Many pregnant women who are already “overdue” and waiting for their baby, of course, always ask themselves how they themselves can promote labor. There are numerous home remedies and tips and tricks that are found to be good; whether that is regular pinching of one’s own nipple or even a classic labor cocktail – in the end, the woman herself must weigh which advice she takes and which she is better off ignoring.
Overdue? When the baby takes its time
The due date has already passed, the child still makes no effort to finally come into the world. This is a scenario that is not uncommon. It should be noted that very few children are actually born on time; the percentage of those children who see the light of day on the calculated date of birth is even lower. This is not a cause for concern. In many cases, it is simply normal. Of course, the expectant mother is examined at regular intervals – together with the baby. If the unborn baby does not want to come, labor is induced – about 14 days after the calculated due date. Mechanical aids (balloon catheters) are used or medication. It should be noted that the induction of labor does not have to work immediately. In many cases, the process can take several days before labor finally begins. In this regard, there are several methods to promote labor.
What promotes labor?
Folk medicine knows countless methods and home remedies on how to promote labor. The crux of the matter, however, is that contractions – especially in heavily pregnant women – can begin at any moment, so in many cases it is impossible to tell whether the tips and tricks were actually helpful. It is not uncommon for stair climbing and the labor cocktail to be cited as triggers for labor – but it can also simply be due to the fact that the woman was already “overdue” and labor would have come anyway. It is obvious that this gives rise to legends and myths that are retold from generation to generation. Studies or research that deal with the subject often do not provide satisfactory information about which advice is helpful and which is not. In the end, all that remains is the realization that the birth would have happened either way. It is important that – if “very fancy tricks” want to be used – the doctor or even the midwife are contacted in advance. Classic tips and tricks, such as climbing stairs or pinching the nipple, are definitely not a danger to the baby or the mother.
Moxen, labor cocktail and remedies from natural medicine.
There are different recipes that exist on the basis of herbal preparation, which are supposed to promote or induce labor. Known is castor oil, which is also found in the classic labor cocktail. But also blue buttercup, raspberry leaf tea and ginger are said to have a labor-promoting effect. Ginger and raspberry leaf tea do indeed have a labor-promoting effect; blue buttercup, on the other hand, does help, but can sometimes cause severe side effects that primarily affect the baby. The fact is – anyone who decides to use such a cocktail or wants to try different preparations should contact their midwife or doctor in advance. Especially the labor cocktail, which contains among other things castor oil, should be used with caution. The oil may very well lead to severe intestinal colic and cause vomiting. Who nevertheless mixes castor oil in his labor cocktail, should choose only a low dosage and also here necessarily consult with the doctor or his midwife.
Sex, shiatsu and massages
Another option is acupuncture. So there are very well reports that acupuncture on the one hand triggers contractions, but on the other hand also has a positive effect on the duration of birth. Shiatsu can also be recommended – without any concerns – to stimulate labor. You can also pursue the “most beautiful secondary matter in the world” without any problems. Regular sexual intercourse not only provides relaxation, but can also promote labor. Nipple stimulation, massages, stair climbing – all tips and tricks that definitely have a labor-promoting effect. Even if there are no actual studies that the advice helps, it is often faith that sometimes moves mountains and induces labor.In the end, the only thing that counts for the pregnant woman anyway is the fact that the birth begins.
The baby comes when it is ready
Pregnancy is nothing but a test of patience for the woman. If then the child does not like to come, one should – shortly before the goal – in no way lose his nerves. The baby will come when it is ready. Even if the expectant mother longs to finally be more mobile and to hold her child in her arms, she should try to enjoy the “calm before the labor storm”.
