Natural Ways to Induce Labour

Becoming a mother is an exciting, emotional, and at times, overwhelming journey. As your due date approaches, it's only natural to wonder when your baby will make their grand entrance.

It’s perfectly natural to feel anxious, especially when family members or friends start sharing their experiences of how to induce labour. You might have heard everything—from eating certain foods to walking up and down stairs—to help speed up the process. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone.  Knowledge is power. So let’s walk through some natural and medical methods for inducing labour.

 Need for Inducing Labour

Sometimes despite your best efforts, labour may not start naturally, even after reaching full term. In such cases, inducing labour can become a necessity to protect the health of both mother and baby. 

Conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or passing your due date can increase the risk of complications, leading your doctor to suggest induction.

Induced Labour Procedure

If your baby hasn't arrived naturally by 40 weeks or you’re experiencing complications, your doctor may recommend inducing labour at 40 weeks for safety. The induced labour procedure typically involves medications or mechanical methods to help the cervix dilate and contractions begin. This is often referred to as the medical induction of labour, and it is a controlled, monitored process to ensure both mother and baby are safe throughout.

Induced Labour Pain

While inducing labour can be necessary in certain situations, it’s important to understand the disadvantages of induced labour. One of the main concerns is that induced labour can sometimes lead to stronger and more frequent contractions, which may be more painful than natural labour.

This could increase the need for pain relief or medical interventions like an epidural. Additionally, induction increases the risk of requiring a caesarean section if labour doesn’t progress as expected. There's also the possibility of foetal distress due to the intensity of contractions, requiring close monitoring by your doctors.

Stages of Labour

Foods To Induce Labour

Indian kitchens are rich with natural ingredients that are often believed to help induce labour. Though the scientific evidence is mixed, some women find these methods helpful. However, it's important to note that these should only be used under medical supervision, as they may carry potential side effects.

Dates:

A study conducted by the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2011 found that women who consumed six dates daily for four weeks before their due date had a higher chance of spontaneous labour and a significantly shorter first stage of labour compared to those who did not eat dates.

Pineapple:

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology discusses the potential effects of bromelain in pineapple on the cervix and its role in labour induction. While the evidence is not conclusive, bromelain is thought to help soften the cervix.

Spicy Foods:

Though there is no direct scientific evidence linking spicy foods to labour induction, it is widely believed in traditional Indian and other cultures that spicy food may stimulate digestive activity, which in turn might trigger uterine contractions.

Castor Oil:

A study published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found that castor oil may induce labour in some cases, but it should only be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

Physical Activities to Encourage Labour

Physical activities can gently help prepare your body for labour by encouraging the baby to move into the correct position. Simple exercises such as walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball can help apply pressure on the cervix, potentially stimulating contractions.

Prenatal yoga, particularly poses that open the pelvis, like squats or the butterfly pose, can also be beneficial. Always listen to your body and consult your doctor before engaging in physical activities to encourage labour.

If you reach 40 weeks and your baby hasn’t arrived, your doctor may discuss inducing labour to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. Medical induction of labour is a common and well-monitored process that helps initiate contractions when labour doesn't start naturally.

How To Induce Labour Pain:

• Medications: Oxytocin or prostaglandins are often administered to stimulate contractions or help the cervix ripen for labour.
• Breaking the Water (Amniotomy): The amniotic sac is manually broken to help labour begin.
• Mechanical Methods: A balloon catheter may be inserted to help the cervix dilate.

Sidenote: When my cousin, Vinitha, reached 41 weeks, her doctor recommended induction using oxytocin. Initially nervous, she felt reassured as the doctor explained the process step-by-step. Within a few hours of the induction, she gave birth to a healthy baby, and the entire experience was positive and well-managed.

Medications Used to Induce Labour

When labour doesn't begin naturally, how doctors induce labour pain typically involves administering medications like oxytocin to trigger contractions or using prostaglandins to prepare the cervix for delivery. 

Typically, an injection of oxytocin (commonly known as Pitocin) is given through an IV to gradually initiate labour, and start or strengthen contractions. Prostaglandins may also be applied directly to the cervix or given in tablet form. 

These methods are carefully monitored by medical professionals in hospitals to ensure a safe delivery. Always discuss with your doctor to make an informed decision about the best and safest option for you.

Mechanical Methods for Inducing Labour

Mechanical methods are commonly used to induce labour when necessary. One widely used technique is the balloon catheter method, where a small, sterile balloon is inserted into the cervix and inflated with saline. This pressure helps the cervix to dilate and stimulates contractions, preparing the body for labour.

Another method sometimes employed is membrane sweeping, where the doctor gently separates the amniotic sac from the cervix to encourage labour. Both techniques are considered safe, and minimally invasive, and are often used before resorting to medications.

Before deciding to induce labour, it's important to weigh both the potential benefits and risks. While induction can be a helpful and necessary step in ensuring a healthy delivery, it’s essential to be informed. 
 

Benefits of Inducing Labour

• Prevents Complications: Induction can help prevent issues, especially if you are overdue or have medical conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, which could pose risks to both mother and baby.
• Control over Timing: In some cases, it allows for better planning, especially if you live far from the hospital or have specific medical needs.

Risks of Inducing Labour

• Increased Risk of Caesarean: Inducing labour can sometimes lead to stronger, more frequent contractions, increasing the likelihood of needing a C-section.
• Foetal Distress: Strong contractions can occasionally cause stress to the baby, requiring additional medical monitoring.

While it’s tempting to try to induce labour naturally at home, it’s vital to know when to seek medical help. If you experience heavy bleeding, decreased foetal movement, or sudden, severe pain, go to your hospital or consult your doctor immediately. Labour is a delicate process, and it’s crucial to prioritise your safety and the baby's.

While natural methods can be a great way to encourage labour, there are times when medical assistance is necessary. You should reach out to your doctor if:

• You’ve passed your due date (40+ weeks)
• There are concerns about your baby’s health or your own
• Labour hasn’t started on its own

Whether you’re planning to try natural ways to induce labour or preparing for a medical induction, it’s essential to mentally and physically prepare for this experience.

Tips to Prepare:

• Stay Active: Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can keep your body limber and help with labour.
• Rest: Get plenty of sleep in the final days of pregnancy to keep your energy up.

• Meditate: Practice mindfulness and breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety.

  Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to induce labour is a deeply personal choice. Whether you opt for natural methods or medical interventions, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Your doctor is there to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you're trying to induce labour naturally at 38 weeks or exploring medical options, know that your body is capable and resilient. Trust in your ability to bring your baby into the world in the way that feels most right for you.