What can I do to start contractions faster? How to induce labor and whether it can be done at home. How to induce contractions naturally

Pregnancy is considered one of the best moments in a woman's life. But the closer the moment the baby is born, the more she begins to worry about her health and the condition of the baby. Sometimes, upon the onset of the 40th week of bearing the crumbs, the pregnant woman has no signs of the approach of childbirth, contractions do not begin. How to induce labor at home if the 40th week has already arrived.

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When to give birth

Before thinking about how to induce labor at 40 weeks of gestation, it is worth figuring out when a woman should still give birth. To do this, she should remember what date the doctor gave her the preliminary date of birth (it is called like the DA). Usually the doctor talks about her even during registration, when he fills out a large patient card.

And although this date may change somewhat after several CTGs and ultrasounds, in general, it almost always coincides. It is on the PDR that you need to pay attention to a pregnant woman who decided to cause contractions on her own in order to give birth at 40 weeks.

Attention! Not always the date of birth set in the consultation is accurate, the baby can be born at any time from 38 to 42 weeks.

It is during this period that full-fledged, healthy and fully full-term babies are born.

But still, the reproductive system of each patient is different, which means that labor can occur at any time, depending on the state of health and other factors.

Useful video: ways to stimulate labor at home

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The last weeks of pregnancy are a hectic period for the expectant mother, because the day of meeting with the baby is getting closer. 38-42 weeks of pregnancy is the most favorable period for the onset of labor and is considered the period of normal natural childbirth. The date of birth of a newborn depends on the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman, as well as on the duration of her menstrual cycle. The longer the cycle, the longer the pregnancy lasts. In the event that the baby "stays up" in his mother's tummy and does not want to be born on time, the woman in labor begins to worry and worry about the well-being of her baby. How to induce contractions on your own and speed up labor?

According to obstetrician-gynecologists, the period of pregnancy from 38 to 42 weeks is considered the normal period for childbirth. A baby born at this time is considered full-term. After 42 weeks, doctors, as a rule, resort to medical stimulation of labor, and the pregnancy is considered post-term. Doctors decide on the stimulation of labor in a hospital setting. Many mothers are worried that there are no contractions, and are wondering if it is possible to induce labor on their own, without medication?

Future mothers on examination at the gynecologist often ask the question of how to induce contractions faster, how to induce contractions at week 38 and at the same time not harm the unborn baby. Doctors are sympathetic to the desire of a woman to give birth as soon as possible. In the last months, it becomes more and more difficult to walk, the baby sometimes shows great activity and does not allow a full rest, the pregnant woman feels tired from the tedious waiting. But still, the course of natural childbirth at the time laid down by nature is the best solution to this issue. Sometimes you need to wait a bit and be patient, and soon the long-awaited baby will be born according to its biological clock. If a woman does not want to wait and is thinking about how to induce contractions at 39, 40, 41 weeks of pregnancy on her own, she needs, first of all, to consult a doctor. It is necessary to make sure that the fetus has taken the correct position in the uterus, head down. In addition, the doctor will assess the general well-being of the woman, as well as:

prescribe an additional ultrasound examination;
will establish whether there is no conflict between the Rh factors of the blood of the mother and the fetus;
make sure that there is no discharge of amniotic fluid without the onset of contractions or placental abruption.

How to induce contractions with medication

To date, there are several methods of artificial stimulation of labor, which are available to physicians. The actions of physicians are aimed at stimulating the contractility of the uterus and the use of methods that affect the rapid opening of the cervix.

A suitable option for stimulating contractions is selected taking into account the characteristics of the course of pregnancy in a woman in labor. An obstetrician-gynecologist can use a medical stimulation method with the introduction of oxytocin or prostaglandins, as well as open the fetal bladder. When administering drugs to a woman's body, the doctor must make sure that the cervix is \u200b\u200bready for labor and that the pregnancy is full-term. To soften the cervix, special medications are used: Mifeprostone, Dinoprostone - pills that cause contractions. Also, these drugs are used in the form of intravenous injections.

