Most women will go into labor naturally when they reach their due date. However, the doctor will have to induce labor if the pregnancy is overdue. Let’s explore some ways to induce labor quickly and naturally with AVAKids’ Pregnancy section!

Additionally, if the pregnant woman has conditions such as obstetric cholestasis (accumulation of bile acids), pregnancy-induced hypertension, PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, an itchy skin rash that typically appears in late pregnancy), these may affect the health of the mother or the fetus, and labor induction may be necessary. AVAKids will provide readers with ways to induce labor to speed up the process.

1The right time for pregnant women to prepare for labor

Typically, pregnant women will experience labor pains after 37 weeks because the fetus is fully developed at this point. Although pregnant women may feel abdominal tightening after the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, the pain is not intense and regular.

After about 37 weeks, or more commonly 39 or 40 weeks, when pains occur every 20 minutes, it’s time to go to the hospital. This is entirely normal even if labor pains appear after the exact due date. In some cases, waiting until week 42 is possible, but close monitoring of the fetus is mandatory with nonstress tests (NST) and fetal ultrasound to measure amniotic fluid index.

The potential problem with prolonged pregnancy is that the placenta may no longer be able to nourish the baby. When a pregnant woman reaches 41 weeks, the doctor may implement one of the following solutions:

• Medical induction of labor.
• Epidural anesthesia for a cesarean section (especially if the fetus is weak, underdeveloped, or has low amniotic fluid).
• Fetal monitoring (ultrasound) every two days until week 42, waiting for natural labor.

In addition, there are some ways to induce labor at home that pregnant women can try. Some pain relief methods can also be applied during labor.

2When should a pregnant woman induce labor?

Labor is induced when the mother has not yet experienced labor pains or is in very early labor and the cervix is not yet dilated or is only slightly dilated. Labor induction should be performed if the mother experiences some of the conditions mentioned above. Some mothers will experience bloody show, which is a sign they should seek medical attention promptly.

Labor progresses faster when the pregnant woman is in active labor (meaning the cervix has dilated). Labor augmentation is performed when uterine contractions are weak, and cervical dilation or effacement is slower than normal. The expected dilation rate is about 1.2cm – 1.5cm per hour until it is fully dilated, which is about 10cm. If the cervix dilates at a slower rate, it is considered slow labor and needs to be augmented.

3Natural ways to induce labor at home

The effectiveness of home methods for inducing labor depends on the individual’s constitution. Some natural ways to induce labor at home include:

3.1 Changing positions

Sitting still without much movement can be harmful to the body. Therefore, changing positions is also a natural way to induce labor. Gentle walking or performing light exercises can help the baby descend into the pelvis and put pressure on the cervix. When the pregnant woman moves, the baby will adjust to the optimal birthing position for labor and delivery.

3.2 Walking

• As the due date approaches, pregnant women should walk frequently and take advantage of the body’s gravity. Walking is also a way to induce labor because it helps the baby get into the correct birthing position as it descends into the pelvic area.
• Movements such as swaying, rocking, and dancing can also help reduce pain. However, mothers should also be aware of the safety principles of exercising during pregnancy.

3.3 Nipple stimulation

• This releases oxytocin into the bloodstream, which stimulates contractions and accelerates labor. Pregnant women can massage their nipples with their fingers or use a breast pump.
• Alternatively, a warm shower can be used to massage the breast area. This method of inducing labor is especially effective for pregnant women close to labor.

3.4 Relaxing under a warm shower

• Sitting or standing under a warm shower to relax. Warm water can help induce labor because it soothes the tension during cervical dilation and contractions.
• Additionally, lying in a warm bath can also be effective.
• Assistance from another person is needed during this method.
• Listening to soothing music in a spa or visualizing peaceful places during deep breathing exercises can also help pregnant women relax.

3.5 Acupressure massage

Pressing on acupressure points can stimulate contractions. This is also an effective way to induce labor.

Pregnant women need assistance from another person when performing this technique, or they can ask an acupressure specialist.

Spleen 6, located in the area about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone.

LI 4, located between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand.

UB 21, located in the middle of the back, slightly closer to the spine.

3.6 Sexual intercourse

If a pregnant woman is past her due date but labor pains have not yet started, sexual intercourse can be a way to induce labor. While there is no scientific evidence to prove this, this method helps release prostaglandins and may start labor. In fact, labor-inducing medications also contain prostaglandins. Additionally, orgasm releases oxytocin, which stimulates contractions.

3.7 Drinking castor oil

According to folk remedies, castor oil is used to stimulate labor. Mix about 60ml of castor oil with an equal amount of orange juice and a teaspoon of salt (as castor oil is usually a bit difficult to drink). Drink it every 30 minutes, gradually reducing the amount to 30ml. This promotes cervical dilation and thus stimulates contractions. Pregnant women can combine this with other methods, such as nipple stimulation, to accelerate labor.

3.8 Red raspberry leaf tea

Drinking fresh red raspberry leaf tea is a way to induce labor as raspberry leaves may stimulate contractions. Studies have also found that it helps shorten the second stage of labor. If fresh leaves are unavailable, try using red raspberry leaf capsules. Red raspberry leaf tea is also on the list of good drinks for pregnant women.

