Are you anxiously waiting for your baby to arrive and looking for natural ways to get labour going? While there is no guaranteed method to bring on labour, there are some techniques that may help your body prepare for the big day.
Here are some tips and techniques that you may find useful:
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Exercise - Keeping your body active can help you prepare for labour. Try going for a long walk or doing light cleaning, and remember to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it. Curb walking and gently bouncing on a fit or birth ball may also be helpful.
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Sex - Sexual activity, especially having an orgasm, can release oxytocin which may help start contractions. For pregnant people who have sex with men, the prostaglandin hormones in semen may help ripen the cervix. However, it is important to avoid sex after your water has broken to reduce the risk of infection.
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Nipple Stimulation - Stimulating your nipples can help release oxytocin, which is the hormone that causes contractions. This technique may be done manually or with a breast pump.
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Acupuncture - This traditional Chinese medicine technique has been used for thousands of years and may help stimulate contractions.
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Eating Dates - Some research suggests that eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy may help increase cervical ripening and dilation at the start of labour. Dates may also decrease the need for Pitocin use during labour.
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Relaxation - Stress and fatigue may prevent your body from producing the hormones needed to start labour. Try taking a relaxing bath or meditating to help reduce stress levels.
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Raspberry Leaf Tea - Drinking tea or taking capsules of raspberry leaf extract may help tone the muscles of your uterus, making them work more efficiently in labour.
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Pineapple - Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which may help soften the cervix. While one pineapple contains a small amount of bromelain, eating too much may cause stomach discomfort.
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Clary Sage Oil - Clary sage oil may increase oxytocin levels in the body, which can help start and continue contractions. However, it is important to use essential oils safely and to check with your doctor before using them.
It is important to note that these techniques should be discussed with your doctor or midwife before trying them. Some techniques may not be safe for everyone and individual medical situations should be considered.
Remember to trust your body and that your baby will arrive when they and your body are ready. Good luck with your labour journey!
