Ways to start labor

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The human body is wonderfully organized system that takes care of every little detail starting from the onset of pregnancy to even after the child is out of the womb. While labor is often a natural and involuntary process, there are a few ways to induce labor.

These are given below.

The body is believed to consist of pressure points which when stimulated have therapeutic effects. This technique is made use of in most medical applications and is called acupuncture. It involves inserting needles in these pressure points to effect their stimulation that helps heal various conditions. Acupuncture is especially helpful in inducing labor as stimulation of pressure points help release oxytocin and prostaglandins that induce contractions and hence start labor.

  1. Long walks.

The idea that long walks help start labor is often debated. While some doctors believe that long walks and exercise definitely do help start labor, many are skeptical about the same and believe that long walks must be avoided as it can lead to exhaustion which might affect delivery and also the health of the mother. However, it is a great idea to keep fit in order to have timely labor. Dehydration and fasting with proper advice is also believed to start labor.

  1. Blowing balloons.

As amusing as it may sound, blowing balloons help start labor in most cases. It is believed that blowing balloons increase abdominal pressure thus making movement in the cervix easier.

  1. Castor oil.

The most important and effective methods to start labor is to relax and relieve tension. Further, massaging the belly with warm castor oil not only relaxes one’s body but also strengthens cervical muscles. Release of oxytocin and prostaglandins then induce labor.

  1. Primrose oil.

Some research and studies show that when primrose oil is absorbed into the body, it causes the release of prostaglandins. While still unsure if it contains substances that are converted into prostaglandins in the body or if it only stimulates its secretion, primrose is still considered an effective method to induce labor. It also helps in relaxation.

Cohosh when consumed with tea or water is believed to start labor. It is also taken to increase contractions when in labor.

  1. Breast stimulation and intercourse.

Breast stimulation and intercourse are most widely recommended by doctors as two of the best methods to get labor started. This stimulation of the body release necessary hormones required to start labor. Indeed, these are the most effective methods to induce labor.

  1. Hot baths.

While hot baths are indeed necessary for relaxation, these have various other advantages to them. One advantage of hot water baths is their effect to ease muscle pain during labor. Another major advantage is that changes in temperature and alternating between hot and cold water baths are an easy way to start labor.

  1. Herbal methods.

Many natural products and herbs may also be used to induce labor at home. Black haw and black cohosh are believed to soften the cervix and help release hormones necessary to induce labor.

  1. Surgical methods.

Surgical methods generally involve inducing labor by directly injecting hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins into the body. These once injected initiate labor and contractions are strengthened by normal body processes.


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