3.9 Basil tea or oregano tea

These teas are emmenagogues (improve blood flow to the uterine area) and can be effective for those who are past their due date. They are believed to be good for accelerating or stimulating contractions. Drinking basil or oregano tea is considered an effective way to induce labor.

To make the tea, add either of these leaves to hot water and wait for it to cool. Pregnant women can also make tea with both basil and oregano, along with a piece of ginger.

3.10 Aromatherapy

Essential oils such as lavender, frankincense, Roman chamomile, and mandarin can help pregnant women calm down and relax. Pregnant women can use these essential oils while relaxing in the shower, massaging them into their skin, or inhaling them through a diffuser. This therapy helps reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea while potentially strengthening contractions.

Mothers can also refer to some homemade grapefruit essential oil recipes for effective relaxation.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor or midwife before trying any of these methods to induce labor. In addition, pregnant women can also try some exercises to accelerate labor and make the process less painful.

4Exercises to induce labor

If walking or other light movements are not enough to stimulate contractions, you should try some exercises for pregnant women, which can also be a way to induce labor:

4.1 Squats

• Squats help open the pelvic frame, allowing the baby to put pressure on the cervix and promote dilation.
• To perform squats, stand upright with your back straight and gradually lower yourself.
• Move down until you feel a burning sensation in your abdomen.
• Then, return to the standing position by pushing your upper body up.
• Keep your feet parallel and have someone assist you when performing this exercise.

Squatting is a way to induce labor because it opens the pelvic frame.

4.2 Exercises with a birthing ball

• Exercising with a birthing ball is a way to induce labor for pregnant women.
• Sitting on the ball or rolling back and forth while sitting on the ball helps relax the hip and lower back muscles.
• Pregnant women just need to bounce up and down to help the baby descend into the pelvic area.
• These movements with the ball will help the labor process.
• But pregnant women should ensure they have someone to assist them when doing this exercise.

Exercising with a ball is a way to induce labor.

4.3 Sitting on the toilet

Sitting on the toilet is also a highly effective way to induce labor. Whether a pregnant woman actually needs to use the toilet (to empty the bladder, making room for the baby to move down) or just sits on the toilet, this position can help speed up labor.

4.4 Lunges

In this exercise, the pregnant woman extends one leg and places it to the side. She can place her foot on a low chair or stool. Lunge (bend the knee) for a while and repeat with the other side. This activity will help the baby descend into the pelvic area.

5Methods to induce labor performed at the hospital

In most cases, pregnant women should go to the hospital for labor induction. Doctors can use the following methods to accelerate labor:

5.1 Membrane stripping or sweeping

• If the amniotic sac is still intact and hasn’t ruptured, the doctor will use a technique called membrane stripping or sweeping.
• The doctor or midwife will insert their fingers into the cervix and separate the membranes from the inner surface of the cervix.
• This method of inducing labor helps trigger the uterus to release prostaglandins, which dilate the cervix and stimulate contractions.
• While it may cause some discomfort, it is generally tolerable.

5.2 Medication

• The doctor will apply medication to the pregnant woman’s cervix or insert a suppository into the vagina to dilate the cervix and stimulate contractions.
• Misoprostol and dinoprostone are commonly used prostaglandins for inducing labor. The enzyme hyaluronidase is also considered in some cases.
• A synthetic oxytocin called Pitocin is another drug administered intravenously to increase contractions and accelerate labor during the early stages.

6Frequently asked questions about inducing labor

6.1 What causes labor to begin?

There is still no definitive answer to what exactly causes labor to begin. Physical activity, illness, emotions, eating certain foods, and sexual activity are thought to potentially induce labor. This has been observed based on surveys, and the accuracy of the information is limited. Some women may start labor after medical intervention. Regardless of the method used to induce labor, pregnant women should always consult their doctor.

6.2 How will a pregnant woman know she is about to go into labor?

Pregnant women may feel intense uterine contractions when they are about to go into labor. Water breaking, a small amount of blood, and mucus discharge from the vagina are common occurrences before labor in most women. Typically, this can happen about two weeks before or after the due date.

6.3 How to induce labor early?

Doctors may suggest ways to induce labor if contractions are not strong enough. Artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) can help make contractions stronger and more regular. Doctors may also suggest oxytocin drips to strengthen contractions and speed up labor in the early stages.

A doctor may try to induce labor in certain circumstances. It could be if the pregnancy is overdue or if the cervix is not dilating at the expected rate. However, keep in mind that these methods are not always effective and can sometimes be uncomfortable. Therefore, if you are experiencing slow labor, always stay in touch with your doctor, be alert to any unforeseen signs, and only perform natural induction methods after getting your doctor’s approval.

 

Above are the answers to the question “10 ways to induce labor quickly” from AVAKids. Hopefully, this information has helped pregnant women learn how to induce labor quickly. However, pregnant women should also consult their doctor before implementing any of these methods. We wish all mothers a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.