The opening of the uterus is possible mechanically. To open the cervix, special obstetric sticks, a Foley catheter are used, and a gel containing hormones is used. Soon, after a medical or mechanical effect on the cervix, contractions and labor begin.

How to induce contractions at home

The question of how to cause contractions at home is relevant for those women whose due date has already arrived, and the baby is still in no hurry to appear. Doctors recommend that the pregnant woman go to the hospital and resort to drug stimulation of labor. But most expectant mothers prefer to induce contractions naturally at home. Consider the most popular, affordable and safe ways to stimulate contractions.

We cause contractions ourselves with the help of moderate physical activity

The physical activity of the expectant mother in the last weeks of pregnancy is one of the most effective options for inducing contractions recommended by doctors. The load should be moderate, without fanaticism. The expectant mother will benefit from walking outdoors, cleaning the house, including squatting floors, and climbing stairs sideways. Perfectly stimulate contractions yoga classes for pregnant women, light exercises with squats. Physical activity should be enjoyable and not tiring. It is strongly not recommended to lift heavy objects, so as not to provoke placental abruption.

Contraction inducing exercises

There are 5 simple physical exercises that will help speed up labor and help the baby descend properly in the uterus for better progression through the birth canal:

Walking. This is the easiest way to speed up contractions. With unhurried walking, the fetus presses on the cervix, which contributes to its expansion and softening. In addition, walking in the fresh air improves blood circulation, trains the heart and tone the muscles.
Climbing and descending stairs. Avoiding the elevator is a great way to induce labor. Raising or lowering the legs when moving to the next step, there is a slight swaying of the pelvis. The baby quickly takes the correct position, and the cervix gradually expands and prepares for the birth process.
Swimming. Going to the pool in the last weeks of pregnancy is an effective way to induce contractions. It is very useful to swim breaststroke. Being in the water is very useful for expectant mothers. Water helps keep the body in the water, relieves tension from the legs and joints, and allows you to completely relax.
Squatting. Squatting can speed up contractions and help your baby head down if he hasn't yet taken the correct position.
wiggle. Small pelvic rocking is a pleasant way to speed up labor.

Gentle sex causes contractions

This way to quickly cause contractions will appeal to the future dad, who will gladly agree to help. Sexual intimacy promotes spontaneous contraction of the uterus and will help provoke labor. In addition, the composition of the male ejaculate contains prostaglandins - a biologically active substance, which, when it enters the cervix, softens it. Thus, the uterus prepares for normal opening during childbirth. Moderate and gentle sexual activity before childbirth is a great way to naturally stimulate contractions. However, there are contraindications for having sex:

With low placenta previa.
In the presence of a sexual infection in a partner.
If a pregnant woman has a discharge of a mucous plug that protects the fetus from infection.

Gentle nipple massage to stimulate labor

Gentle massaging of the nipples contributes to increased production of the hormone oxytocin in the body of the expectant mother, which is involved in the process of preparing for childbirth.

Hot bath to induce labor

Taking a hot bath with a temperature not exceeding 38 degrees will help the body relax and prepare the body for childbirth. However, this method should be treated with caution. Too long water procedures in hot water can lead to an increase in blood pressure, provoke dizziness or weakness. Bath is recommended to take no more than 15 minutes.

Foods that cause contractions

The most effective and safest method to induce contractions is to eat foods that contain fiber. Fiber helps the natural cleansing of the body and stimulates the uterus to give birth. Therefore, before giving birth, expectant mothers should include more greens, seasonal vegetables and fruits in their diet. Of the products, parsley, fresh beets, dried fruits, and prunes are especially useful. The last weeks of bearing crumbs are the time to eat light and healthy food. It is noticed that chili pepper and tincture of raspberry leaves contribute to the stimulation of contractions. Raspberry decoction promotes the production of estrogen.

Use of natural laxatives and cleansing enemas

Having a bowel movement with laxatives or enemas is another popular way to speed up labor. Bowel cleansing promotes contraction and muscle activity of the intestinal walls. The uterus is located next to the intestines, therefore it contracts along with all the organs of the abdominal cavity. Also, bowel cleansing is sometimes necessary for expectant mothers suffering from prolonged constipation. Fecal masses accumulated in the large intestine put pressure on the uterus and prevent the fetus from taking the correct position in it.

