Birthing From Within

I have bought many books over the last three months in regard to preparing for labor.  Most women seem to focus their efforts on when the baby gets here overlooking one of the most joyous processes — labor.  I realize that some women don’t have a choice in having the kind of labor that others can choose due to surgeries on their uterus having to defintely choose the c-section route or in the case with multiples or a breech baby, but I’m very excited about the prospect of having a birth like my mother had.  There are just a few things that I have to do to help increase those odds, one of those being to avoid induction at all costs.  I know there’s a chance if I hit 42 weeks that I will have to go that route, but I’m hoping with the high level of activity among other things I will be attempting around 38 weeks.

From an article: 
When to Start

Most women go into labor between their 37th week of pregnancy and their 42nd week. Even if your due date was two weeks ago, most health care professionals wait until 42 weeks’ gestation before considering a pregnancy overdue. If your or your baby’s health seems to be compromised, though, then there will be some extra pressure to have labor induced or have a cesarean section performed before this time. Talk with your doctor or midwife to see if labor induction is the best decision for you.

For healthy moms and babies, some health care providers may offer to let you continue your pregnancy after 42 weeks. However, most will usually suggest medically inducing labor once you hit the magical 4-2.

Problems with Being Overdue

Aside from being very uncomfortable and impatient, there are some issues associated with going past your due date. After 42 weeks, concerns start to rise about possible complications with the baby. Most notably, there is a slightly increased risk of stillbirth (about 1 in 1,000 babies). But evidence suggests that inducing labor can help reduce this risk.

If you’re past your due date, there are a few tests that your health care provider will do to monitor the health of your overdue baby. A non-stress test is commonly performed, which will monitor your baby’s heart rate. An ultrasound will also let you see that your baby is doing just fine. At home, you can count the number of movements you feel from your baby throughout the day. The more he moves, the better.

Natural Ways to Induce Labor

If the medical methods of jump starting labor sound a bit off putting, there are a number of home remedies for inducing labor naturally when you are past your due date. But remember: none of these remedies will start labor unless you have already begun to dilate. However, some methods can help you to tone and soften your uterus.

1. Eat spicy foods or pineapple.

2. Go for a walk or march up some stairs. This is thought to bring on labor because of the pressure of the baby’s head pressing down on your cervix. At the very least, walking can help get your baby into a better position for labor.

3. Have sex. A favorite for many pregnant women, sex can help by releasing a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. Additionally, semen contains a substance known as prostaglandins, which will help soften the cervix.

4. Nipple stimulation. For those who find sex just too uncomfortable right now, nipple stimulation may be a better choice. It helps to bring on labor in much the same way sex does, by releasing oxytocin. However, this method may take a bit more effort than sex to start labor.

5. Stretching of the uterine opening membranes. This can be done by your doctor or midwife and has been found to increase the chances of labor starting within 48 hours.

6. Complementary therapies. Acupuncture, massage, teas, herbs and homeopathic remedies can be helpful when it comes to inducing labor. However, make sure you go to a licensed practitioner who has experience treating pregnant women.

One home remedy that is often recommended to pregnant women is castor oil taken either alone or with orange juice. While some women swear by this method, many experts and women who have tried it will strongly advise you against it. Castor oil may or may not bring on labor but it will definitely make you nauseous, cause you to vomit, have diarrhea and suffer severe cramps so just steer clear of this home remedy.

All to say so far my favorite book is Birthing From Within.  I love the diagram in the book that has a quote at the top.  “Labor is hard work, it hurts, and you can do it.”  I think that will have to be my mantra in just 8 weeks.  Maybe I’ll get a bit lucky and he’ll come a week or two sooner, and I won’t have to worry about being induced and all the risks associated with forcing a uterus to contract before its time.  I think at this point I’d be more set for an epidural at this point than an induction because it seems that induction is where the fault lies in both complications and issues with breastfeeding (latching issues) afterwards. 

I do want the pitocin after birth to help shrink my uterus though and help shorten the bleeding time post partum. 

~ by B on March 4, 2008.