What Causes Labor to Start?
Is it baby or mom that gets the birth party started? Researchers are not sure. But some researchers believe that induction of labor is triggered when baby’s lungs have developed, causing baby’s hormones to interact with the placenta – and mom’s hormones to start to respond.
Whatever starts labor, what happens then is (not necessarily in this order):
- Prostaglandin increases and softens the cervix
- Oxytocin increases and starts the contractions
- The sac of membranes ruptures
Everyone’s labor is different, but here are some ideas of what you may expect as well as some natural ways to support the onset of labor.
When You Go Past Your Due Date
Some studies have shown that it actually takes 41 weeks for first-time moms to be ready to give birth. Still, when you go past 40 weeks, the clock usually starts ticking. Most medical professionals will not let you go past 41 weeks, since the risk of adverse events gets higher.
If your water breaks, you have even less time to get labor started naturally because the risk of infection goes up once your amniotic sac is ruptured.
While inductions with epidurals increase the risk of Caesareans greatly, it can be useful and necessary.
Induction of AND, there are different ways to induce that carry different levels of risk. Labor Methods
Here are some things your provider can do:
- Separate the membranes with a finger
- Break the mother’s water
- Provide prostaglandin, which can help soften the cervix
- Provide a low-dose injection or intravenous dose of Pitocin (oxytocin) to get contractions going
Herbs That Support the Onset of Labor
There are some herbs that are considered labor-enhancing. You should only consider trying these after 37 weeks AND ONLY UNDER THE CARE OF YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. [Note: I tried them all… and they didn’t work for me. But I had some scarring on my cervix from a procedure and they think that caused my labor issues…] Talk to your midwife or OB.
- Evening Primrose Oil: 1 or 2 caps; can be combined with other herbs such as Black Cohosh
- Black Cohosh, Squawvine, Dong Quai, Butchers Broom, and/or Red Raspberry
- Castor Oil: as a laxative
Some other things that may or may not work for induction of labor
(Always check with your caregiver first)
Natural Induction of Labor Action #1: Uterine toner: Red raspberry leaf tea – 3 cups a day in 3rd trimester.
Natural Induction of Labor Action #2. Sex – Side lie – be aware that lubrication may be needed. Lots of kissing and nipple stimulation.
Natural Induction of Labor Action #3. Evening Primrose Oil – after 37 weeks. 1 or 2 capsules as a suppository.
Natural Induction of Labor Action #4. “The Salad” at Caioti Pizza Cafe in Los Angeles (probably not but it’s fun).
Natural Induction of Labor Action #5. Acupuncture often works wonders.
Natural Induction of Labor Action #6. Get the energy to move downward from the hips. walking up hills or dancing
Natural Induction of Labor Action #7. Sit and meditate. Let go of all preferences. Just allow things to be as they are. Even let your thoughts be. Just be.
Alternatively: picture the passageway opening up for baby. Talk to baby and imagine you get an answer. What would it be? Tell baby about the world that awaits, and let baby know you are ready. Picture your labor going beautifully, and then holding and nursing baby lovingly.
Natural Induction of Labor Action #8. If you’ve tried all of these natural induction of labor techniques, invite some friends over or go to a movie and enjoy a few more days of freedom! Remember, the baby decides when to come out – it’s not something we get to control. But having fun and relaxing can’t hurt.
And of course, it’s crucial to learn to breathe through intense sensation, to understand how to relax your pelvic floor and make space for baby’s exit, and learn mantras, meditations and movements that help you stay connected with your power and wisdom.
You’ll be guided through all of this in every Ma Yoga Prenatal Yoga class, so you can be ready for anything.