Among the effective folk remedies for constipation that can cause contractions is castor oil. It has a powerful laxative effect, perfectly emptying the intestines and leads to uterine contractions. To cleanse the intestines, one dose of 50 g of castor oil diluted with apple juice or fresh orange juice is enough. Do not increase the amount of castor oil, as increasing the dose can cause severe diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration of the woman's body.

All of these methods can speed up labor and help a woman induce contractions without resorting to medicine. If the gestational age does not exceed 40 weeks, and contractions do not make themselves felt, you should not worry and panic. Most likely, the time has not yet come for the birth of a new life. If you decide to cause contractions without the help of drugs and become a mother sooner, be sure to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist on this issue. It is possible to start stimulating contractions only after the permission of the doctor, so as not to harm the child.

How to speed up the onset of labor without the help of doctors

When it becomes necessary to stimulate labor, women prefer folk methods, and not those offered in a hospital. They are afraid to give birth under oxytocin because of too painful contractions and possible side effects of this drug. They are afraid of a puncture of the amniotic bladder, that the child will be hurt during this procedure. However, there are no other effective ways to speed up the onset of labor.

However, women who are absolutely full-term, that is, the date of the expected onset of labor (PDR) is left behind, can try natural induction of labor at home.

An exception is future mothers who should have a caesarean section, have problems with the child (intrauterine developmental delay, hypoxia, etc.), polyhydramnios. That is, only exceptionally healthy women who are carrying the same healthy children should try to be stimulated.

Regarding polyhydramnios, I would like to say separately. With this pathology, the discharge of amniotic fluid outside the hospital is quite dangerous. The fact is that sometimes the fetus, which, after the discharge of the anterior waters, enters deeper into the mother's pelvis, pinches the umbilical cord, which is on its way to the exit. And this, in turn, leads to acute hypoxia or even death of the child. All these are the consequences of early rupture of amniotic fluid. And home stimulation of labor at 40-41 weeks usually leads to it.

Oh, and one more thing, even if you don't have polyhydramnios, breaking water before contractions appear is bad. Contractions may not start on their own at all, or the cervix will not be ready for childbirth, and then you will be given medical stimulation in the maternity hospital (yes, with oxytocin) or even a caesarean section.

It’s absolutely not worth it to find out how women who have scars on the uterus, even if not from a caesarean, but from a myomectomy, for example, an operation to remove a benign tumor of the uterus, are stimulated to give birth at home on their own.

Also, stimulation of childbirth by folk methods at home is not recommended for women who have already had problematic childbirth with discoordination, weak labor activity.

If all is well, and the doctor wished you to give birth as soon as possible, use one or more of the safest methods. Natural stimulation of labor at home should only be for the good.

1. Sexual intercourse. If the mucous plug with water is still in place, this is a great option to hasten the birth. Almost 100%. Semen contains prostaglandins - substances that contribute to the rapid maturation and opening of the cervix. Plus, during intimacy, the uterus comes into tone, and in some cases these contractions can turn into real labor pains. Especially if a woman has an orgasm. Naturally, this method only makes sense if you do not use a condom.

2. Walking up and down stairs. Physical activity + vertical position can contribute to the passage of the fetus lower into the pelvis and the onset of contractions, but can also provoke a rupture of the amniotic sac and discharge of water. In addition, such loads are unlikely to be possible for women with severe tachycardia (and most of them for long periods) and a tendency to swelling. Edema usually appears precisely because of a long stay in an upright position.

If it’s hard to climb stairs, you can replace this load with a regular walk in the fresh air. This will be beneficial in any case. Especially after intercourse.

3. Stimulation of the nipples. How it will be carried out is not so important. The main thing is not to injure them. During stimulation of the nipples, oxytocin is actively produced, the same hormone that causes labor pains. Try it!
You can simply perform rotational movements with your palm in a circle. It should be pleasant, in no case painful.

4. Reception of spicy food. The point is to force the intestines to contract strongly. Many films show just such a method of initiating labor. However, there are also disadvantages. Firstly, acute very strongly provokes heartburn, which already torments expectant mothers. And secondly, the eaten pepper and similar “sharpness” will burn the intestines very strongly when they go outside. In general, burning in the rectum will be the same as burning in the mouth. And if mommy also has inflamed hemorrhoids, or there is a crack in the anus, it will generally be very painful. And without consequences in the form of an exacerbation of the disease will not do.

If you tolerate garlic well, then it will be enough.

5. Taking a laxative.

Castor oil. Usually in the topic of natural methods of stimulation, castor oil is advised. Moreover, some doctors assure of the absolute effectiveness of the following recipe: 1 tablespoon in the morning and 1 tablespoon of castor oil in the afternoon. And that's all, in the evening or at night, after several trips to the toilet, contractions should begin. Well, bowel cleansing before childbirth will in any case benefit.
Enema with water. Don't feel like drinking castor oil? Then you can use any other laxatives - mechanical or pharmacological action. For example, a regular water enema can stimulate intestinal motility. Only a large volume, like those that are made in maternity hospitals. This is a very good way - to induce labor on your own at home, simply and safely. Women who have given birth will not let you lie that after an enema, which is done in the maternity hospital, many immediately leave the mucous plug from the cervix, and contractions begin. For this reason, women with premature pregnancies are never given enemas.
Laxative candles. Glycerin suppositories can greatly enhance intestinal motility - this is a safe laxative that irritates the rectum, or Microlax microclysters. But the first is more effective.
Liquorice. For something a little more exotic, try licorice, a legume plant with laxative properties. When consumed in large quantities, it provokes intestinal cramps and diarrhea. By the way, licorice is also sold in the form of tablets. Check with your doctor if you can take them. Active peristalsis of the intestine stimulates the uterus very well.
Primrose oil. A well-known dietary supplement for gynecologists. Primula is a plant, meaning it is a 100% plant-based supplement. This oil, like pineapple and semen, contains prostaglandins. It is recommended to take before childbirth 500 mg 3 times a day. And you can put it once a day and vaginally.

6. A decoction of raspberry leaves. Helps to start childbirth faster. You need to drink it warm.

7. Pineapple pulp. It contains the substance bromelain, which some say acts like prostaglandins, the contraction-inducing substances.

8. Candles "Buscopan", "Papaverin", "No-shpa" in tablets. Candles "Buscopan" are used rectally. They are prescribed by doctors to accelerate the maturation of the cervix. However, this technique is not very efficient. Papaverine and No-shpa are used for the same purpose.

But all these methods are very inferior to those generally accepted in maternity hospitals. There, for example, with a mature cervix, doctors simply pierce the amniotic sac, and almost all women have contractions in the first hour. That is, even oxytocin is not always necessary.

The last weeks of pregnancy are the most exciting period for a woman. But sometimes it happens that the baby “stayed up in the tummy” and is in no hurry to be born, although this should already happen in time. And before deciding to induce labor in a hospital, many mothers-to-be want to try home methods. Do they have an effect, and how safe are such methods?

What is labor induction

In gynecology, the period in which childbirth can begin is from 38 to 42 weeks. It is at this time that a full-term baby is born. After 42 weeks, the pregnancy is already considered overdue, and doctors decide on the stimulation of labor in stationary conditions. But before embarking on this exciting procedure, many expectant mothers prefer to try home methods to speed up labor.

However, before starting stimulation (natural or artificial), you need to make sure that it is appropriate. It must be borne in mind that the expected date of delivery (ED), which is usually calculated by the doctor at the beginning of pregnancy, is only a guideline. After all, there are, for example, women with a long menstrual cycle, and their EDD will always be later than the expected date. In addition, sometimes the late birth of a baby is due to a genetic predisposition: if other women in the family of the expectant mother always gave birth after 40 weeks, there is no reason to worry.

