{"id":50553,"date":"2022-04-05T09:30:18","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T13:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=50553"},"modified":"2024-09-27T12:02:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T16:02:06","slug":"how-to-naturally-induce-labor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-naturally-induce-labor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to naturally induce labor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Safety<\/a> | How to naturally induce labor<\/a> | Risks<\/a> | How to tell if labor is close<\/a> | Medical induction of labor<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Aching hips, swollen ankles, insomnia, heartburn, hemorrhoids, oh my! As you approach your due date, the third trimester of pregnancy is rife with all kinds of discomforts. It\u2019s understandable why some pregnant women are hoping to gently move things along. If you\u2019re looking for information about how to induce labor naturally, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is it safe to naturally induce labor?<\/h2>\n

Whether or not it\u2019s safe to induce labor depends on several factors. First, it\u2019s important to understand that if you need to be induced for a<\/span>\u00a0medical reason<\/span><\/a>\u2014such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal or placental issues\u2014this will need to be done under the strict supervision of your medical team.<\/span><\/p>\n

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines labor inductions that don\u2019t happen for medical reasons as \u201celective inductions.\u201d Reasons for an elective induction may include the end of pregnancy discomforts, a history of a speedy labor, or living a far distance from a hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elective inductions should only be done if you\u2019re full-term. That means no earlier than 39 weeks, as per ACOG guidance. The majority of people (57%) go into labor between 39 to 40 weeks, according to the<\/span> National Vital Statistics Report<\/span><\/a> published by the CDC.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural induction methods should only be attempted if you have a low-risk pregnancy, and should always be done with caution. \u201c<\/span>When we think about inducing labor, we always have to weigh the risks versus the benefits of an induction of labor,\u201d says <\/span>Denise Moses, MD<\/span><\/a>, FACOG, an OB-GYN at<\/span> Long Island Jewish Forest Hills<\/span><\/a> in New York<\/span>. It’s also important to understand that not all natural induction options are considered equal. \u201cThere are some techniques that are considered safe to try to initiate the onset of the labor process,\u201d explains<\/span> Daniel Roshan<\/span><\/a>, MD, a high-risk maternal-fetal OB-GYN in New York City. \u201cHowever, most have limited proven efficacy and any induction techniques should always be discussed with your OB.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether or not you should consider natural induction methods will depend on your medical history, along with your healthcare professional\u2019s approach. Importantly, all pregnant individuals should consult with their OB-GYN, family practitioner, or midwife before attempting natural induction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9 natural ways to induce labor<\/h2>\n

There are many different methods out there for inducing labor naturally. Some of them may be old wives\u2019 tales more than anything else; others are backed up by studies or recommended by experts. Here\u2019s what to know about the safety and effectiveness of the most popular natural induction methods.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Some of the most popular traditions surrounding natural labor induction are about different foods that can get your labor started. Most of these remain in the realm of mythology, but in most cases, these foods are compatible with pregnancy, so there is no harm in trying them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Try dates<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is some evidence that eating dates may help move labor along. <\/span>One small study<\/span><\/a> that found eating dates could reproduce the changes of medical labor induction.<\/span> Another study<\/span><\/a> found that eating dates could reduce the length of the active phase of labor, but the study researchers also concluded that more research needed to be done to prove these results. Mostly, dates can act as a natural laxative and get your bowels moving.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Take some castor oil<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ingesting castor oil\u2014an oil made from castor beans and considered a strong laxative\u2014is perhaps the most widely-known natural induction method. Several studies have found castor oil to be generally <\/span>safe<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> one study<\/span><\/a> found that taking castor oil increased the likelihood of going into labor within the following 24 hours.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But taking castor oil is controversial among medical professionals.<\/span> Mitchell S. Kramer<\/span><\/a>, MD, Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Huntington Hospital considers castor oil in the realm of old wives\u2019 tales. \u201cCastor oil in a judicious amount is safe,\u201d he says, but of questionable benefit.\u201d Large amounts of castor oil can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n

