Bringing on Baby

OK so it's 40 weeks of pregnancy.Bags are packed, your birth plan is written, you feel like any minute now labor will start then NOTHING!!!
Are there ways to induce labor without medical intervention?

The answer is yes. Not everything will work for averybody but here are some ideas you would like to consider.

HOT CURRY-Anything that will stimulate your bowels will increase chance of labor.Emptying bowels may start labor if the uterus is ready.Problem: it may cause you heartburn.
Note-never take castor oil or other laxatives as this can cause baby to become distressed.

NIPPLE STIMULATION-
Nipple stimulation is the gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple to encourage the start of contractions. The theory is that oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions, is released in the body when the breasts are stimulated.

SEX-This can help as sperm contains prostaglandins naturally. This is the the hormone that softens the cervix.Dr's use an artificial version to induce labor. Problem is you probably need to have intercourse regularly which for some women is difficult at this stage of pregnancy.

PINEAPPLE- Eating pineapple.Fresh not canned
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to help to soften the cervix and so bring on labour.
You may need to eat a large amount for it to work!

HOMEOPATHY- Homoeopathic remedies use highly diluted versions of more potent substances to treat the body. Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are two commonly used homeopathic remedies used to stimulate labour.

RASPBERRY LEAF-This can be taken in the form of tea or tablets.If you want to help to prepare the uterine muscles for labour start with one cup of tea a day or one tablet and build up gradually to a maximum of four cups of tea or tablets daily. The tea can be sipped freely during labour, too.It is very important that it is not taken ubtil last 2 mnths of pregnancy.

WIERD OPTIONS TO TRY-
Here is a selection of other methods (some of them a little bizarre) that other mums are said to have found helpful. There is no evidence for any of these .
• Blowing up balloons: the theory is that the build up of abdominal pressure encourages labour to start.

• Bouncing on your birth ball or driving your car down a bumpy road would seem to put the same faith in shaking things up a little

• Get a weepy video and have a good cry

• Wear your best knickers (Murphy's law will ensure that your waters break in them).


Maternity Acupressure Guide