How to Lose Your Mucus Plug After Failed Labor Induction
Losing the mucus plug signals an upcoming labor. Some women, however, don't go into labor for two weeks after they lose their plug. Others go into labor on the same day. The gooey mucus simply indicates cervical changes. As labor nears, the cervix must soften and thin out so it can dilate. This softening, dilating and thinning allows the mucus plug to leave the body. After a failed induction, however, some women need to see some indication their body is getting ready to have a baby. Seeing the mucus plug is a good sign.
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Instructions
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Begin taking evening primrose oil at 34 weeks. One 500 mg capsule in the morning, and one at night is the most any pregnant woman should take until 38 weeks. Then, she can begin taking up to four capsules throughout the day. This oil acts as a natural prostaglandin, according to PregnantHealth.com. It helps soften and prepare the cervix for dilation, therefore helping the body get rid of the mucus plug.
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Sit on a birthing ball and bounce lightly. It helps to spread your legs. This puts your pelvis in the correct position to allow the baby's head to drop down as far as it can. The more pressure the baby and uterus put on the cervix, the more likely it will begin to dilate and lose its mucus plug.
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Talk to your doctor about other options. Some labor inductions only include pitocin. Other doctors use cervical prostaglandin gel or insert a ring into the vagina with prostaglandin to help chemically soften the cervix, according to DrSpock.com. Some doctors use pitocin only after the body begins contracting on its own.
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Consider nontraditional methods of cervical softening used by some doctors. A medical balloon inserted in the cervix and slowly inflated with water works for some women. Also, another method involves inserting seaweed sticks into the cervix and waiting for them to expand from the moisture. Women should only undergo these methods under close supervision of doctors.
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Tips & Warnings
Some women lose their mucus plug without even knowing it.
Never take herbs and supplements without consulting a doctor or health care professional first.
