Question:
How to induce labor AT HOME, if you are only 1cm dilated?
Nina1
2007-06-29 17:09:36 UTC
I am 36 weeks and my doctor is going to induce me next week, because he belives my baby is getting to big. The baby is about 8lbs now and I am a very small women. I was only 100lbs before pregnancy and with my first baby I had 40 stiches and she was 7lbs 10oz. Anyone please give me some ideas to induce myself at home. I was induce with my first and I do not want to have patocin again. I have been trying sex and NO luck yet! Willing to try anything that somone has had experience with and it works! PLEASE HELP ME!
Seventeen answers:
2007-06-29 17:52:18 UTC
For the past 40 weeks you have been waiting for this moment. Your birth plan is written, your bag is packed, your belly feels like it is about to burst and you are sure that any minute now you will feel your first contraction. And then... nothing. Not even a twinge. Now there is something to be said for being patient. Your baby will come out when he is good and ready and some just like to take their time. But if an induction date is looming, you might feel like you want to give him a gentle nudge. Here are some of the alternative methods of bringing on labour.



Before you proceed, we should warn you that there is very little hard scientific evidence relating to either the effectiveness, or the safety, of any of these methods. The studies that have been done tend to be small and evidence is difficult to verify: if labour is due anyway, how do you know whether it was the curry you ate last night that actually brought it on? On the safety side, talk to your doctor or midwife at your next check up before you try any of these methods. This is particularly important if there are any complications in your pregnancy.

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.



Is it safe?

Nipple stimulation has been reported to produce very strong contractions and for this reason you should use it with care. However, a study of 719 women found that there were no problems of this sort following nipple stimulation.



Does it work?

The study mentioned above was thought to be too small to draw concrete conclusions from, but did show a significant benefit from nipple stimulation: 37.3 per cent of women who had tried it went into labour within 72 hours as compared to just 6.4 per cent of those who had not.



How do I try it?

The idea is to simulate the suckling of a baby so you need to massage the whole areola (the dark area around the nipple), not just tweak the nipple. Place your palm over the areola and move in a circular motion, applying a firm but gentle pressure. This may need to be continued for some time. The usual recommendation is 15 minutes of continual stimulation on each nipple each hour for several hours.

Castor oil





There are reports of castor oil being used to bring on labour as far back as the Egyptians, though how it works is poorly understood. The most commonly given explanation is that it acts as a powerful laxative, and when it stimulates the gut it also stimulates the uterus and so "kick starts" labour.



Is it safe?

Nausea is likely to be the immediate effect, followed by a bad case of diarrhoea and there is a risk that you will become dehydrated. For this reason, we would NOT recommend taking castor oil.



Does it work?

A study of 100 overdue women found that 57.7% began active labour after a single dose of 60ml of castor oil, as opposed to 4.2% who received no treatment. Another small study found that taking castor oil had no adverse affects on mother or baby. Neither study was of a large enough scale to be conclusive.



How do I try it?

This is one we would NOT recommend but, according to a survey of midwives, 4 fl oz of castor oil mixed with orange juice is the usual dose. It is revolting (very oily) to drink though some suggest that making it fizzy by adding ½ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda helps. A second dose can be given 12 hours later.

Sex





Sex as means of getting labour started is thought to work in three ways: firstly the movement may help to stimulate the uterus into action; secondly, sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, the 'contraction' hormone; thirdly, semen contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which help to ripen, or soften, the neck of the womb (cervix) ready for it to dilate when labour starts.



Is it safe?

Sex is safe as long as your waters have not broken. Once this has happened, making love may increase the risk of infection. You should also avoid sex if you have a low-lying placenta or have had vaginal bleeding. Men often feel uncomfortable making love to their partners with a baby so obviously in the way but the baby will not know what is happening and will not be harmed.



Does it work?

Not enough studies have been done but, if nothing else, it will take your mind off the waiting.



How do I try it?

At this stage in your pregnancy sex is easier said than done. Try spoons, with your partner entering from behind or use the bed as a prop: your bulge isn't an obstacle if you lie on your back at the side or foot of the bed with your knees bent, and your bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. Your partner can either kneel or stand in front of you. Alternatively, giving your partner oral sex may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina. (Note: you may prefer to keep this piece of information to yourself.)

Eating pineapple





Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to help to soften the cervix and so bring on labour.



Is it safe?

There is very little available research. Each pineapple contains only very small amounts of bromelain so you would need to eat as many as seven to have any effect. The most likely side-effect of eating large amounts of pineapple would be a severe case of the runs.



Does it work?

There is some debate about the role played by bromelain on prostaglandins, which soften the cervix to prepare it for labour. Some studies actually suggest that bromelain inhibits prostaglandin activity while others think the opposite. Regardless of this, eating large quantities of pineapple is likely to stimulate the gut and bowel and, as with castor oil, could kick-start the uterus into action by that means.



How do I try it?

The pineapple must be fresh: bromelain is destroyed by the process of canning or juicing.

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.



Is it safe?

Homeopathic remedies are very safe. The Faculty of Homeopathy have researched their use in labour and not found any incidents of damage caused by them. The worst damage homeopathy can do is nothing - that is, the wrong remedy has been prescribed and is therefore ineffective.



Does it work?

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from patients who found that homeopathy is helpful, but this has not been researched in a systematic way. One trial into caulophyllum found no difference between the women who took it and those who didn't, but the method of the trial was not thought to be reliable.



How do I try it?

Contact a registered homeopath (The Society of Homeopaths has a list). A Homeopathic Birth Kit is available from Helios Pharmacy which includes 18 remedies and a mini-guide.

Herbal: blue cohosh and black cohosh





Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus) are herbs which should not be used in early pregnancy but are often cited as useful in bringing on labour.



Are they safe?

There are no scientific studies available. Many anecdotal reports suggest that they are safe to use in the final stages of pregnancy. However, we have also come across two reports in which the use of each of these herbs during pregnancy may have been a contributing factor to birth defects. Herbals are much stronger than homeopathic remedies and so should always be used under professional guidance. Given that there is a question mark hanging over them, you may decide that it is better to avoid these herbs entirely.



Do they work?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that they do, but there are no scientific studies to back this up.



How do I try them?

The National Institute of Medical Herbalists can help you to locate a qualified, registered herbalist near you.

Eating curry





Spicy food is often suggested as a means of bringing on labour. There are no scientific theories relating to this, but it may be that it stimulates the gut and bowel and so encourages the uterus to get going by that means.



Is it safe?

Spicy foods can cause heartburn and, if you are not used to them, irritate the bowel. For this reason you should probably not order a vindaloo if you are usually more of a korma girl.



Does it work?

There is no evidence either way though many women swear by it.



How do I try it?

Order a takeaway. This is not the time to be slaving over a hot stove.

Acupuncture





Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points of the body. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, this stimulates the energy within the body to restore balance and boost healing.



Is it safe?

Studies into this are limited but all show that acupuncture is safe for mother and baby.



Does it work?

The limited studies that have been carried out so far suggest that acupuncture may be effective. Anecdotally the evidence is much stronger.



How do I try it?

You need to find a qualified practitioner. The British Acupuncture Council has a searchable list. You will probably need treatment daily until you give birth.

Red raspberry leaf





Raspberry leaf can be taken as a tea or in tablet form. It is often mentioned alongside other methods for bringing on labour. This is a myth.



Is it safe?

It is very important not to use raspberry leaves until the last three months of pregnancy because of their stimulating effect on the uterus.



Does it work?

There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labour to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it will speed up the second stage of labour and reduce forceps delivery.



How do I try it?

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. The tea and tablets are available from health food stores or from herbal suppliers.

Walking





The explanation appears to be that the pressure of your baby's head pressing down on the cervix from the inside stimulates the release of oxytocin, hopefully bringing on labour. Also, just being upright gets the forces of gravity working for you, encouraging the baby to move down onto the cervix.



Is it safe?

Yes, but you should be careful not to wear yourself out. Labour can be exhausting and you don't want to use up all your energy before you have begun.



Does it work?

