Several physiological factors influence when it is time to have your baby. Labor does not normally occur before the fetus is mature, approximately 266 days after conception. The exact mechanism that triggers uterine contractions is unknown, but it is probably due to a combination of signals from you and your baby. Although women have long used herbs and other supplements to induce labor, the safety and efficacy of these practices are questionable and should only be done under the advice and monitoring of a healthcare professional.
Oils Containing Gamma Linoleic Acid
Oils of borage, evening primrose and black current seed are all rich sources of gamma linoleic acid, an omega-6 fat. GLA is an important precursor to prostaglandin, a hormone that causes smooth muscle contractions. According to Josie Tenore, M.D., in her 2003 article in "American Family Physician," prostaglandin softens the cervix and causes uterine contractions by increasing intracellular calcium levels. Prostaglandin is found naturally in body tissues and especially in male semen. If you undergo medical induction of labor, a synthetic prostaglandin may be placed against your cervix; in some women this intervention alone does the trick. Oral doses of GLA-rich plant oils seems to increase uterine muscle irritability, causing brief, twitchy contractions. With continued use, these may become more regular, until active labor is established. Side effects may include headaches, nausea and loose stools. Oils containing GLA have not been approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of any condition.
Blue and Black Cohosh
Native to North America, particularly the New England area, blue cohosh was valued by Native Americans for its ability to stimulate labor contractions. You can see this use reflected in the plant's alternative names: squaw root or papoose root. The homeopathic version of this herb is Caulophyllum talictroides. Together with homeopathic black cohosh, or Actaea racemosa, these remedies were instrumental in a case of natural labor induction reported by S. J. Kistin and A. D. Newman in the May-June 2007 issue of the "Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health." The cohoshes contain phytochemicals that may act like hormones in your body. They may have unpredictable effects. The FDA does not regulate the safety and purity of herbal supplements and scientific studies have not proven that treatment with blue or black cohosh can prevent or treat any condition.
Castor Oil
A common ornamental plant seen in temperate regions of the United States, castor leaves and beans are known to be poisonous. Rest assured that toxins are removed during commercial processing. Medicinally, castor oil is a harsh laxative. Your great-grandmother may have used this supplement to cleanse the bowel of parasites. According to Drugs.com, castor oil may induce labor by stimulating prostaglandin release. The remedy irritates the bowel, causing strong abdominal cramps that may trigger labor if the mother and baby are ready. Expect cathartic effects to begin within six hours after ingestion. Drugs.com warns that pregnant women who have had uterine surgery, such as a previous delivery by cesarean section, should not use castor oil.
