There’s one caveat: Don’t resort to this remedy if your water has already broken. Once the amniotic sac has ruptured, you run the risk of infection. Otherwise, you can try this method to your heart’s content.
Breast stimulation won’t start labor. But if the cervix is already ripened, it can speed it up. Don’t go overboard on this one — overstimulation can result in contractions that are too strong.
Avoid exhausting yourself. Remember, labor is a physically demanding process. Save up your energy so that you’re not worn out before the real work begins.
Castor oil, which will irritate the gastrointestinal tract. [4] X Research source You won’t go into labor, but you might feel sick to your stomach. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Spicy food. No scientific evidence supports a connection between eating spicy foods and starting contractions. [6] X Research source Certain herbs, like cohosh or evening primrose oil. These haven’t been studied enough to safe, and herbs with compounds that imitate hormones may actually be harmful. Talk to your doctor before you attempt using any herbal supplements. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You might experience some menstrual spotting in the meantime, so don’t be alarmed. Contact your doctor if the flow becomes heavier than a usual period. This is the only labor-inducing procedure that isn’t performed in a hospital. Everything else listed in this section is done under close medical supervision, with the expectation that you’ll be giving birth within hours.
Misoprostol, which can be taken orally or vaginally. Dinoprostone, which is taken as a vaginal suppository. Oxytocin (Pitocin), which is administered intravenously. Labor aided by oxytocin can progress even more quickly than natural labor, especially in first-time mothers. Be aware, though, that fetal distress is a risk with this medication, and might lead to a hasty C-section.
A balloon catheter is left in place until the cervix has dilated enough for it to fall out, usually around 3 centimeter (1. 2 in).
Your doctor will closely monitor your baby’s heart rate, and make sure you don’t experience umbilical cord complications.
Your due date passed one or two weeks ago, and your water hasn’t broken. At this point, damage to the placenta is a bigger risk than inducing labor. You have a condition that makes continuing the pregnancy dangerous, including pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or lung disease. Your water broke over 24 hours ago, but you haven’t experienced contractions.
You’re more likely to need a C-section. If you start induction and it goes nowhere, a C-section becomes more appealing (and perhaps necessary). Your baby might have a lower heart rate. Some of the medications used to increase contractions can affect your infant’s heartbeat. You and your baby are at a higher risk of infection. You might experience umbilical cord prolapse. That is, the umbilical cord might slip into the birth canal before the baby does, which can cause oxygen supply problems. You’re more likely to experience significant bleeding after delivery.
