This is a list of different methods that can be used to encourage labour. Show Not all of these methods have not been subjected to large scientific studies; however, women’s experiences support their effectiveness and safety. Only use the methods that you feel comfortable with and feel free to use a combination of methods. Prepare Yourself Emotionally and Physically Emotionally prepare yourself for the labour, birth and transition of having a new baby. Some women find that visualizations work well to prepare for labour and birth. The majority of pregnancy preparation books contain different ideas for visualizations. Walking, squats and lunges can help your baby to move into a favourable position for labour and can also encourage your baby to move deeper into your pelvis. Belly Massage Belly massage can encourage contractions. Use castor oil and a couple of drops of lavender or clary sage oil and massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction for 5-10 minutes a couple of times per day. Sexual Stimulation and Intercourse Sex can stimulate labour because semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can soften and ripen the cervix. Orgasm is a great way to stimulate contractions and can help your baby to move deeper into your pelvis. Evening Primrose Oil Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids, which are precursors to prostaglandins, that can soften and prepare the cervix for labour. You can begin taking evening primrose oil at 37-38 weeks, take 500 mg orally two times per day and/or insert one gelcap deep into your vagina at night. Homeopathics Caulophyllum 30 C is a homeopathic remedy that can be taken from 37-38 weeks to encourage labour. A common dose for Caulophyllum 30 C is 1 tablet 3 times per day for 4 days, take 3 days off, and then repeat for another 4 days. When taking homeopathic remedies, remember to avoid eating, drinking or strong smells (ie toothpaste, peppermint tea, cigarette smoke, coffee) for at least 15 minutes before and after taking the remedy. Stretch and Sweep Your midwife can do a ‘stretch and sweep’ which involves doing a vaginal exam and inserting a finger into the cervix and ‘stretching’ the cervix and ‘sweeping’ a finger between the fetal membranes and the uterus. A stretch and sweep can be uncomfortable but may help to initiate labour by softening and preparing the cervix. Studies have shown that doing a stretch and sweep at 40 weeks also decreases the need for more invasive induction methods. Your midwife will offer you a stretch and sweep at 40 weeks. Accupressure Spleen 6 is an acupressure point that can be massaged to encourage contractions. Spleen 6 is located 4 fingerbreadths above the inner anklebone on the shinbone. Press at an angle from behind the leg, in and toward the front, the spot will most likely be tne4der. Apply hard pressure on both sides simultaneously for up to a minute at a time or massage the area in small circular movements. Nipple Stimulation Nipple stimulation causes the brain to release oxytocin, which is the hormone that is responsible for stimulating uterine contractions. Nipple stimulation involves massage, manual stimulation, sucking or using a breast pump. If this method is being used to actively induce labour after 40-41 weeks, it is recommended that you stimulate both breasts simultaneously for 10-15 minutes, take a 10-15 minute break, and then repeat the cycle for one hour. Nipple stimulation can sometimes cause nipple soreness and irritation. Castor Oil Let your midwife know if you are planning on taking castor oil. Castor oil should only be taken if trying to induce labour after 40 weeks. Castor oil is a purgative that may cause diarrhea and/or vomiting, but can also cause uterine contractions. Castor oil is only effective when a woman’s cervix is ready to go into labour, when it is soft, stretchy and already open. If you are interested in taking castor oil, discuss it with your midwife. There are ways to induce labor medically, but a person can often encourage dilation by keeping the body relaxed and loose. This can help ease the delivery. Dilation is a term that describes the widening of the cervical opening. Dilation of the cervix is one sign that a pregnant woman is going into labor. During the final stages of pregnancy, doctors perform cervical exams to track the progress of the pregnancy and the extent of dilation of the cervix. In the first stage of labor, the cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters (cm) in width. Dilation is typically gradual, but the cervix can widen rapidly over 1 or 2 days. A few different factors can influence how quickly dilation occurs. In this article, learn how to dilate more quickly before and during labor. The following methods can help in dilation without using medication: Move aroundGetting up and moving around may help speed dilation by increasing blood flow. Walking around the room, doing simple movements in bed or chair, or even changing positions may encourage dilation. This is because the weight of the baby applies pressure to the cervix. People may also find swaying or dancing to calming music effective. Use an exercise ballA large inflatable exercise ball, called a birthing ball in this case, may also help. Sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth or moving in circles can help keep the muscles in the pelvis loose and relaxed for delivery. RelaxIt is easy to become tense during the last stages of pregnancy, but learning to relax can have a range of benefits. Stress and muscle tension and can delay labor by making it harder for the cervix to dilate. These issues can also keep the baby from descending. Many women benefit from practicing breathing exercises or meditation before and during labor. Even dimming the lights can help. LaughLaughing can keep stress and fear at bay. Even momentary relief can relax the body and aid dilation. Joking around, or watching funny movies or stand-up comedy may help to keep spirits up before and during labor. Have sexSexual stimulation can relax the body. Also, a hormone called prostaglandin in semen can promote dilation. Share on PinterestMedical intervention may be necessary during labor.While labor is a natural process, there are times when a doctor needs to intervene. Medical intervention may be necessary if:
A doctor may apply a medication that contains prostaglandin to soften the cervix and promote dilation. A process called membrane stripping may help. It involves a doctor or midwife rubbing their fingers against the membranes of the amniotic sac to release prostaglandin into the uterus and help the cervix dilate. Women interested in unmedicated or “natural” birth may avoid medical intervention until it is necessary. There are three distinct stages: Stage oneShare on PinterestThere are three distinct stages of labor.This stage has three phases. In the first phase, the cervix dilates to 3 cm. The baby drops lower into the pelvis, and this increases the levels of prostaglandin in the body, which stimulates dilation. The mucus plug that has sealed the opening of the uterus during pregnancy will fall away. Capillaries in the cervix can rupture during this stage and cause bloody discharge known as the bloody show. This is normal. The next phase is active labor, when the cervix will dilate further. Some doctors mark the end of this phase when the width of the cervix reaches 7 cm. Others use contractions as a guideline. The final step in this stage, called the transition phase, lasts until the cervix dilates to 10 cm. Stage twoThe second stage of labor begins when the cervix dilates to 10 cm and ends with delivery. The length of time can vary from woman to woman, and a variety of factors influence it. Stage threeIn this stage, the doctor will deliver the placenta and cut the umbilical cord. In some situations, a doctor may use medical methods to encourage dilation. However, there are a number of natural ways to promote dilation before and during labor. It is often a good idea to find ways to relax. How can I get my cervix to dilate at 36 weeks?Walking around the room, doing simple movements in bed or chair, or even changing positions may encourage dilation. This is because the weight of the baby applies pressure to the cervix. People may also find swaying or dancing to calming music effective.
How can I soften my cervix at home to dilate?Natural ripening methods include:. Acupuncture.. Breast stimulation.. Castor oil.. Enemas (injection of water or liquid into the rectum to clear the colon).. Herbal supplements.. Hot baths.. Sexual intercourse.. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).. How long before labor does the cervix soften? For some, the cervix can begin to soften and thin out days or weeks before delivery. For others, it may not happen until labor begins. Still, others may need help from medications to get things going a week or two after their due date.
How can I get my cervix to open to induce labor?A gel or vaginal insert of prostaglandin is inserted into the vagina or a tablet is given by mouth. This is typically done overnight in the hospital to make the cervix "ripe" (soft, thinned out) for delivery. Administered alone, prostaglandin may induce labor or may be used before giving oxytocin.
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How to soften cervix at 36 weeks
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