What are some good labour induction methods for at home?

Question

Please serious answers only! Im hoping for results that dont cause problems for the baby. If you did something that works. Nothing obvious like spicy foods or doing the *ahem ahem* Also if you have an explanation of why it works I would appreciate that!

Answer 1

Listen, I know you want some ansewrs, and probably now!!! But please hear me out---
You sound very concerned for the little one, and you should be... so let nature take it's course. If you (or someone you know) end up going too far beyond the due date, and become overwhelmingly uncomfortable, then flat out ask your doctor to induce you.
I felt so stressed at the end of my pregnancy due to some serious family difficulties, that once I was past due, I asked my doctor to induce for the well-being of my baby, and my own mental health. They were more than happy to do it-- no extra cost or complication for me, or my son who was born healthy.
If you're having a home birth-- let it be. No one stays pregnant forever!! (it just feels like it!!)
There are alot of complications that can happen at birth-- that is not meant to scare you, but as a mother and a health sciences major, I can tell you that just because the birth is close at hand does not mean you're out of the woods....don't mess with it!!
I have heard that being LIGHTLY active can help.... walk, or if you have access, swim....it's a long shot, but hey, when we're ready, we'll try anything!!!
Good luck, and I hope that you are blessed with a healthy new little person in your life!!!

Answer 2

YOU SHOULDN'T TRY TO INDUCE YOURSELF.

Everyone says sex, but a study published two weeks ago proved that sex not only doesn't induce labor, it can actually RETARD it. Yup, that's right. I know, I know. Everyone knows someone who it worked for. But it's all anecdotal. And besides, if you're close to term, you'll eventually go into labor. Sex, even if the timing seems right, is NOT the causative agent.

Castor oil...well, it might work in the sense that it can cause dehydration due to diarrhea, and dehydration can cause contractions. Great, huh? Just when you need the most strength, you're weak, dehydrated, and not in control of your bowels!

Rocking in a rocking chair or walking might make you more comfortable, and might encourage your baby to get into position. Gravity always helps, so who knows? It could work, and it certainly won't harm your baby if you don't overdo it.

But barring some kind of medical intervention, your baby will come in his or her own sweet time.

I'm not saying that this is you, but it just kills me that all these people who freak out about whether or not they should be consuming caffeine or cold medicines while pregnant are perfectly willing to try to induce themselves! Unless you are a doctor or have some medically equivalent training, don't fool around! Let nature take its course, or see your doctor.

Answer 3

If the baby is not ready, nothing will work... if the baby is, you could try nipple stimulation.

What is Nipple Stimulation?
Gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple, or suckling of the nipples to encourage contractions is called nipple stimulation.

Why does Nipple Stimulation work?
Oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions, is released in the body when the breasts are stimulated. After the baby is born, this release is important for the involution (returning to pre-pregnancy size) of the uterus. In labor, the release can be used to stimulate longer or stronger contractions.

How do I do it?
To stimulate the release of oxytocin, you must mimic the suckling of a baby. When a baby suckles, he does not grab just the nipple, but actually massages the areola (dark circle around the nipple).

The areola can be orally massaged by the mother's partner or by a baby who has been "borrowed" for this purpose (babies under 6 weeks will tend to suckle any woman).

The mother may prefer to massage her own areola. To do this she can rub the areola in a gentle rolling way with her palm or fingers. This can be done through thin clothing.

NOTE: Nipple stimulation can have very strong effects, similar to the overuse of Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin). For this reason various experts have given recommendations on its use. Here are some recommendations I have seen at various sources:

Only massage one breast at a time
Only massage a nipple for 5 minutes, wait up to 15 minutes to see what happens before continuing with the massage
Do not stimulate the breast during a contraction
Do not use nipple stimulation after the contractions are 3 minutes apart or 1 minute long
Some sample nipple stimulation techniques:
When trying to induce labor or speed up a prolonged early labor, have the mother go about her regular activities. Set a timer to go off every hour. When the timer indicates, have the mother stimulate one breast for 5 minutes, then continue with her normal activities.

If the mother is anxious for labor to begin, combine the effects of natural nipple stimulation with the natural prostaglandin released in semen by encouraging the mother and her partner to engage in intercourse.

In the hospital, have the mother place her palm over the nipple and areola and give a firm but gentle pressure. Encourage the mother to move the palm in a circular motion, keeping the firm and gentle pressure.

Answer 4

There are some studies that show that orgasm can bring on labour because it causes contractions of the uterus. But I'm concerned about why you want to induce labour - I'm nine months myself and while I am looking forward to having my body back (it's been rough) I also know that the longer the baby spends inside, the better it is for him.

Whatever you do don't try any of the things that are supposed to cause miscarriage - I'm not even going to tell you what they are - because they can harm or kill the baby..

Answer 5

Herbal Teas.
I has been known to induce labor that is most obs do not recommend using during pregnancy,

Excercise

Going down the steps sitting.

also sex but be careful. It is not known if it is harmful in the late stages of pregnancy.

But keep in mind that the longer he/she is in there the more chance of baby development physically. Every minute in the womb counts. I had three pre-term labors due to my health and the one the last the longest is very bright and is walking a lot sooner then the other two.

hang tough and be careful. Good luck to you and congrats.

Answer 6

I have to agree with the last respondent here. This person is genuinely concerned and makes a lot of valid points. You can request a stress test. If they think that either you or your baby is in difficulty, they will induce.

Answer 7

Sexual intercourse is commonly recommended for promoting labor initiation. Sexual relations usually involve stimulation of the breasts and nipples, which can promote the release of oxytocin. With penetration, the lower uterine segment is stimulated. This stimulation results in a local release of prostaglandins. Female orgasms have been shown to include uterine contractions, and human semen contains prostaglandins, which are responsible for cervical ripening.

Answer 8

When my wife was pregnant we were told that rubbing the tops of her feet could possibly induce labor. I think it releases some sort of hormone that can cause labor. That combined with some other methods might work.

Answer 9

yep sex i know for a fact i was 2 days over due with my 3rd child and me and my husband had sex that night and a hour later i was in labor and if that dont work u could always try walking alot like around the block a few times

Answer 10

DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT DRINK KIRO SYRUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



ALL IT DOES IS MAKE YOU SH IT!!!!!


THE BEST THING TO DO IS RELAX AND TRY TO REMAIN COMFORTABLE. ALL THE OLD WISE TAILS THAT SAY OH YEAH I WORK DON'T REALLY WORK.


I TRIED HAVING SEX 1 WK LATER I WAS STILL WAITING.
KIRO SYRUP JUST MADE ME SH IT


JUST SOAK IN THE TUB NOT HOT WATER
RELAX AND THAT BABY WILL COME WHEN IT IS READY.

MY FIRST ONE I TRIED EVERYTHING!!!
I MEAN EVERYTHING
WALKING INCLUDED.

NOTHING WORKED AND MY LABOR WAS
24 HRS 8 MINS FIRST CONTRACTION TO HAVING HIM.


I RELAXED AND LET HER COME IN HER OWN TIME AND SHE CAME INTO THE WORLD SCREAMING IN 1 HR 30 MIN FROM FIRST CONTRACTION TO HER ARRIVAL. THAT IS WHY I SAY JUST RELAX AND REST AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

I DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO THE HOSPITAL I WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT TO AND SHE WAS KNOW AS THE DRIVE BY BABY. 5 MINUTES AFTER I WALKED INTO THE ER THE NURSE CAUGHT HER IN THE L&D BEFORE THE DR GOT THERE.

GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS