Non-Medical and Natural Inductions
Are you coming up on your 40 week mark of pregnancy and don’t want to be medically induced? If so then this blog post is for you! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that 20 to 40 percent of pregnancies are medically induced. While the use of medical care during labor is well-documented, less is understood about the use of non-medical means of labor induction and pain management in the U.S. population.
Are you coming up on your 40 week mark of pregnancy and don’t want to be medically induced? If so then this blog post is for you! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that 20 to 40 percent of pregnancies are medically induced. While the use of medical care during labor is well-documented, less is understood about the use of non-medical means of labor induction and pain management in the U.S. population. If you would like to know more about medical inductions you can read our other blog post here. The latest survey data we have on this in the United States comes from the Listening to Mothers III survey, which was published in 2013. In that study, they found that 29% of US mothers reported that they tried to induce labor on their own. Over the years new natural at-home methods have popped up, this post will include some of the more popular options.
Pineapple
Contractions shown in studies about pineapples are similar to contractions caused by Pitocin, which is a synthetic oxytocin IV given for inductions. There are no studies on human pregnancies meaning there is no concrete evidence eating pineapple will induce labor. While there is a lack of evidence with humans there have been studies done on rat and human uterine tissue where pineapple juice did cause contractions. There is no harm in trying pineapple but don’t eat too much with gestational diabetes it may increase blood sugar
Sex
In 2019, a study offered three explanations as to why sex might be an effective method for natural labor induction.
Human semen is the biological source that is presumed to contain the highest prostaglandin concentration, prostaglandins are a hormone that are known to induce labor.
Sex sometimes includes nipple stimulation, and nipple or breast stimulation has been found to increase the chance of going into labor due to the release of oxytocin.
Sex and female orgasms have been linked to an increase in uterine contractions.
Many studies have been done that have concluded sex doesn’t induce labor but it can be healthy and beneficial during the third trimester.
Although we lack evidence that sex is an effective way to start labor, there’s no harm in trying. Sex is considered safe for most pregnancies, consult with your provider if you fall into the categories of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or high risk pregnancies before having sex. Also having sex once water is broken can increase the risk for infection.
Walking
Walking has little evidence for the claim of inducing labor but there was one study done that walking at moderate intensity for 30 minutes 3 times a week may increase the chance of spontaneous labor. Exercise has many health benefits during pregnancy but consult with your provider before starting an exercise routine if you are considered a high risk pregnancy.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
The purpose of acupuncture or acupressure is more to ripen the cervix and ready the body for labor rather than to start contractions. Randomized controlled trials have shown that acupressure during labor has been linked to reduced pain intensity and anxiety, lower cesarean rates, less need for Pitocin augmentation and shorter labors.
Breast or Nipple Stimulation
Nipple stimulation, manual or with a breast pump, causes the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland in the brain, which can start or increase uterine contractions. Researchers state that this induction method has the advantage of being cheap, non-medical and gives pregnant individuals more control over the induction process. Breast stimulation and nipple stimulation have been used to induce and augment labor in many different cultures around the world. One study found, 37% of the participants who stimulated their nipples went into labor within the following three days, compared to just 6% of those who did not stimulate their nipples. Another study used electric breast pumps and the results showed the time between the start of stimulation and the start of contractions was much shorter in the group that used the electric breast pumps. If using a breast pump is a good option for you, consult with your provider to make them aware and ask any questions about when a good time to start would be.
Castor Oil
In 2018 a study found that castor oil was more effective among people who had given birth before. Three of the randomized trials included in this Cochrane review found significant results in support of castor oil’s effectiveness for induction of labor. 58% of the people who received castor oil began active labor within 24 hours compared to only 4% of those who received no treatment. While castor did seem to induce labor 100% of castor oil recipients reported nausea.
Date Fruits
Researchers have found beneficial effects when people start eating date fruits by at least 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. The studies that found beneficial results, instructed people to eat 70 to a hundred grams of date fruits daily. This is the equivalent of three to four large medjool dates that are pitted or six to 10 smaller dates that are also pitted. Many trials show that eating date fruit improves the Bishop score and focuses on readying the body for labor. Date fruits can be very nutritious during pregnancy, if you have gestational diabetes speak with your provider about the possibility of an increase in blood sugar if you want to try the date fruit method.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry leaf has been used medicinally since at least the sixth century. The traditional medicinal use has been to treat problems related to menstruation, childbirth and the gastrointestinal tract. Raspberry leaf is sometimes recommended by friends and family during pregnancy to help you strengthen and tone the uterus for labor and to prevent hemorrhage after the birth. Results from studies have been mixed and there is little evidence that red raspberry leaf would induce contractions.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linoleic acid which is a precursor of prostaglandins E1 and E2. There have been trials for vaginal use and oral use, vaginal use was found to be useful for cervical ripening. Evening primrose oil can cause nausea, headaches and diarrhea in some cases according to studies. Don't try if you take Phenothiazine, antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications.
Herbal Treatments
For this approach make sure to discuss with your provider and a qualified herbalist.
Few herbal compounds have been tested so the adverse effects and safety levels aren’t always known.
Black and Blue Cohosh
Caulophyllum thalictroides (blue cohosh) and Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), have a long history of use for natural labor inductions but are currently not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Due to their potentially toxic effects, a prudent approach at this time would be to avoid blue and black cohosh during pregnancy.
One study found that post-term mothers who took 1,000 mg of chamomile orally every 8 hours had a faster onset of labor.
In another study, participants with term pregnancies took 250 mg of saffron orally over 24 hours once every 8 hours. The Bishop score was higher in the saffron group 20-24 hours after the intervention and again when measured just after the onset of labor.
Spicy Foods
There is one study where pregnant mothers admitted to the hospital for preterm labor were asked if they had eaten spicy food in the last 24 hours. They found that women who said they had recently eaten spicy food had seven times higher odds of going into preterm labor or having their water break early than those who didn’t. While this was asked there were so many other questions and factors that went into this study that it can't be proven that just the spicy food that induced labor.
Conclusion
Pregnancy can last longer than anticipated and some at home remedies may play a hand in speeding up the process! Make sure to always consult your provider and ask any questions you may have about trying natural induction techniques. Everyone is different. Evidence Based Birth as a podcast series about natural induction that will give some more insight into these topics and can be found here. Some of these tips and tricks may be beneficial while others aren’t, being open to trying. Good luck on your natural induction journey!
Sources
https://www.thevbaclink.com/pumping-to-induce-labor/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3959016/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106670/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3868990/
https://utswmed.org/medblog/truth-natural-labor/
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/category/series/natural-labor-induction-series/
Hormones and Birth
Have you ever wondered what hormones are released during childbirth? Well, today we are here to tell you about all the exciting hormones that help you during the birthing process. The main hormones during labor and birth are oxytocin, beta-endorphins, relaxin, and adrenaline. One hormone that will be highlighted, which is released during the postpartum period is prolactin. We hope that you find this useful.
Have you ever wondered what hormones are released during childbirth? Well, today we are here to tell you about all the exciting hormones that help you during the birthing process. We hope that you find this useful.
The main hormones during labor and birth are oxytocin, beta-endorphins, relaxin, and adrenaline. One hormone that will be highlighted, which is released during the postpartum period is prolactin.
The Love Hormone ~ Oxytocin
Oxytocin is often referred to as the love hormone. This hormone is triggered throughout periods of sexual pleasure, bonding, breastfeeding, in labor to create contrations, & more. Now that you know what triggers oxytocin, we will examine how it is released. Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and then goes through the pituitary gland and into the bloodstream. Oxytocin stimulates the muscles of the uterus to contract and boosts the production of prostaglandins, and this increases uterine contractions. In labor, you may need to be induced and administered, via IV, synthetic oxytocin to increase stronger contractions sensations. Synthetic oxytocin may also be administered after birth to prevent or treat bleeding.
The Happy Hormone ~ Endorphins
The name Endorphins often mention the happy hormone. This hormone creates a pain-relieving effect and an overall calming sensation. Similar to Oxytocin this hormone is released during pregnancy, sex, and breastfeeding. Endorphins are released via the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain, giving you that good sensation. According to pubmedcenteral.gov, they stated “High endorphin levels during labor and birth can produce an altered state of consciousness that can help cope with the process of giving birth. High endorphin levels can make future mothers feel alert, attentive even euphoric after birth.”
How To Increase Oxytocin and Endorphins During Labor?
Privacy: This can be hard to achieve when you are giving birth in the hospital, so your flow may get disrupted. That’s where you need support in the room so that they can advocate for you and to ensure that no one comes trying to disrupt your flow. Two things that can aid in privacy are dimmed lights ( this is relaxing for the eyes, it can easily switch your mind into sleep mode. It also alludes to the intimacy of the moment), and doors should be closed ( you shouldn't feel like you are being observed or exposed).
Safety: Trust and physical comfort are the two keys to feeling safe. Everyone around you should be supporting, respecting, and listening to you. Lastly, you should feel comfortable, wear clothing or not (just get naked)! Whatever makes you uncomfortable, release it.
