What will ripen my cervix

Nipple stimulation is the gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple to encourage the start of contractions. The theory is that oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions is released in the body when the breasts are stimulated. A review of studies found that contractions after nipple stimulation did not over-stimulate the uterus, which could be dangerous for the baby.

There is a lack of research on the safety of this technique in high risk pregnancies, so currently it is only recommended in normal pregnancies. Sex as a means of getting labor started is thought to work in three ways: first, orgasm may help to stimulate the uterus into action. Secondly, sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, and third, semen contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which may help to ripen or soften the cervix.

Sex is safe as long as your waters have not broken. Once this has happened, making love may increase the risk of infection. You should also avoid sex if you have a low-lying placenta placenta previa or have had vaginal bleeding. Men often feel uncomfortable making love to their partners with a baby so obviously present, but the baby will be unharmed. Homeopathic remedies use highly diluted versions of more potent substances to treat the body.

Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are two commonly used homeopathic remedies used to stimulate labor. These remedies appear to be safe. The Faculty of Homeopathy has researched their use in labor and not found any incidents of damage caused by them. There are plenty of anecdotal evidence from patients who found that homeopathy is helpful, but this has not been researched in a systematic way.

One trial into caulophyllum found no difference between the women who took it and those who did not take it. Contact a registered homeopath for further information. Also, just being upright gets the forces of gravity working for you, encouraging the baby to move down into the pelvis.

Be careful not to wear yourself out. This is not the moment to take up power walking, particularly if you have not done much exercise earlier on in your pregnancy.

A gentle stroll is probably the best you will be able to manage. Two combinations of herbs are available and both combinations can have beneficial effects to soften and thin the cervix. Evening Primrose Oil Can be found in mg capsules. These may be taken orally or vaginally — one to three capsules 3 times each day for the last 4 weeks of pregnancy to soften and thin the cervix.

Used to help organize contractions and tone the muscles of the uterus. There are many herbal combinations in capsules, teas, and tinctures. Many health providers encourage their use, but as scientific studies are lacking, we do not recommend any of these preparations at this time due to safety issues.

Unfortunately, the statistics are out on this one, there is simply not enough research to support that any foods are effective in inducing labor. Cervical dilation and effacement is necessary for a vaginal birth, but it doesn't always happen like it should. Here's how to encourage the process yourself with natural methods. Near the end of the third trimester , a woman's cervix will soften in order to begin the process of effacing thinning and stretching and dilating opening up.

An open cervix allows the baby to pass through the birth canal—but cervical ripening doesn't always happen like it should. Luckily, though, there are things you can do at home to help the process. Here's what to know. Your doctor will check for cervical dilation and effacement in your prenatal appointments. The changes usually begin several weeks before delivery, but it's not uncommon to have a closed cervix near your due date. First-time moms, for example, might not experience cervical opening until labor, even if the cervix has started to thin out or soften beforehand, says Michele Hakakha, M.

That's because prolonging a pregnancy too long could have negative consequences for the baby, including fetal macrosomia large size , shoulder dystocia, low amniotic fluid , compromised functioning of the placenta, and infection.

Good news: You have other options. These might include:. You may be ready to welcome your new baby, so you may be eager to try anything to get the show on the road. But your medical team might urge a little more caution, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are.

At 39 weeks , your body should be making some progress on its own. Your cervix should be ripening and softening, preparing for labor. Your doctor will likely remind you to keep an eye out for four major signs that labor is on the horizon:. But your body might not be ready to deliver your baby at 39 weeks. It might need another week or so.

The bottom line: No one stays pregnant forever. There are some natural ways to induce labor. If your due date is here, read this and talk to your doctor about what's right for you. The latent phase of labor comes before the active labor stage. We'll tell you what to expect, from how long it lasts to how to relieve the pain. Try to relax your body and mind and — most importantly — remember to breathe. Every delivery is as unique and individual as each mother and infant. Each woman may have a completely new experience with each labor and delivery.

To help make your birthing experience a beautiful one, we tell you what you need to know when it comes to choosing between a natural birth or using an…. There are some natural ways to induce labor. If your due date is here, read this and talk to your doctor about what's right for you. You've been dying to know whether everything you've heard about childbirth is true. Moms spill the beans, once and for all. Ready to deliver and welcome your little one? A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years.

A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Effacement vs. Symptoms of effacement. Measuring effacement. Determining your own effacement.