Does an enema work?

Question

I have been reading that enemas start contarctions is that true? im 2-3 cm dilated and 75% effaced and just want this baby will enema help any????

uhh.. i go to the doctor weekly duh!

And the reason iam asking cuz a L&D nurse told me to take an enema and put 3 drops of laundry soap in it and warm it up (kinda weird)

Answer 1

Don't mess with that. GO TO A DOCTOR.

It won't work, especially if your water hasn't broke, and it WILL DAMAGE THE CHILD.

Go to a FREE CLINIC if you can't afford a doctor.

Answer 2

As if being in tremendous labor pain, having a gown that doesn't stay shut in the back and knowing that at a some point before it's all over, you'll have a room full of virtual strangers watching your every grimace while pushing to give birth to your baby weren't enough, the labor and delivery nurse comes in with the news that your doctor or midwife has an order for an enema in your chart. This paints a pretty accurate picture of what labor was like not so long ago, where giving a laboring mother an enema was'nt a matter of choice but rather a standard, routinely administered in early labor as part of the hospital admission procedure.

The theory behind giving an enema in early labor is that emptying the bowels before delivery eliminates the possibility of waste matter in the rectum hindering the baby's descent through the birth canal and prevents contamination of the sterile birthing field.

Today, the choice to receive an enema is usually that of the expectant mothers. It's recognized that as long as the mother has had a bowel movement in the past 24 hours, the compression or tightness of the birth canal isn't likely to be a problem. Today all the supplies used under the mother's bottom half are usually disposable. So if an accident happens and something else is pushed out before the baby, you're covered and it can be disposed of quickly.

An enema is described as fluid injected into the rectum for the purpose of clearing out the bowels. Choices regarding the enema option include:
No enema


Self-administered or given by nurse


If constipated at onset of labor


To start or stimulate labor
At times, enemas have been able to start contractions. Doctors or Midwives might want an enema performed to help stimulate or speed labor. The decision of whether you will or will not need an enema should be discussed with your doctor or midwife during one of your prenatal appointments. The decision should be clearly noted on the labor and delivery chart and in the birth plan if you've created one.

Many women have multiple bowel movements of loose stool days before labor begins. This is nature's way of emptying out the bowels to prepare the body for delivery, so chances are that Mother Nature will take care of this decision for you. If not, make your decision based on what you're comfortable with.

Answer 3

An enema might help, and so could castor oil. You must consult with your provider whether he/she thinks it is safe. Its on a case by case basis. I often give my clients enemas for two reasons, one is to speed up labor and two is to give the baby some more room in teh abdominal cavity. Many woman do it, because they are embaressed to deficate while pushing, this is a bad reason to do. Be comfortable with your body and evryone else around will be too. WARNING: If you do go ahead with an enema or castro oil, be warned your contractions will be MUCH stronger and will most likley get closer together. They will not be as predictable and may be hard to deal with . With both castro oil and an enema you will be glued to the toilet for a while (it comes in spurts) - more so with castor oil than an enema. Castor oil can also cause you to vomit. Once again consult with your provider before doing either. If you need more help feel free to call 1-877-MY-DOULA

Answer 4

If your thinking of doing that on your own I wouldn't suggest it! I would leave it to the professionals to take care of you. I had to have and enema when I had to be induced. Don't worry though the baby will come on it's own. Don't do anything irrational. If I was you I really would talk to your doctor! Good luck!

Answer 5

the kind to help you have a bowel movement? Well I used when while not prgnant because I had to go in for a procedure-upper GI, and they made me use one and it was horrid!! but I have a stomach problem which made it worse!! I was in the bathroom for ever ever ever!!& felt terrible!! But I know that laxatives can induce labor, but still it may not be safe, and it'd be the worst feeling having that terrible stomach ache while having a baby.Then you;; be running(wobbling) to the bathroom all day after you have ur baby! Try something else! I think the safest "Speedway" to inducing is sex probably, but relax ur gettin there

Answer 6

If you want the baby out faster and are alreadt dilated, Please do me a favor and don't use a enema. If you want to loosen yourself up a little and do it SAFELY, then jump on a trampoline or have ur hubby take you fourwheelin in a truck or on a ATV. Enema's probably wouldn't help...

Answer 7

Yes, definitely. Doctors do enema to induce contractions.

Answer 8

you could be there for awhile.. i was 4 cm dialted and 95% for 2 weeks and finally i made them induce me!!! i would try and enema because once you go into labor you will not be able to stop having bowel movements that same goes for if you drink caster oil// dont do it:S

Answer 9

never heard of that, but sex will get things started.FACT!!!!Good luck hon!