Inducing Labor

Natural Remedies to Induce Labor

• Walking: naturally releases oxytocin.
• Castor oil: a strong laxative that stimulates your bowels and may cause some uterine contractions. Many mothers report unfavorable side effects and claim castor oil only caused vomiting and diarrhea.
• Insertion of a Foley catheter: the catheter is inserted into your cervix with a small inflatable balloon attached to its end. When inflated with water, the balloon puts pressure on your cervix, stimulating the release of prostaglandins which helps soften and open your cervix. When your cervix begins to dilate, the balloon will fall out and the catheter is removed.
• Accupressure: pressure points are located near the roof of your mouth, the webbing between your index finger and thumb, and about four finger spaces above your ankle.
• Herbs: such as blue and black cohosh, goldenseal, squaw vine, red raspberry leaf have been used, mainly by midwives, for inducing labor. There have been cases of uterine rupture and intrauterine fetal stroke, as well as neonatal heart irregularities associated with the use of herbs to induce labor.

Elective Labor Inductions Risks

Elective inductions - inductions performed for non-medical reasons - are frequently performed in the United States. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Nurse Midwives discourage elective inductions, as do virtually all textbooks and most research. Studies support the use of medications to begin labor only in situations that pose a threat to both you and your child. Take your time and go through this rite of passage to motherhood.

Results

Many induced labors fail, resulting in a c-section delivery. Failed labor inductions are also associated with higher rates of complications, infection, and longer hospital stays. Labors are often longer and women get epidural anesthesia, suggesting that induced labors are more painful.

You should not have your labor induced if:

• Tests indicate the baby is in distress or can't tolerate contractions.
• You have placenta previa.
• The baby is in a breech position.
• You had a myomectomy to remove fibroids.
• You are carrying triplets or more.
• You have an active genital herpes infection.

As with any procedure, make sure to consult your doctor about the risks of both necessary and elective inductions.

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