Indications for home labor induction

If the overdose is still confirmed, you need to make sure that the stimulation does not harm the mother and baby. The following indicators are of decisive importance:

A regularly performed CTG procedure indicates that the fetal heart rate is normal (no hypoxia or other abnormalities).
The fetus occupies the correct position in the uterus - head down.
The placenta is already ripe.
There is no Rhesus conflict between mother and child.
No rupture of amniotic fluid without true contractions or placental abruption.

One of the indicators for stimulation is the normal fetal heartbeat, which is recorded by a regular CTG procedure.

If all these indicators are normal, a woman, with the obligatory permission of her gynecologist, can try home (natural) methods of inducing labor. If they do not have an effect, then you can not do without artificial stimulation in the hospital.

Contraindications

There are a number of conditions in which it is dangerous to induce labor at home:

For medical reasons, a woman needs a caesarean section.
Problems in the condition of the fetus (hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation, etc.).
Polyhydramnios (the volume of amniotic fluid is more than 1500 ml at the end of pregnancy). In this case, it happens that the fetus, after the discharge of the anterior waters, descends deeper into the maternal pelvis and blocks the umbilical cord. As a result, there is a high probability of acute hypoxia and even death of the baby.
There is a scar on the uterus (even if it is not from a caesarean section, but, for example, remained after the removal of a fibroid, a benign tumor).
In the past, a woman has already had problematic childbirth, for example, weak labor activity was observed.

One of the contraindications to home stimulation of labor is polyhydramnios.

Advantages and disadvantages of home labor induction

When the question arises of the need to stimulate labor, many pregnant women prefer home methods, rather than those offered in a hospital. This is due to the fear of too painful contractions, which are possible as a result of taking medications. Also, expectant mothers are afraid of the procedure for puncturing the fetal bladder, believing that it is dangerous for the baby (a sharp instrument can hurt him). Especially avoid artificial stimulation of women who have already experienced it in a previous pregnancy. Therefore, for the second time, they try to stay at home, in every possible way bringing the start of contractions closer on their own. Thus, home stimulation is not associated with a stress factor, because it takes place in a familiar environment for a pregnant woman and with the support of loved ones, primarily a spouse.

Artificial stimulation causes a woman's fear of pain and anxiety for the child

Meanwhile, home methods of accelerating labor are certainly inferior to stimulation in a hospital. It is effective in 100% of cases. For example, after a puncture of the fetal bladder in most pregnant women, contractions begin already in the first hour. Natural measures do not always cause labor, because each maternal organism is individual.

Video: gynecologist characterizes artificial and natural methods of labor induction

Home stimulation methods

Methods of home stimulation of childbirth are quite diverse. And if one method does not have a noticeable effect, a woman can always try some other.

Massage

With active stimulation of the nipples in the female body, the hormone oxytocin is produced, which causes uterine contractions. As a result, contractions may begin. This massage involves the use of a variety of techniques:

Stroking (the massage begins and ends with them).
Trituration.
Kneading.
tapping.
Vibration.

All manipulations should be delicate, pleasant for a woman, performed at a slow pace and in no case cause pain (because the breasts before childbirth are always especially sensitive).

Stimulation of the nipples causes the production of oxytocin in the female body

The exposure time for each mammary gland is at least 15 minutes, the procedure is carried out three times a day. When using this method, contractions should occur within three days after the start of manipulations (but again, each organism is individual).

To stimulate the nipples, hydromassage is also suitable: it is carried out in the bathroom with the help of a shower and alternating hot and cold water.

To speed up childbirth, you can also massage the feet. In this case, each finger is worked out separately, and then the central part of the foot.
Feet massage to induce labor

Another option is acupressure (acupuncture). Acupressure on certain areas in the female body helps to bring childbirth closer. The following areas need to be involved:

A point on the inside of the leg just above the ankle is a point.
The point on the outside of the foot is behind the bone.
The hollow between the index finger and thumb on the hand.
Large muscles located between the neck and shoulder.

It is necessary to influence the indicated zones with one or two fingers of the hand (index and middle) - press for about a minute, then a break of several seconds. There should be several approaches.

