I feel like as I head towards the deadline for my own induction of labour, the echoes of eye of the tiger have been ringing louder in my ears! I created a reel over on my instagram for anyone in a similar position of an impending induction (around 30% of you) wanting to possibly increase their chances of starting labour for themselves.
Due to my age, the plan I’ve agreed with my consultant and midwife is that I will be induced at 39 weeks. I know that the studies of low risk women under 35 show that there’s actually a higher chance of a vaginal birth with induction at around 39 weeks than waiting, so I feel comfortable with the decision (even though I’m not low risk or under 35).
I would also very much like to go in to labour spontaneously, as I know this will increase my chances and be less painful. I have therefore been on a mission to do everything I can to prepare for this birth. It feels a little like training for a marathon to prepare and encourage my chances of going in to labour on my own and avoiding potential risks. Here are some of the things I’ve been using.
- Raspberry Leaf Tea
I started taking this at 32 weeks, which is the advice based on studies done. This contains a phytochemical called fragarine, which works on the smooth muscle of the uterus. The key here is to start earlier on and gradually build up from 1 to 3 cups a day. This can be taken as a tea, drops or tablets depending on your preference. It’s been shown in several small randomised controlled trials to shorten the length of the 2nd stage of labour, which is the point from when you’re fully dilated to birth. It doesn’t actually reduce the chance of needing an induction or assisted birth. There are a few contraindications, so avoid if you have had a caesarean previously, have a breech baby, preeclampsia or are taking antidepressants or Metformin.
- Dates
Not just the kind you go on with your partner but in fact the Middle Eastern sweet treat. There is some evidence from a small trial of 154 women in a 2017 trial that showed that eating dates in the 4 weeks leading up to birth, reduced the need for needing a hand if labour stalls, known as augmentation. It didn’t however expedite the onset of labour in the first place, but I feel it’s worth giving it ago. Bare in mind however, dates are really high in sugar, so one to probably avoid if you have gestational diabetes. Some studies have looked at women eating 6 dates a day, which is around 100g of sugar.
- Alternative Therapies
I’ve been trying out everything I can in this category. I’ve seen a craniosacral osteopath, had acupuncture and reflexology. Apart from it being a lovely way to relax, which will get the oxytocin, that essential hormone for birth, flowing; there is also some evidence for helping getting labour started.
A 2016 Cochrane review identified 22 trials (3456 women) finding it didn’t reduce the need for caesarean, but helped improve the Bishop score of the cervix before labour, which is the measure used to assess the favourability of the cervix, taking in to account, the dilatation, length, softness and position of the cervix.
Reflexology points are great to use to try and help bring on labour with two key ones being that for your uterus, which is the point half way between your heel and the inner bony ankle bone prominence, there’s a little depression in the side of the foot, just between the heel and the ankle. The other point is is for the pituitary, which is on the top of the pad of your big toe. From 37 weeks, you or your partner can press on these points.
- UFO Positions
I talk a lot about these positions in my online pregnancy yoga course. It’s not some kind of alien impersonation ritual, but stands for
Upright
Forward
Open
The idea is to help optimise the position of your pelvis and how your baby sits, so that the two fit together more optimally. The idea is to help start the process off to a good start and by allowing the body to be more upright with the pelvis to be open and tipped forward, you will be helping your baby’s head place pressure on the cervix, which is one of the important factors to help in the process of cervical ripening. You can help this process with yoga, bouncing on an exercise ball and going on walks
- Nipple Stimulation
Anything that releases oxytocin, will be hugely beneficial getting your body prepared for birth. I’ve been trying to harvest colostrum, the first nutrient dense milk that the baby feeds on in the initial few days. Every time I try to do this I can definitely feel tightening’s across my uterus. Studies are small, but support this. A 2014 study (200 women) looked at breast massage from 38 weeks in low risk, first time mums. In the intervention group, women had a significantly better Bishops score (See above), delivered slightly earlier and were more likely to have a vaginal birth. You can try other ways other than nipple stimulation to get the oxytocin flowing, having romantic and intimate moments with your partner (doesn’t have to be sex), a candle lit bath or anything else which triggers feelings of love, safety and joy.
Ultimately, your baby will come when it’s ready and you may choose to do all or none of these things, but I think it’s empowering to know that there is some evidence behind all of the above ways of helping your baby birth.
