How to Go Into Labor Faster

Always use caution when trying to induce labor.

To go into labor faster, you can try a variety of methods . However, you shouldn't try to induce labor until you are around 40-weeks pregnant or overdue, in case your due-date is inaccurate by a few weeks. It is always important to discuss these methods with your doctor to make sure they are appropriate in your situation. Keep in mind that if your body is not yet ready to go into labor, it doesn't matter how much you try to induce your labor. It just won't happen. Always use caution when experimenting with these labor-inducing methods, to ensure you and your unborn baby's safety.

Instructions

How To Go Into Labor Faster

1. Take a walk to help move your baby into the position of being born. Walking is good if you are having contractions, but are not yet in labor. By standing upright, gravity is fulling your baby down into your pelvis.

2. Have sex to stimulate contractions. Although you may not feel like having sex at this point, your partner's semen contains prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that promote muscle relaxation and blood pressure control.

3. Take 1 to 4 oz. of castor oil to cause spasms in the intestines, which could ultimately lead to labor. Mix the castor oil with a glass of orange juice for taste, and keep in mind that it will cause your bowls to empty within a couple of hours.

4. Take low doses of oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released in large amounts during labor and can be given through an IV in low doses or in a synthetic form, called Pitocin.

5. Rupture the amniotic membrane artificially to shorten labor by an hour. If your doctor recommends rupturing the amniotic membrane artificially, a sterile, plastic, thin hook will be brushed against the membranes just inside your cervix, causing your baby's head to move down against the cervix and contractions to become stronger.

Tips & Warnings

• Spicy foods can be eaten to induce labor, but you may feel sick after eating them.

• Do not try these methods if you are not already having contractions or in early labor. If taken too soon, these methods may cause premature labor, which can lead to medical problems for the baby. Discuss these options with your physician before you try them.

• Pitocin, as well as other medications, may cause side effects such as vomiting, strong labor pains and complications in labor.

References

• Dr. Spock: Natural Ways to Induce Labor

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish