I am 39 weeks pregnant with my first and am so physically uncomfortable that I'm finding these last few days to be extremely difficult.
What are some natural, physical, ways to induce labor besides intercourse and nipple stimulation?
I don't want to try Castor Oil or Raspberry Tea Leaf (anything that I would have to ingest) unless my doctor tells me to do so.
Thanks!
2007-10-26 03:56:47 · 23 answers · asked by Ashley M 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
At my last appointment (two days ago), my son was engaged at a -1, I was 100% effaced, and dilated to 1 cm.
2007-10-26 04:29:54 · update #1
walk walk and walk some more
2007-10-26 03:59:07 · answer #1 · answered by gouda1988 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
none of these remedies will start labor unless you have already begun to dilate. However, some methods can help you to tone and soften your uterus.
1. Eat spicy foods or pineapple.
2. Go for a walk or march up some stairs. This is thought to bring on labor because of the pressure of the baby's head pressing down on your cervix. At the very least, walking can help get your baby into a better position for labor.
3. Have sex. A favorite for many pregnant women, sex can help by releasing a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. Additionally, semen contains a substance known as prostaglandins, which will help soften the cervix.
4. Nipple stimulation. For those who find sex just too uncomfortable right now, nipple stimulation may be a better choice. It helps to bring on labor in much the same way sex does, by releasing oxytocin. However, this method may take a bit more effort than sex to start labor.
5. Stretching of the uterine opening membranes. This can be done by your doctor or midwife and has been found to increase the chances of labor starting within 48 hours.
6. Complementary therapies. Acupuncture, massage, teas, herbs and homeopathic remedies can be helpful when it comes to inducing labor. However, make sure you go to a licensed practitioner who has experience treating pregnant women.
One home remedy that is often recommended to pregnant women is castor oil taken either alone or with orange juice. While some women swear by this method, many experts and women who have tried it will strongly advise you against it. Castor oil may or may not bring on labor but it will definitely make you nauseous, cause you to vomit, have diarrhea and suffer severe cramps so just steer clear of this home remedy.
2007-10-26 04:13:52 · answer #2 · answered by Ember Halo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The complete series of articles on various ways to induce your labor from pressure points to getting a massage and eating spicy foods. What are the most effective?
Pressure Points to Induce Labor
Learn some of the most effective points that can start your labor naturally. Also included is a discussion of when the points are most effective for stimulating contractions.
Herbs for Inducing Labor
What herbs stimulate contractions? Are herbal remedies safe? Find out more about the best herbs for labor induction as well as the controversies about using herbal remedies.
Castor Oil to Induce Labor
Often one of the most effective methods to induce labor, castor oil can have a side affect of dehydrating the mother. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls of this labor inducing technique.
Making Love to Start Labor
Sometimes considered to be an old wives' tale, does this method actually start contractions? Find out if this method might work for you.
Spicy Food to Induce Labor
Mothers attest to the effectiveness of eating a spicy dish the night before they went into labor. Why could this method of inducing labor naturally work?
Massage to Induce Labor
How getting a massage can relax the mother and stimulate contractions to start. Tips on mother-partner massages versus getting a professional massage
2007-10-26 04:02:12 · answer #3 · answered by sa_2006 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter was born (24 yrs ago) we heard all kinds of advice:
1. Go for a car ride over bumpy roads
2. Walk briskly
3. Various foods
4. Don't sit or lay down
The doctor actually recommended sexual relations, which in my opinion worked. But, my wife was young and healthy and there were no complications. There is a physiological reasoning behind this that I am sure you can look up. But if you are as uncomfortable as you sound, you probably wouldn't care.
Looking back on it, and you probably won't believe it now, my ex-wife, my wife, my sisters, and other various female acquaintances agree that you will look back on this time and realize that it is just one of the first of many painful (albeit rewarding) hills to climb in the journey of parenthood.
Try and relax...all things in their proper time.
2007-10-26 04:13:44 · answer #4 · answered by Jonny B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk, sex. Don't even do nipple stimulation.
Anything else is not safe for your baby, so why be selfish and take the chance? It will all be over soon.
I was 43 weeks when I had my son - well worth the wait.
I thought I was 39 weeks when I was induced with my daughter - ends up she was actually born at 32 weeks. Simply wrong due date. But, if I wasn't induced - she would have made it full term.
2007-10-26 04:01:16 · answer #5 · answered by jennifer74781 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try these..
Sex, Bouncing on a birthing ball, spicy food, red raspberry leaf tea, longgggg walks!
Good luck!
- I tried everything. Nothing worked for me! I still went 2 weeks overdue and needed to be induced. I know its frustratinggg..but hang in thereeeee, not long now!
Congratulations & have fun!! :]
2015-03-17 00:34:04 · answer #6 · answered by akilah 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk, walk, walk some more. It really does work. Just walk in the neighborhood for a couple of miles-have someone go with you. Or go to a mall and walk circles. Doesn't have to be fast just keep walking. Then come home and have intercourse, shower and walk some more.
But mainly remember that baby will come when it is ready.
Now log off and go for a walk. :-)
2007-10-26 04:01:59 · answer #7 · answered by shello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walking really helped me with my deliveries. With my first I went walking for 3 miles and then bam the next day i was in labor. With my daughter it was the same deal. I walked around all day long at a huge craft fair and then at 4am the following morning I had contractions. 10 hours after that I had my little girl.
Best wishes and congrats!
2007-10-26 04:01:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, walking is one of them. Everyone will tell you that, but if youre uncomfortable this may be a strain. I tried walking, but it took more breath than anything and didnt really work. My cousin said that yoga helped her. The relaxation and light stretching helped the baby move along and made her more comfy.
2007-10-26 04:38:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for a walk around the mall or the street, not like until you pass out or anything but just get up and move around. but I am telling I have had to be induced twice, sometimes the baby just isnt ready.
2007-10-26 03:59:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
walking, taking a bumpy ride.
I think the spicy pizza I ate the night I went into labor had something to do with it! lol ( Course I was "helping the neighbors move and was busy on my feet all day.. not carrying anything.. just busy work.)
2007-10-26 04:01:53 · answer #11 · answered by grapelady911 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