36 weeks gestation to ripen the cervix (if mom does not have gestational diabetes)
- Nipple stimulation:
- The release of oxytocin can initiate labor
- Massage nipples with fingers or your partner can kiss your nipples
- Heat with the use of warm wet wash cloths (1 hour 3x per day)
- Warm bath or shower
- Sexual intercourse:
- Mom’s orgasm releases prostaglandins
- Dad’s ejaculation (semen) contains prostaglandins
- Acupuncture, acupressure, transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS)
- May stimulate the release of prostaglandins and oxytocin
These natural ways should be taken with caution, and don’t get your hopes up. Your baby will decide. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Now is the time to get ready for your birth journey. Take your next step by downloading the FREE workbook below to get Annabelle’s 4 Step Process to a birth you will love to remember.
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. This should not be taken as medical advice or take the place of what your healthcare provider recommends. This is educational information not medical advice.