With this natural induction methods series, we both believe that a “natural” induction, is still an induction in a way. You are still using interventions to start labor before you may be ready.
There are risks and benefits to everything we do in life, and for one person it may be worth taking the risk for the benefit while for another person it’s not worth it.
We always recommend discussing options with your provider and doing your own research before using any of the induction methods we discuss in this series.
And if you are interested to learn all the nuances and tricks of pregnancy, we strongly recommend to check our childbirth education course and prepare for the journey ahead with confidence and ease!
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Natural Induction Methods: What Are They?
Natural induction methods are still interventions but are considered to be less invasive than medical induction. They can usually be done at home, outside of the membrane sweep which needs to be done by your provider.
These methods can kickstart or encourage labor, but usually, only work if you are close to going into labor.
There are many reasons that you may want to encourage labor to begin, such as if you are starting to experience a prenatal complication and are wanting to avoid a hospital induction.
Or if you are giving birth at an out-of-hospital location (freestanding birth center or home birth) and are about to risk out due to gestational age, you may want to consider a natural induction methods to kick start your labor.
If you decide that you want to try a natural induction methods, it is always worth discussing your options with your provider!
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*Induction Methods*
1) Nipple Stimulation
Nipple Stimulation is any sort of stimulation of the breast and/or nipple with either massage, pump, or even breastfeeding. Can be done alone, or during intercourse!
Roxanne did it during a long bath to help with relaxation during my first pregnancy. Gina used nipple stimulation during labor to bring contractions closer together when she was starting active labor!
Based on research there does seem to be a benefit to nipple stimulation on labor induction compared to doing nothing. Those that did nipple/breast stimulation were:
- More likely to go into labor within the next 3 days of starting versus those who did nothing in one study.
- Increased cervical ripening (Bishop score)
*Induction Methods*
2) Acupressure/acupuncture
These are ancient techniques that have been used for thousands of years in Western cultures. Recently though, more are becoming interested in bringing them to the East to utilize and research how effective it is.
Both acupuncture and acupressure are based on the Traditional Chinese theory that there are points (acupoints) in our body along these energy meridians (channels). Along these meridians, our life force (qi) flows.
There are 14 major meridians that connect our body parts to specific organs. When one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance then illness or disease can occur.
Using Acupuncture/Acupressure at one of the points along the meridians can help unblock or rebalance them.
Doing this technique is to promote wellness and relaxation in the body.
*Induction Methods*
The evidence does not seem to support doing acupuncture or acupressure will induce labor. It may help more with the ripening and softening of the cervix and may be helpful during labor to shorten the length of labor and decrease labor pains.
3) Sex
Sex in relation to induction of labor (for research purposes) is viewed as penetrative sex between two partners. In an opposite-sex relationship, this is with the male partner reaching climax to get the semen benefit for induction. In a same-sex relationship, you are using any tools for the penetrative portion of cervical manipulation but without the benefit of the semen.
So based on the Positive feedback loop, the benefit of sex as a natural induction method has multiple layers:
- Semen has ALOT of prostaglandins which is important for cervical ripening! It has the HIGHEST amount of prostaglandins known currently.
- Oxytocin, the love hormone, is released when we feel loved, aka during sex, and when we climax. Oxytocin also is what causes uterine contractions.
- Nipple/Breast Stimulation is used commonly during sex, and this helps with the release of oxytocin
- Manipulation of the cervix releases prostaglandins to help with cervical ripening and stimulate oxytocin release.
*Induction Methods*
4) Membrane Stripping or Sweeps
This is when your provider/nurse separates the membranes of the amniotic sac from your cervix using their fingers during a cervical exam. This stimulates the release of hormones in our body in the hope to induce labor, or at least ripen the cervix.
The main hormones being released are prostaglandins (from the stimulation of the cervix) and oxytocin (stretching of the cervix).
I describe it as a more aggressive cervical exam.