There is, as yet, no evidence. If your baby has not 'dropped' or is still high in the pelvis, walking is thought to encourage your baby into a better position so that labour is more likely to start on its own.



How do I try it?

This is not the moment to take up power walking, particularly if you have not done much exercise earlier on in your pregnancy. A gentle stroll is probably the best you will be able to manage.

And finally:





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 and frankly we are not convinced!



• 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 (sod's law will ensure that your waters break in them).
?
2016-10-01 13:00:42 UTC
How To Induce Labor
?
2016-04-21 13:13:22 UTC
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Leeta
2007-06-29 17:14:19 UTC
Everybody told me to walk, walk, walk, but that's much easier said than done when you're carrying an 8 pounder around in your tum. I feel for you not wanting the pitocin again, though! I had it, and it made me so sick. The nurses also told me the labor pains are twice as bad when given pitocin (just not fair)!

Good luck, I wish I could offer more help, but I hope you do find something that actually works.
?
2007-06-29 17:17:32 UTC
Now, be sure to check with your doctor before you try any of these ideas, but I was with midwives and got some information on how to naturally induce myself once I was over-due. They aren't guaranteed to work but it's worth a shot.

Sex....try different positions.

Stimulate your nipples (same as the fact that breastfeeding helps contract your uterus back to normal size faster)

Certain herbs, (only if recommended by your physician)

Stretch and sweep, which can only be done by your doctor. It works wonderfully with some women.

Those are the ones I remember...I'm sure you could find more on the internet. Good luck:)
?
2017-02-17 08:25:02 UTC
Luckly this is a great solution for premature ejaculation http://EndPrematureEjaculation.enle.info/?FUIT



A guy always cums fast when its their first time. and especially if he's been waiting for a long time. Guys are erect at least 5 times a day so what I would do is some foreplay until he ejaculates or the both of you for that matter its not fair that he has orgasms and you don't so get him to do you first and then once you finish he will be more than ready for his orgasm. then use a condom because that cuts down the sensations for him if he feels he is about to come prematurely then tell him to come out and do some more foreplay on you so he has time to calm down. the condom should work but if you want a baby tell him to take the condom of before ejaculation and then finish in you. the longer you wait to make him come with foreplay the quiker it will be because he has to get it out of him.



He also does need time because you are the only one he has been with so once he gets used to it, you can really enjoy it once he gets his techniques down pat. Tell him what you like. Get some books and videos also until you both are experienced. Or you could even have a quickie in the morning, when you get home and then at night. he will diffently last longer because his mind has been free twice already. You get on top of him and you control the situation. Also my boyfriend tells me that he thinks about none sexual things for a while to help control him, tell him to think about a sport or something that calms him. If that doesn't work then just do IT over until you are satisfied
Mrs Florek
2007-06-29 17:44:07 UTC
Rub your ankles there is a pressure point that helps kick start labor. Here is the web site that explains ti more!!!





http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/acupressure-to-induce-labor.html









I hope this helps
2007-06-29 17:20:27 UTC
They say lots and lots of sex and walking, and eat spicy food...but I tried EVERYTHING!!...and nothing worked!I tried everything for weeks..what made me go into labor was the doctor stripping my membrane. I went into labor early early the next morning!
jaysgurl28
2007-06-29 17:17:12 UTC
Castor oil worked for me with both my pregnancies, and it doesnt cause complications like some people claim. My sister in laws doctor actually suggested it. Just mix it with OJ. Its horrible but it works. 'atleast for me it did' I went into labor a few hours after taking it with both, but I was around my due date.
ஐ♥Sabine♥ஐ
2007-06-29 17:16:18 UTC
Walk

If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born. Also, by standing upright, you're using gravity to move the baby down into the pelvis. Another plus: It usually feels good to walk when you are contracting. And of course, even if you don't go into full-blown labor, at least you're getting some exercise.



Sex

Making love can be one of the last things on a woman's mind toward the end of her pregnancy. She feels clumsy and big and may be experiencing a lot of vaginal pressure. But believe it or not, sex is one of the things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his semen (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions.



