Avoiding Medical Induction

In Florida, there is a law in place that expecting moms have to be in labor by 42 weeks gestation. Some OBYGN’s and care providers recommend medical induction around 41 weeks gestation.  If you are planning a homebirth or a birth at a birth center they will transfer care to an OBGYN if labor has not started naturally by 42 weeks. 

Working within the system and within these timelines can cause a lot of pressure for families. As we know many first time moms don’t go into labor until around 41/42 weeks.  We also know that the gestation time frame is based on everyone having a 28 day cycle, which is definitely not always the case. So your estimated due date may not be accurate based on the first day of your last period. 

As doulas our main goal is to avoid medical induction and although our preference is for your body to go into labor naturally on your own time there are things you can do to prepare your cervix and body for labor and birth to avoid medical induction.

Top Reasons for Medical Labor Induction according to 'Evidence Based Birth'

1. Baby is full term and close to due date or past due date
2. Baby needs to be born soon due to a health problem (for mom or baby or both)
3. Overdue according to gestation guess date
4. Water broke and concerned about infection
5. Baby is growing too big

Things you can do starting at 37 weeks gestation to encourage your body to prepare for labor:

Every pregnancy and woman is unique so these suggestions are not for everyone. Timing is very important for some of these recommendations so please discuss these suggestions with your care provider as well as your doula prior to starting.

~ Drink Organic Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

~ Primrose Capsule Vaginal Insertion

Puncture capsule of 1000-1300 mg of primrose and insert as far up to cervix as possible every other night.  Elevate hips to help it get on the cervix. This helps to release prostaglandins. It’s very important that you don’t start this until 37 weeks because the prostaglandins being released can weaken your amniotic sack too early.

~ Eat Organic Medjool Dates

Eat 6 dates a day to soften your cervix.  Get creative incorporating them into your day. You can add 2-3 to your daily smoothie, put a pecan or almond butter in the center for a delicious dessert, or make Hemp Date Cacao Balls (you can find the recipe on my instagram @kianaasherah. Dates are also high in nutrients.

~ Sex (best with orgasm and ejaculation)

This also helps to release prostaglandins

~ Nipple Stimulation

Can release oxytocin increasing uterine contractions

~ See a professional such as Webster Technique trained Chiropractor, Prenatal Massage Therapist, and/or Prenatal Acupuncturist (ask your Doula for trusted referrals)

  Acupuncture, acupressure and proper hip and spinal alignment can encourage labor

~ Complete the Miles Circuit 1-2 times daily

~ Have your doula do side lying release and rebozo sifting with you

~ Apply Clary Sage Essential Oil to uterus (externally rubbed on the stomach) and inner ankles

This stimulates the uterus to contract

~ Eat foods that can also help to soften your cervix (you do not have to wait until 37 weeks to consume these food)

- Pineapple (including the core) helps soften the cervix as well as reduce inflammation. 

- Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Juice

- Smoothie: Frozen pineapple, mango, plant based vanilla protein powder, dates and coconut water

- Spicy Foods

- Eggplant parmesan (I have a great plant based recipe from Oh She Glows you can ask me to share) 

**Disclaimer: Each pregnancy and mom is unique. These are general recommendations that can help prepare the body for labor. All of these products should not be taken together. I am not a medical doctor, licensed primary healthcare provider, nor a midwife. I am NOT providing medical advice. Please consult with your midwife or doctor and doula before starting any labor prep products as timing can be critical. It is generally recommended that most of these products are NOT started until after 37 weeks gestation**