Life

Sandor Kacso/Fotolia

How To Induce Labor At Record Speeds

by Sarah Hosseini

Pregnancy can be a really awesome experience. But when it nears the end and maybe even goes past the due date, most women just want it to be over. There is also a desire in some soon-to-be moms to avoid induction at the hospital and, instead, have a natural induction at home. Intercourse is often touted by midwifes and OB-GYNs as a way to get baby out, but what if you don't have a sexual partner? What induces labor the fastest for women that don't involve intimacy? Thankfully, there's a way to do it without intercourse and you probably have what you need right at home. Or you can at least stock up in advance if you desire.

For those pregnant women not wanting to try hanky panky or who are on bed rest, emmenegogues may be your answer to a natural induction. Emmenegogues are herbs that stimulate blood flow to your pelvis and uterus, according to Healthy Net. They're generally used by menstruating women, but their uses for the female reproductive system are widely known and varied.

"In non pregnant women they get the period going and in non pregnant women they start labor by influencing hormones," Birgitta Lauren, a holistic maternal infant health coach tells Romper. Most of the herbs she touts as emmenegogues are probably right in your kitchen. "These mostly include green cooking herbs such as peppermint, oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, and wintergreen," Lauren says. You can ingest them in tea or in a meal, or have them topically applied to your skin via essential oils.

But Lauren noted that using emmenegogues for labor induction only works, "if the baby thinks it's finished cooking."

Another website, Herb Guide, backs up Lauren with a warning for pregnant women who are considering using emmenegogues. As stated on the site, pregnant women should not be using them intentionally or in high doses before their due date as the effects on a newly pregnant woman or pregnant woman not ready for labor are unknown. This is the case with many "DIY" or "at home" induction remedies including walking up stairs, sex, and castor oil and it's suggested that women who want to try something should consult with a healthcare professional first.

Emmenegogues are the fastest way to induce labor if your body and your baby are ready because they're easily accessible. All you have to do is basically ingest them or rub them on you. The collective message however, is that some things are best left up to nature. Before you try anything at all, just make sure your healthcare team is on board and gives you the OK.