Exercise is a potentially effective way for inducing labor. While there isn\u2019t published data about methods like bouncing on an exercise ball, trying different yoga poses, curb walking, or climbing stairs to induce labor, many expectant parents report anecdotally that these types of exercise help, and they can usually be done safely <\/span>with medical clearance.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

There\u2019s some good evidence that walking can help get labor rolling. For example, a 2022 study published in the<\/span> Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that expectant parents who walked for 30 minutes, 3 times a week starting at 38 weeks were less likely to need to be medically induced, and were also less likely to require a surgical birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Take a hot bath<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

You may have heard that taking a dip in a hot bath can get your labor going. There is not much research to back this up, though. However, immersing yourself in water once labor has already started<\/span> may reduce the duration of your labor<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s important to keep in mind that very hot baths during pregnancy <\/span>can be dangerous<\/span><\/a> for babies, especially in early pregnancy. Hot baths can also cause vasodilatation, diverting blood away from your brain and pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Try nipple stimulation<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another popular option for inducing labor naturally is nipple stimulation through rolling, suckling, or breast pumping. The idea is that nipple stimulation causes the release of <\/span>oxytocin<\/span><\/a>, a hormone which can cause uterine contractions.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s unclear from the research if nipple stimulation can induce labor, but it\u2019s generally considered safe and<\/span> studies<\/span><\/a> have found that it may reduce the need for synthetic oxytocin for labor induction. Nipple stimulation may also <\/span>shorten the duration of labor phases<\/span><\/a>. Nipple stimulation<\/span> should not be used<\/span><\/a> for pregnant individuals who are considered high risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Have sex<\/span><\/h3>\n

While not everyone is up to sexual intercourse at the end of pregnancy, there is some<\/span> proof<\/span><\/a> that sex may help get labor going. \u201cIntercourse can help initiate labor,\u201d says Dr. Roshan. \u201c<\/span>Semen is known to have prostaglandins<\/span><\/a> that can also help the cervix to become soft and ripe for dilation.\u201d Also, sexual intercourse can cause small uterine contractions. Of course, you should consult with your healthcare provider before trying this, especially if you are high risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Supplement with evening primrose oil (EPO)<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

When it comes to natural methods, Dr. Roshan has found evening primrose oil to be effective in his patients. \u201cWhile this does not \u2018induce\u2019 labor, it ripens the cervix so that it is soft and once contractions begin, should dilate more quickly,\u201d he explains. EPO is available as a capsule or liquid oil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some<\/span> research<\/span><\/a> has found that evening primrose oil given intravaginally eased cervical dilation. Dr. Roshan recommends evening primrose be taken by mouth, though. He suggests 1000 mg three times a day. Talk to your healthcare provider before using evening primrose oil to induce labor, especially since it may interact with other medications, vitamins, and supplements..<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Evening primrose oil coupons<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

8. Get acupressure<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although more research has to be done, the research out there so far suggests that acupuncture is not harmful to babies and <\/span>may be effective at inducing labor<\/span><\/a>. One study in particular, published in<\/span> Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal<\/span><\/i><\/a>, found that acupressure\u2014acupoint SP6, specifically, which is<\/span> located above the ankle<\/span><\/a>\u2014can help with cervical ripening. It\u2019s important that if you are considering acupuncture or acupressure for labor induction that you visit a licensed practitioner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Change your sleeping position<\/span><\/h3>\n

Did you ever think that the way you sleep might have an effect on your labor? While your sleeping position may not be able to directly induce labor, it can help get your baby in the optimal position for labor, which <\/span>can help with labor progression<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your aim is to get your baby in a head-down position, with their face oriented toward your spine. Sleeping on your side, and avoiding sleeping on your back can get your baby in the best position for labor and birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other methods of inducing labor naturally<\/h3>\n

There are other, unproven\u2014but popular\u2014methods of inducing labor naturally that many people try, even though the research is not on their side.<\/span><\/p>\n