Castor oil

For decades, women have been using castor oil to help induce labor. In fact, many old school physicians and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor.



You can take 1 to 4 ounces of castor oil mixed with 6 ounces of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You'll want to drink it quickly because of the unpleasant taste. Some practitioners suggest taking a single dose; others suggest repeated doses depending on your response. Keep in mind that castor oil usually will cause your bowels to empty within about three hours. With luck, soon after that, you will be in true labor.



Spicy food

Some people swear that it was that extra-hot enchilada from their favorite Mexican restaurant that brought them face to face with their new baby. Unfortunately, the statistics are out on this one. You could try it, but if you have a full stomach when you are in labor, you might vomit and see that enchilada again--in less-than-appetizing circumstances.



Blue and black cohosh

These herbs are used often to induce labor. They may be particularly effective if you are having weak or irregular contractions. Blue cohosh is believed to make uterine contractions stronger, while black cohosh may regulate the contractions. Together, they work to make contractions more effective. Unfortunately, no studies have determined that these natural treatments are safe, or whether all versions of the herb available for purchase are of equal potency. Be sure to discuss any herbal treatment with your practitioner before attempting it, to see if it is a good idea in your situation.



Nipple stimulation

Some women massage their nipples as a way to induce labor. This stimulation brings about the release of oxytocin, which is the natural form of pitocin. Oxytocin causes contractions, which sometimes evolve into labor.



Most practitioners are not enthusiastic about this method of inducing labor, because it has been known to lead to excessively long, strong uterine contractions sometimes resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Unless your practitioner advises it and is monitoring your progress closely, nipple stimulation is not recommended as a means for beginning labor.



Stripping the membranes

Your practitioner may offer to "strip your membranes" to help start your labor. This procedure usually feels like a vaginal examination, although it sometimes can be painful or cause cramping. The practitioner places her gloved finger through the cervix and sweeps the amniotic membranes free of their attachment to the lower part of the uterine cavity. This process is believed to release hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which help to ready your body for labor.



While some experts believe that stripping the membranes causes you to go into labor that day, the only research on this procedure was done by a group of midwives who stripped the membranes of a group of their patients at every visit to the office after 38 weeks gestation. Their findings showed that patients who had this procedure were less likely to go past their due dates. According to the study, the procedure didn't seem to pose any complications and didn't cause the patients' waters to break.



Even though your practitioner would be the one to do the procedure (vs. the other methods that can be done by you at home), we include it here because it is a non-medical intervention.



Factors of success

Many of these natural labor-inducing approaches can be effective if your body is ready to deliver your baby. To be successful, most of these techniques require you to be having contractions or perhaps in early labor.



Don't worry, though whether one of these measures works or your body still needs more time, your little one will be joining your family soon. Try to be patient; you'll have a lifetime together when he finally does arrive.
Stephanie B
2007-06-29 17:15:17 UTC
Sex, eat spicy foods, eat fresh pineapple, walk a lot... You can ask your OB if they would consider stripping the membranes. Simple in office thing.
chickenb26
2007-06-29 17:19:35 UTC
Lots of sex, and not gentle either. Drink Castor Oil and go for long walks. Not sure if the full moon will be here before then but if so do all those things on the full moon.
2007-06-29 17:14:10 UTC
i was going to say that making love would help but i guess not! hummm...try walking around the mall to avoid the heat.....but walk for a couple of hours...and getting induced aint no biggie.....Good luck and best wishes to u and ur baby!!!!!
Blondie
2007-06-29 17:13:08 UTC
Well it is kinda painful, but it worked for me...I drank 16 ounces of castor oil (mixed it with Hi-C...don't ask). Kinda eliminated my worries of having to "go" in labor too.
alleykhad607
2007-06-29 17:19:35 UTC
take a nice long walk [cell phone]

and let nature take its course

don`t take anything to make it happen, you could hurt the baby
Tammy R
2007-06-29 17:13:25 UTC
sorry sex did not work, worked for me. My girlfriend cleaned her house and want into labor you can try that.
2007-06-29 17:14:19 UTC
It's a stuff .If I will think something back I will answer you again .


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