There are a few things needed in order to get one done
- Dilated to 1-2cms at least
- 38/39 weeks gestation depending on the provider
- GBS Negative**
- Some providers will not do this if you are GBS Positive because of the risk that the amniotic sac could rupture during the procedure, but not all providers feel this way!
*Induction Methods*
Based on research, when compared to waiting for labor to happen on its own versus membrane stripping, you are more likely to go into spontaneous labor with a membrane strip. There was no increased risk of c-section intervention, or negative outcomes for baby associated with them. The biggest complaint was pain during procedure.
One study states that those who had their membranes stripped would go into labor 4 days before they normally would have…although no sure how this was determined. Overall, it’s one of the best natural induction methods.
5) Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is used as a natural induction method. It comes from the Evening primrose flower, this flower blooms at night which is how it got its name.
The oil that they extract from the seeds of this flower has been used for cervical ripening for a few decades. The Oil contains a high amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is a precursor of prostaglandin derivatives. Prostaglandin is needed for cervical ripening!
EPO is used medically for hemorrhoids, dermatological reasons like bruises, eczema, or acne; GI problems; sore throats; and PMS symptoms. It can be applied topically or taken orally.
It is stated that EPO is a blood thinner and could decrease blood pressure, so if taking blood thinning or blood pressure medication speak with your provider before taking it.
*Induction Methods*
The evidence on if labor is induced with EPO is lacking. The few studies that have been done on EPO are fairly small, so it is not strong evidence. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, just that is not proven by evidence to be considered as one of the natural induction methods. There is a difference between disproven and not proven yet.
6) Castor Oil
Castor Oil is a vegetable oil that is derived from castor beans. It is clear to pale yellow in color and has a very distinct taste and odor. It is used in many items such as food preservation, soap, paints, moisturizers, lubricants, and dyes.
It has medicinal uses to include being a laxative and believed to induce labor.
The research does seem to support that compared to doing nothing, Castor Oil had a higher likelihood of having labor start within 24 hours of taking the dose.
There are some factors that can increase the possibility of castor oil being effective at inducing labor:
- Past 40 weeks
- Prior Vaginal Birth
- Cervix dilated
- PROM (water breaking before contractions begin)
*Induction Methods*
7) Dates
Dates are the fruit that come from the plant Date Palm, aka Phoenix dactylifera. It is found naturally in Northern Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Dates are very high in sugar, and commonly eaten as a dessert.
They are made up of around 21% water, 65% sugar, 10% fibers, 2% protein, and some fat. They contain nutrients such as Vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Which are helpful during pregnancy!
They are symbolic in Muslim, Jewish, and Christian religion. Dates are mentioned many times in both the Bible and Quran. In the Quran, dates are given to Mary to eat during labor to help with labor pain. As instructed by Allah.
Will it induce labor?? Based on research, yes!
There are multiple studies that are of high quality that support that eating dates during pregnancy can help induce or at least ripen the cervix!
It can also be consumed during labor and may help decrease pain associated with labor, or shorter the duration of the first stage of labor, but more research needs to be done in this area.
It is important to note, that none of the research was done involving people who had gestational diabetes!
8) Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea comes from the red raspberry plant that is found in Europe, North America, and certain parts of Asia. It is a traditional herb that comes in both a tea leaf and pill form.
It has been used to treat issues with the GI, menstrual cycle, and childbirth for centuries.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea contains a lot of nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E, and calcium, iron, and potassium.
Will it induce labor??
Based on research, it does not induce labor or ripen the cervix.
It also has no evidence it strengthens or tones the uterus.
Most of the evidence is anecdotal from others who have used it and saw benefits in themselves, but no research studies have found those results.
Patience or a Little Push??
Usually, the best method is to wait for baby to come when they are ready. But, there may be circumstances where we may want to encourage baby to come if they are “almost” ready with a natural induction methods. These methods will usually not work if you aren’t close to going into labor, though.
As always, discuss with your provider on their recommendations if you are wanting to encourage labor to begin before maybe baby decides to come!