The effectiveness of acupressure is generally low. For some women, it does not work at all and, moreover, it can be unpleasant. If pain occurs, manipulations should be stopped.

From my own experience, I want to note that one of these points is indeed somehow connected with the female genital area. Although I did not cause childbirth in this way, but before pregnancy I had quite severe pain in the lower abdomen on the first day of menstruation. And on the advice of my grandmother, who was fond of alternative medicine, I did myself acupressure of the cavity mentioned above between the index and thumb on both hands. Surprisingly, relief came pretty quickly. So, it is quite possible that such manipulations can also affect the acceleration of labor.
To speed up labor, you can try acupressure

intimacy

During sex, the female body, just like when nipples are stimulated, produces the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This happens especially actively if the partner experiences an orgasm.

In addition, male sperm contains biologically active substances - prostaglandins. Getting on the cervix, they cause its softening (of course, we are talking about sex without a condom), which is necessary for labor.
Intimacy may well speed up childbirth if the baby stays in the tummy

Thus, regular sexual intercourse (at least once a day) is a very effective way to naturally stimulate labor. However, they have some contraindications:

Low placenta previa. With friction, the fetus will experience discomfort.
The presence of a sexual infection in a partner.
The pregnant woman has already removed the mucous plug. In this case, the baby is vulnerable to any infection that can get inside.

Thermal treatments

A hot bath can relax the body of a pregnant woman - this also favors the onset of childbirth. However, the water temperature should not be higher than 38 ° C, and the procedure itself lasts no more than 15 minutes.
A hot bath helps to relax the body, which is conducive to labor

Too long a stay of a future mother in the bathroom is fraught with an increase in blood pressure, dizziness, and general weakness. In addition, the procedure is prohibited if the woman has already removed the mucous plug (there is a high risk of infection inside).

Warming procedures that cause increased blood circulation in the desired area can also bring a certain result. This is a pepper patch or an iodine mesh for the lower back (just don't be too zealous so as not to burn the skin).
The pepper patch will increase blood circulation in the area where the uterus is located.

Physical activity

Certain physical exercises can help the fetus to descend correctly in the uterus for its better progress through the birth canal. At the same time, he will put pressure on the cervix: this leads to its expansion and softening, which accelerates the onset of labor.

Slow walking. It is best to do this in the fresh air: in this case, the body of the expectant mother is additionally saturated with oxygen. Walking trains the heart muscle, keeps the muscles in good shape.
Climbing and descending stairs (can be used as a replacement for elevator rides). When lifting and descending from step to step, there is a slight swaying of the pelvis, which helps the fetus to take the desired position.
Swimming (especially breaststroke). A visit to the pool involves not only motor activity: the very presence in the aquatic environment helps to relax, relieve tension from the muscles and joints.
Squatting.
Rocking the pelvis. For this purpose, for example, simple oriental dance classes are suitable.

Photo gallery: physical exercises that help speed up labor

Walking helps the fetus go down, trains the heart and tones the muscles Being in an aquatic environment relaxes the body, which contributes to the approach of childbirth Shaking the pelvis during an exciting oriental dance Squatting helps the fetus go down When walking up the stairs, the pelvis sways

In addition to special exercises, the stimulation of childbirth will be facilitated by regular exercises, mopping (moreover, it is better with your hands, not with a mop).

In any case, physical activity should not be tiring, but, on the contrary, give satisfaction to the pregnant woman.

Taking ancillary medications

Certain medications can speed up labor:

Homeopathic remedies Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum. The granules are extracts of medicinal plants: meadow lumbago and cornflower cobalt. Their effect on the body is very individual, and drugs are taken only in consultation with the attending physician. Caulophyllum, according to the instructions, promotes the opening and softening of the cervix, Pulsatilla - causes contraction of the uterine walls. However, there is no scientific evidence for this, and many doctors are skeptical about such remedies.
Rectal suppositories Buscopan, Papaverine, No-shpa. Doctors usually recommend these antispasmodics to relieve muscle tension: as a result, the cervix softens and relaxes.
Primrose oil is a plant-based dietary supplement. The tool contains prostaglandins (like male sperm), on which its action is based. Take the oil orally and vaginally.
Laxative suppositories based on glycerin. Their purpose is to enhance intestinal peristalsis, which, in turn, tones the uterus (in addition, if a woman is prone to constipation, feces often prevent the fetus from taking a tedious position) For the same purpose, you can use Microlax enemas and oral preparations, for example, Licorice tablets (based on a plant of the legume family), provoking intestinal cramps and diarrhea.

