But do any of the foods commonly thought to induce labor actually work? And more importantly, are they safe? So why do so many moms swear that eating a particular food kick-started their labor?
Many of the foods that are reputed to bring on labor really bring on gastrointestinal distress or diarrhea, which can include cramping and uterine contractions. If your body is ready to go into labor, the cramping and contractions caused by GI distress might get the process started faster … but with side effects ranging from the uncomfortable hours in the bathroom to the unsafe dehydration.
So before trying any food, herb or supplement to help bring on labor, talk with your practitioner and get his or her okay first. While consuming certain things may seem like a safe, natural way to induce labor , some foods and drinks can have an unpleasant or unsafe effect.
Here are some of the foods and drinks commonly thought to induce labor, and what the science says about each. Talk to your practitioner before taking any herbal tonics or supplements such as castor oil, red raspberry leaf tea or evening primrose oil.
That said, most of the foods credited with kick-starting labor, such as pineapple, dates, eggplant parm and spicy dishes, are perfectly safe to eat in moderation during pregnancy, although they can lead to heartburn, upset stomach or a long night in the bathroom. Castor oil has been shown to help start labor in some women, but its powerful laxative side effects are so unpleasant that your doctor may not recommend it. Castor oil causes nausea, cramping, upset stomach, diarrhea and sometimes vomiting, but in multiple studies, castor oil has also been shown to induce labor within 24 hours for more than half of women at term who took a dose.
Pineapple and its tropical cousin papaya contains the enzyme bromelain, which is believed by some to soften the cervix and trigger contractions, but no research has shown that bromelain or pineapple actually have this effect.
Red raspberry leaf tea has been used to kick-start contractions and speed up labor and postpartum recovery since the Middle Ages. Well, there are a few, but none of them has been proven. Soaking yourself in a warm water bath may or may not help in the initiation of going into labour. Warm water helps relax, and it could help induce labour. Be careful with the water temperature, though; it should not be too hot as your baby might feel hot and uncomfortable.
Apart from eating pineapple to induce labour at 36 weeks or later, you can try walking, too. Waking could help you move your baby down in your pelvis. This pressure on your pelvic region would help put pressure on your cervix and could help you go into labour. Eating spicy food can also be tried to induce labour. Your body releases prostaglandins hormones when you eat spicy food, and this could help in inducing contractions in the uterus.
Also, if there are problems like acidity, spicy food is better avoided. A birthing ball could help you go into labour. You may sit firmly on a birth ball with your legs apart and start bouncing slowly on the ball for some time. Bouncing on the ball could help your baby move down in your pelvis and help you to go into labour. This method may or may not work.
Do speak to your doctor before opting for this remedy. See all in Preschooler. See all in Life as a Parent. See all in Video. You might also like You might also like.
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Connect with us. This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. Although NICE guidance is that ' the available evidence does not support sexual intercourse for induction of labour'. Ditto cleaning the floor on all fours. Tropical fruit, especially pineapple, contains an enzyme called bromelain which is supposed to work like a prostaglandin to soften the cervix and get it ready for labour.
Only fresh, not tinned, though — and most of the bromelain is in the tough, central stem. And what about the indigestion?
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