Now that I have an induction date (January 5th), I find myself in a position many women find themselves in… desperately skimming the old wives’ tales on ways to naturally induce labor. Just like determining baby gender, there is a lot of myth and very little scientific proof.
Here is what I believe:
- Walking - Although my doctor says it doesn’t do much, the idea of movement of the hips, gravity, etc. makes a lot of sense to me. At worst, you get some much needed exercise during your late term.
- Sex - Two things that contain validity… first, semen contains “prostaglandin” which is a chemical that can be used to induce labor, and second, orgasm could create a spasm in the cervix that helps labor along. Again, what’s the worst that could happen?
- Nipple Stimulation - Contains some truth as it releases “oxycotin” which is a natural version of “pitocin”. However there is no good rule about how much, how long, how often, or whether this is any safer than medical induction. I’ve heard as much as 3 hours per day of stimulation for a month… which sounds like a good recipe for sore nipples.
- Castor Oil - My doctor actually suggested this one to me. Supposedly irritates and causes contractions in your bowels, which leads to contractions elsewhere. There is not much medical research done in this area, but irritated bowels doesn’t sound like a fun way to go.
- Spicy Food - Speaking of irritated bowels… this myth is definitely just a myth.
