According to the Centers for Disease Control, labor inductions have doubled in frequency since 1990. In 2006, 22.5 percent of all deliveries began with the induction of labor. Risk of a c-section can double when a woman’s labor is induced instead of occurring naturally, as reported by Dr. Brian Mercer and the California Pacific Medical Center. Due to these growing numbers, many women in the United States seek out alternative methods for starting labor to avoid medical inductions.
Sex and Nipple Stimulation
Catherine Beier, childbirth educator and author of the website Giving Birth Naturally, reports that though it is unproved by the medical community, sex is thought to help initiate the onset of labor. Semen contains high levels of prostaglandins which help prepare the cervix for dilation by softening it. Additionally, nipple stimulation releases the chemical oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions.
Walking
Aside from being a wonderful exercise for pregnant women, walking can help induce labor when contractions have started but are inconsistent and infrequent. Walking helps open up the pelvis, while gravity assists the baby in descending. As the baby’s head puts pressure on the cervix, labor can begin if the baby and the mother’s body are both ready. Once in labor, walking will encourage the contractions to continue and may help the mother progress more quickly.
Herbs
The safety and effectiveness of herbs to induce labor has not been proven, though they are often used primarily by midwives. Both blue and black cohosh are used to help strengthen contractions while encouraging them to be more effective once they start. Red raspberry leaf tea is used to prepare and strengthen the uterus for labor and can be used throughout the pregnancy, as noted by Ms. Beier of Giving Birth Naturally. Evening primrose oil is another herb which is often given by midwives which can be taken orally and inserted vaginally to encourage the cervix to soften.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the least pleasant induction methods to try at home due to its unpleasant taste and side effects. According to Lisa Rodriguez, RN and Marjorie Greenfield, MD, castor oil is a remedy which has been used for years for labor induction. Swallowing one to four ounces of castor oil causes intestinal cramping which may also stimulate the uterus to contract due to the close proximity to the intestines. A bowel movement will result after taking the castor oil. If one dose does not create the onset of labor, some practitioners recommend repeated doses.
Special Consideration
At home induction methods may not work if the woman’s body and the baby are not ready for labor to begin. Always consult with your physician or midwife prior to beginning any at home remedy. These methods could be dangerous for both the mother and the baby if used incorrectly, or without proper medical supervision.
About this Author
Amber Canaan has a medical background as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and pediatric oncology. She started writing in 2005 for Curvilinear, an online fashion magazine. Canaan transitioned back to her roots when she became a writer for The Examiner, as an expert on pregnancy. She has a degree in science from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.