Photo gallery: drugs that speed up labor

Plant-based homeopathic remedies will help bring the birth closer, but their action is very individual Primrose oil - a dietary supplement containing prostaglandins Antispasmodics relieve muscle tension, due to which the cervix relaxes and softens Laxatives increase intestinal peristalsis, which leads to the tone of the uterus

Food

An effective method to tone the uterus and cause contractions is to include more certain foods in the diet:

Fiber containing. These are fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, nuts, sea kale. Vegetable dietary fibers naturally cleanse the body, as they stimulate the muscles of the intestines, leading the uterus to tone.
Products with a laxative effect. These are beets, prunes, legumes, sour-milk drinks, vegetable oils (in its pure form, for example, a tablespoon of olive or linseed oil on an empty stomach).
The intestines are also stimulated by spicy foods (for example, chili peppers, which can be included in various dishes). However, caution must be exercised here: acute provokes heartburn (from which pregnant women already suffer), burns the digestive tract (if a woman has inflamed hemorrhoids, then the sensations will be very painful).
A pineapple. The pulp of this fruit contains a lot of bromelain: this substance (like prostaglandin) helps to soften the uterus, preparing it for disclosure.

Photo gallery: products, the use of which helps to bring childbirth closer

In addition to fiber, pineapple contains bromelain, a substance similar in action to prostaglandins Spicy foods stimulate the intestines, but their use is fraught with heartburn and irritation of the digestive tract It is useful to eat foods with a laxative effect, for example, take a tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach Foods rich in fiber stimulate intestinal musculature, leading to tone and uterus

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine also has its own methods of stimulating childbirth. For example, you can try these options:

Infusion of raspberry leaves. The drink activates uterine contractions. A tablespoon of finely chopped leaves is poured into 500 ml of boiling water and infused for 15 minutes. You need to drink the drink in a warm form during the day, divided into three doses. The effectiveness of the remedy depends on the individual reaction of the body.
Castor oil with juice. When used internally, the remedy has a powerful laxative effect, causing uterine contractions as a result. 50 g of oil should be diluted with freshly squeezed orange or apple juice and drunk at a time. It is impossible to exceed the dose, as this can provoke severe diarrhea: for a pregnant woman, this is fraught with dehydration.

A decoction of raspberry leaves helps to tone the uterus

Psychological methods

Another way to stimulate labor is to have a heart-to-heart talk with your unborn child. After all, doctors have long come to the conclusion that the fetus in the womb hears the voices of others and reacts to them in a certain way. Mom should tell the baby how she and dad are waiting for him and want to see him as soon as possible.
Mom should talk to the unborn baby, persuading him to be born as soon as possible

Video: the opinion of a perinatal psychologist on how to speed up childbirth

Prohibited methods of home stimulation

Sometimes, wanting to bring the birth closer as soon as possible, pregnant women, on the advice of friends or grandmothers, use completely unacceptable and dangerous means:

Drinking drinks containing alcohol. Some believe that a small dose of alcohol will have a relaxing effect on the body of the expectant mother and cause childbirth. However, this cannot be done, because the toxic effect of alcohol on the fetus, even at the final stage of its development in the womb, has not been canceled. In combination with certain substances, ethyl alcohol can cause poisoning in a woman.
It is strictly forbidden to lift weights - this provokes detachment of the placenta. For example, you should not carry an older child in your arms, even if he is still small: after all, he may accidentally kick his mother in the stomach or put pressure on him.
You should never try to induce labor on your own with any medications that are used in hospitals: injections, droppers, pills, etc. After all, an incorrectly calculated dose can lead to tragedy - the death of a child.

