Natural ways to start labor should be taken into consideration when making the decision to induce labor. Medications used today come with negative side effects and risks that mother and baby may not be willing to take; while methods to start labor naturally do not have these risks. Natural ways to start labor have more benefits than medical induction.
It is important that you have all the information when considering inducing labor. Although there are many medications that can do this, inducing labor naturally may be the better alternative for you. The benefits of naturally inducing labor far outweigh the negative aspects of some medications. Before choosing to take a medication, you must first consider all of the risks and side effects it may have on you and/or your baby. Unless you have a pre-existing medical condition that requires medical induction; the natural methods are well worth looking into.
First, you should realize that natural methods for inducing labor work. Therefore, they should never be used during the early trimesters of your pregnancy, and should not be attempted without the approval of your midwife,. Although natural labor methods are powerful, when used appropriately, they have less side effects then medication. Never use natural induction methods during the early months of pregnancy because they could lead to miscarriage.
When you are past 40 weeks pregnant and need to induce labor, natural methods have far less risks when compared to medication. Natural labor inducing methods include acupressure, walking, sexual intercourse, herbs, stripping the membranes, and nipple stimulation. These methods help to start labor through different mechanisms; for example nipple stimulation help increase natural hormones that stimulate labor, such as Oxytocin and Prostaglandins.
Medications used to stimulate labor are synthetic forms of the naturally occurring hormones, Oxytocin and Prostaglandin The brand name form of Oxytocin is Pitocin and the brand name forms of Prostaglandin include Cervidil and Prostin E2. These medications are associated with serious side effects and risks.
First, Pitocin is known for causing uterine contractions that are extremely intense, painful, and last for a long duration. Some other side effects associated with Pitocin include vomiting, nausea, cramping, and stomach pain. More serious side effects have also been reported. These serious side effects and risks include an irregular heartbeat in the mother, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, swelling, headaches, blurred vision, and seizures. There is also a chance that after childbirth the mother may develop severe bleeding.
Unfortunately, Pitocin may also cause serious side effects in your newborn. These include irregular heartbeat, jaundice in the eyes and skin, bleeding in the eyes, and seizures. If you notice any of these side effects in the baby, you must notify your doctor immediately.
The drug Dinoprostone is also known as Cervidil and Prostin E2. Synthetic forms of Prostaglandins, such as these, also have negative side effects. These come in suppository form and when inserted, you must lay down for at least two hours to ensure that he medicine softens the cervix. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the procedure for up to two days.
Nausea and vomiting are common adverse reactions to Cervidil and Prostin E2. Common side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, fever and chills. Some women may develop diarrhea and a fever as well. More serious side effects include trouble or difficulty breathing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Many pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, kidney and pelvic infections, and diabetes, may increase the occurrence of negative side effects.
Before you or your doctor consider medical induction, it is important that you are informed about the risks and side effects of the medications. One of the worst, and definitely the most disheartening, side effect of medical labor induction is that it could still take days for labor to begin. In some cases it does not even work. As an alternative to labor induction medication, there are many natural methods for inducing labor that do not have these types of side effects.
How to Start Labor Naturally When Anything Doesn't Work?
When pregnancy is past the 40 week due date, you may be looking at how to start labor naturally. Medical induction or acupuncture are common suggestions. However, Acupressure is a more comfortable choice. Maternity Acupressure can naturally start labor and does not come with the negative side effects or needles. It is no surprise it is gaining popularity to naturally start labor.
Are You Planning to Have Accupuncture to Induce Labor?
Accupuncture has been used for many years by pregnant women; however, maternity accupressure is as effective with out the needles. Accupressure points to start labor are similar to those used in accupuncture and can be done safely at home by yourself or your partner. Using accupressure to induce labor naturally is a safe alternative to chemically inducing labor or the use of accupuncture needles.
Amazing but True: Childbirth could be Easier and Shorter with Maternity Acupressure
Childbirth causes anxiety and fear for labor and delivery. This tension can make normal labor and delivery take longer. Maternity Acupressure is a natural childbirth technique used to relax the body. These methods, which can be done by the mother or partner, may shorten the labor and delivery while relieving tension.
