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Promoting Labor in Pregnancy
After many months of anticipation, you may be wondering about some things to try at home to help start labor. Pregnancies lasting longer than 42 weeks, called postdates, tend to have a greater risk of complications. For this reason, most clinicians will induce labor between 41 and 42 weeks. This will be done using medications or procedures in the hospital. There are some therapies that you can use at home near the end of your pregnancy to help. Many of these have been used for years and continue to be used today by midwives and other clinicians.
Approaches include 1) supplements and botanicals, 2) activities, and 3) acupuncture/acupressure.
- Supplements & Botanicals
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubis idaeus) |
|
How It Works |
Uncertain. Increases blood flow to the uterus. Encourages muscle contractions. |
Evidence |
Limited evidence. One randomized controlled trial (the gold standard in research) found that the tea shortened the pushing stage of labor and reduced the risk for postdates.1 |
Dose |
1-3 cups tea daily OR one capsule (500-750 mg) by mouth two times daily starting at 32-36 weeks. |
Side Effects |
Safe. No side effects noted. |
Cost |
$6/ 24 tea bags. $5-$7/100 capsules. |
Bottom Line |
Safe. Limited evidence suggests that it decreases the length of labor and risk of postdates. |
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis) |
|
How It Works |
Uncertain. Reduces inflammation. |
Evidence |
Used for many years. There is no research that shows it reduces the risk of a postdates pregnancy. |
Dose |
2 capsules inserted into the vagina at night starting at 38 weeks. |
Side Effects |
Safe when used in the vagina. Do NOT take by mouth due to risk of birth complications. |
Cost |
$8-11/ 60-90 capsules. |
Bottom Line |
Used for many years for cervical ripening. (The cervix is the lower part of the uterus. Ripening means the cervix softens and is able to dilate for childbirth.) No evidence to prove it is helpful, but it is safe when used in the vagina. |