After 40 long weeks of carrying a baby, an expectant mother is often eager to speed up the labor process. Although some women experience a quick labor and delivery, many others stay in labor for many hours and sometimes days. Some strategies can help speed up the process of childbirth. However, you should never attempt to induce or strengthen contractions without approval from your doctor.
Pressure Points
Pressure points are found throughout the body. Stimulation of those in the arches of the feet, the insides of the heels, between the first and second toes, and in the middle of the thumbs may sometimes stimulate or escalate uterine contractions, according to BabyCenter. These areas tend to be more sensitive while in labor. Some doctors recommend using accupressure techniques to help encourage labor after you pass your due date or if a delivery progresses too slowly, but you should only use them under proper medical supervision. Additionally, they may not be effective for all women.
Walking
Walking is a gentle and simple method that can be used in the last weeks of pregnancy, and even after the beginning of contractions. The gravity and the swaying of the hips while walking help a baby move into the pelvic area. The pressure from the baby pushes the cervix open and leads to contractions. As the baby moves farther downward, the labor process speeds up.
Pitocin
After you are in the hospital, your doctor may give you a hormone called Pitocin, also known by the generic term oxytocin. It is generally diluted with a saline solution and administered through an IV to induce or strengthen contractions of the uterus. The Pitocin drip can be sped up to make contractions closer together and stronger, and is set up to deliver a particular amount to the body per hour. It is usually turned up each hour until the desired contraction pattern is achieved.
Castor Oil
Taking castor oil is a longstanding method of inducing labor and strengthening contractions. It is a laxative and works by stimulating the bowels, which can cause cramps and muscle tightening within the intestines. However, it has been thought for many years to also have the ability to impact contractions. This effect has not been unquestionably proven by medical research, but may help, and is unlikely to cause any serious harmful effects, according to StorkNet. As with any other strategy to strengthen contractions, you should follow your doctor's advice about whether to take castor oil.
References
- BabyCenter: What Activities Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?
- American Family Physician: Methods for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor
- Lamaze International; Healthy Birth Practice #2: Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions Throughout Labor
- DailyMed: Pitocin
- Drugs.com: Pitocin
- StorkNet: Castor Oil to Encourage Labor?