Connection: You need to feel loved during this moment and a great way for others to support you is by giving hugs and kisses, soft looks, and gentle words.
Nipple Stimulation: simply rubbing or pulling at your nipples will help to release oxytocin.
Sex!: Who doesn't like having sex?... Well, maybe some people 🤷🏼♀️.
Earlier we discussed that sexual activity can help to promote the production of oxytocin. Having an orgasm will help stimulate oxytocin and this can help you during the birth process.
Relaxin ~ Hormone
🎶Chillin’ out maxin’ relaxin’ all cool 🎶
Relaxin is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries and placenta. The purpose of this special hormone is to relax your muscles, joints, and ligaments during pregnancy to prepare for the birth of your little human. No one is certain just exactly what triggers the release of relaxin. Relaxin production starts to peak around the end of your first trimester, then picks back towards the end of your pregnancy preparing you for the process of childbirth.
The Stress Hormone ~ Adrenaline
Fight or flight is a reference that many associates with this frightening hormone, Adrenaline. When you are feeling threatened during labor or you are experiencing severe pain you may produce high levels of adrenaline. Adrenaline is produced in the medulla which is in the adrenal gland when a stressful event happens adrenaline is released into the blood sending impulses to organs. An increase in the production of adrenaline can be caused by not feeling safe, calm, or having privacy; this can inhibit the release of oxytocin. An upside to the production of adrenaline is the sudden rush of energy feeling which will cause several strong contractions and will assist you in pushing.
Ways To Decrease Adrenaline During Labor
Staying calm, comfortable, and relaxed
Informed and prepared
Being in a calm, peaceful environment and avoiding conflict
Low lighting
Soothing music
Honorary Mention ~ Prolactin
There are many hormones that influence the release of prolactin which are endorphins, oxytocin, estrogen, and dopamine. Dopamine and estrogen control the production of prolactin in the pituitary gland. Moreover, prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for milk production. After birth, progesterone levels drop, and then there is an uptake in the number of prolactin receptors in the mammary alveolar cells thus allowing for milk secretion through your nipple. The milk components created in the alveolar cells are lactose (the carb), Casein (the protein), and Lipids( fatty acid, energy provider).
FACTORS THAT PROMOTE PROLACTIN For Breastfeeding
Nipple Stimulation (Suckling & Pumping frequently)
Hormones can bring on all sorts of wonderful, dreadful, and thrilling emotions, especially during childbirth. We hope that you enjoyed this delightful treat from us, make sure to utilize the tips and tricks we have included to decrease/ increase the production of these lovely hormones.
References
Buckley, S. J. (2015). Executive summary of hormonal physiology of childbearing: Evidence and implications for women, babies, and maternity care. The Journal of perinatal education. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720867/
Dessinger, H. (2021, February 13). 18 ways to increase oxytocin for a better birth. Mommypotamus. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://mommypotamus.com/how-to-increase-oxytocin/
Endocrine Society. (2023, January 5). Adrenal hormones. Endocrine Society. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/adrenal-hormones#:~:text=Adrenaline%20is%20produced%20in%20the,to%20create%20a%20specific%20response.
Endocrinology, S. F. (n.d.). Home. You and Your Hormones. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.yourhormones.info/topical-issues/hormones-of-pregnancy-and-labour/
Erickson, A. the A. L. P. H. (2023, January 5). How can you increase oxytocin to induce labor? the natural ways to induce labor. The Pregnancy Nurse. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://pregnurse.com/increase-oxytocin/
Trifu, S., Vladuti, A., & Popescu, A. (2019). The neuroendocrinological aspects of pregnancy and postpartum depression. Acta endocrinologica (Bucharest, Romania : 2005). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6992410/#:~:text=High%20endorphin%20levels%20during%20labor,and%20even%20euphoric%20after%20birth.
Trifu, S., Vladuti, A., & Popescu, A. (2019). The neuroendocrinological aspects of pregnancy and postpartum depression. Acta endocrinologica (Bucharest, Romania : 2005). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6992410/#:~:text=High%20endorphin%20levels%20during%20labor,and%20even%20euphoric%20after%20birth.
Watson, S. (2021, July 20). Oxytocin: The love hormone. Harvard Health. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone
Women & Families , N. P. F. (n.d.). The role of hormones in childbirth. Homepage. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from http://www.childbirthconnection.org/maternity-care/role-of-hormones/#:~:text=Here%20we%20discuss%20four%20hormones,happen%20during%20labor%20and%20birth