Is it possible to induce labor at home? We debunk the most common myths

You are nearing your expected delivery date and you are already really tired of the pregnancy, but your baby doesn’t seem to care at all. More days pass, more check-ups and CTGs at the clinic, and the little one does not think about going into this world. It is uncomfortable for you and you no longer think about anything other than how to induce labor. There is no shortage of tips, stories and even folk methods that promise quick results. Unfortunately, all of these home remedies to speed up labor can be put into fairy tales. Experts agree – your baby will come into the world when she is ready for it. What myths about induction of labor do we most often believe, and can they be dangerous?

According to specialist Shannon Clark, a professor in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the University of Texas at Galveston, your baby will be born on time, not because of home tricks to speed up labor. Most of the folk wisdom on this subject has no bearing on the commencement of the birthing action. Importantly, most of these methods won’t hurt, but also won’t help speed things up. What myths do we most often repeat from generation to generation? We are debunking the seven most popular!

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Lunges, squats and curb walking

Walking, jumping on a trampoline, climbing stairs, lunges and squats – the concept of these exercises is the same, no matter what activity we consider to be the best. This theory is that exercise helps induce labor.

The basis of activity-based methods of accelerating labor is that, thanks to movement and gravity, the baby will insert into the birth canal and, consequently, labor will begin. While it sounds encouraging, there are no studies supporting this theory. It is similar with walking on the curb. The method consists in walking with one foot on the curb and the other on the sidewalk or road. Supposedly, such a position, with the help of gravity, is to place the child in the right position. Unfortunately, neither children nor scientists share the enthusiasm of expectant mothers and do not treat such a walk as a reason to start the labor action.

Further part under the video.

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Eat spicy foods

Put that bowl of hot stew and jar of peppers aside. This capsaicin-filled feast will likely leave you with nothing but heartburn and stomach problems. According to specialists, there is no evidence that spicy foods could trigger the contraction action. The most likely effect will be the fatal well-being of the pregnant woman.

1. You can buy a blood test package for pregnant women on Medonet Market

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Eat a whole pineapple

This home method, especially popular in the US, has its own scientific background, but its “birth” interpretation is far-fetched. This method consists in consuming the whole pineapple (including its stem) at one time. Where did this myth come from? Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to speed up the maturation of the cervix and can cause uterine contractions. There is limited research showing that uterine tissues may respond with contractile responses when injected with pineapple extract. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that eating pineapple will have the same effects. Consuming too much bromelanine is known to be harmful. It can cause nausea, pain and gastrointestinal problems, and diarrhea. It’s not worth the risk.

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Eat dates

In 2020, a very extensive study was carried out on the benefits of consuming the fruit of the date palm as a way to improve the entire birthing process. Researchers collected data from nearly 20 years and found that this method increases the chance of vaginal delivery and reduces the frequency of cesarean delivery. Dates can also significantly shorten the active phase of labor and improve the Bishop’s Index – the antenatal screening test that determines whether induction of labor (induction of labor by medical means) will be necessary. Even so, there is currently no evidence that eating dates induces labor. They are definitely worth eating, but you should not place any hope in a quick termination of pregnancy.

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Have sex

There is probably no person who would not hear this advice – even from medics. According to this theory, prostaglandins contained in semen accelerate the maturation of the cervix, which is expected to induce labor. Prostaglandins are also given to female patients during induction of labor in the hospital. Orgasm or breast stimulation is responsible for the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes labor contractions – and also in a synthetic form it is a hormone used by medics during induction or stimulation of labor in the labor block.

Sounds convincing and credible doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s not yet time for fireworks. In physiological pregnancy, with a low risk of preterm labor, the influence of sex on the commencement of labor has not been proven. This method may help a bit if your body has actually started to prepare for zero hour. Have sex if you feel like it, if not, don’t force yourself into it. Sex alone will not bring about when it is called.

How to speed up labor? MYTH: A tablespoon of castor oil helps induce labor

This myth is as popular as it is dangerous. Castor oil is known to be a powerful laxative. It is also a frequent ingredient in various potions allegedly inducing labor, and women willingly recommend it as a very effective magic elixir for weary pregnant women. Unfortunately, it is dangerous and has no proven effect.

According to specialists, drinking castor oil is unacceptable. There is research to suggest that consuming castor oil to induce labor may cause it discharge of meconium into the amniotic fluid, which may be harmful to the fetus, and uterine hyperstimulation. It can also cause intestinal cramps, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and dehydration. This method deserves to be forgotten, for the safety of both mother and baby.

How to speed up labor? MYTH: Acupuncture, acupressure and other holistic methods

There is a long history of acupuncture and acupressure as a means of inducing labor, but science has yet to confirm how holistic techniques could work. There may be a relationship between alternative medicine treatments and the occurrence of labor, but the relationship is not obvious and there is no clear evidence for this. According to David MacGillivray, a licensed acupuncturist, his patient has never gone straight from the office to childbirth, although, of course, some clients praised his skills and reported on delivery a few days after the visit. MacGillivray explains that acupuncture is very effective in inducing labor by relaxing and reducing stress.

A clinical trial conducted in 2017 did not confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture, but a positive effect on the maturation of the cervix was observed. More research is needed, however, if you want to try this method, nothing stands in the way. Just remember to choose a licensed specialist.

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.