Alcohol, of course, will relax the body, but it will adversely affect the fetus.

Possible complications with home stimulation

When inducing labor with various home remedies, a pregnant woman should exercise caution. After all, some methods can cause contractions (by bringing the uterus into tone), but the cervix may not yet be ready for the baby to be born. Namely, it depends on her condition how gently the birth will go, whether complications will appear.

Dangerous and earlier outpouring of water, which can potentially happen with home stimulation. After all, the uterus may not yet be ready for childbirth.

In addition, a woman must be prepared for the fact that a certain method can have a very strong effect and cause rapid labor (after all, each organism is individual). Therefore, she needs to be ready to go to the hospital quickly if necessary.

Features of childbirth after natural stimulation

In general, childbirth after home stimulation does not have any obvious features. However, often after such manipulations, contractions are more painful and last longer than during normal childbirth.

40 weeks, but no contractions, how can I induce contractions on my own, what can I do to do this? To some women, this will seem wild. Well, how can you risk the health of your child just for the sake of a few days less “suffering”? Most doctors are also against different ways to induce contractions, and there are a lot of them on the Internet. But there are ways to speed up labor a little. Of course, these methods should be used only when the cervix is almost completely ready for childbirth. Only then can some of these methods be useful. So, how to induce contractions at 38, 39, 40 or 41 weeks at home using affordable means and how is it done in medical institutions?

1. Make love. Semen contains substances - prostaglandins, which help to quickly ripen the cervix. Therefore, the more - the better in this regard. In addition, sex causes contractions - uterine cramps. Of course, not true, but false. However, sometimes it helps to start the generic process. But alcohol in this case will be superfluous.
Please note that in this way it is impossible to try to cause contractions after the discharge of water or even just a mucous plug. An infection can enter the uterus.
Also, this method cannot be used if the sexual partner is unwell, for example, he has an exacerbation of genital herpes.

2. Clean up, do laundry, or do any other housework you can. But just don’t try to find which exercises cause contractions and overexert yourself. For example, there is such a recommendation as walking all day or washing floors a lot. All this can only provoke premature discharge of amniotic fluid, subsequent weakness of labor due to this, and physical fatigue.

3. Take a laxative. There is already a large selection. But more often there is a recommendation about castor oil. Castor oil is said to cause contractions in women. In fact, there is truth in this. Once upon a time, midwives really provoked childbirth in this way. But if the neck is not prepared, the body does not produce certain hormones, then castor oil will only provoke severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea.

4. Just ask the kid to hurry up a little. You can persuade the child to be born as soon as possible. There is a very close bond between mother and baby. Perhaps everything will work out. And you don’t have to look for risky methods to induce labor.

If not, then, most likely, the child is simply not yet ready for birth. Do not rush him, if there is no evidence for this - there is no violation of blood flow, the heartbeat is normal, there are no signs of postmaturity.

Pills and drugs that cause contractions before childbirth are already issued in maternity hospitals. Do not try to take these medicines on your own! Fortunately, many of them are not available for free sale.

Usually, to prepare the body for childbirth, a woman is given antiprogesterone pills - the same drug that is used for medical abortions. Stimulation of labor in this way is absolutely safe. The decrease in this hormone will not affect the fetus in any way. After all, the level of progesterone in the body normally decreases towards the end of pregnancy. After that, the woman is given injections that cause contractions, usually prostaglandins. Although the same substance can be introduced into a woman's body in the form of a gel or rectal suppositories.

But the most common and very effective means to provoke uterine contractions is Oxytocin. Contractions can be induced if a woman is given a dropper with this drug. Such stimulation of labor activity is quite painful and lengthy, and therefore women are looking for information on the topic of causing contractions in a natural way, but they should not be used without consulting a doctor.

Remember that it is possible and necessary to provoke labor activity only in extreme cases, according to indications. There are many women who give birth at 41 or even 42 weeks of absolutely healthy children, and their pregnancy is not considered post-term. Well, it’s better not to even think about the topic of causing contractions. Although it is desirable to be under the supervision of doctors.