2 days ago
7 myths and truths about inducing labour, from dancing to spicy food
"Been pregnant for way too long." These lyrics, from the song Baby Mamma Dance, no doubt resonate with a lot of women in their third trimester – particularly if their baby is overdue or they're in the delivery room trying to induce labour.
And although we can't be sure that that was the goal of those killer moves, Meghan Markle's video of her and Prince Harry twerking in the hospital to this song as they awaited the birth of their daughter Lilibet seems to speak to this.
Of course, it's also quite possible that the pair were simply killing time and trying to lighten the mood before Meghan gave birth – or both. But dancing is, in fact, a good way to naturally encourage the baby along.
Ruby Handley-Stone, midwife and professional advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, tells Yahoo UK: "Anything to help being upright and mobile is encouraged and will help with engagement of the baby's head and rotation. Equally, listening to music you love will help oxytocin and relaxation."
Here, we take a look at seven myths and truths about inducing labour.
A herbal tea high in vitamins, minerals and tannins, raspberry leaf tea is thought by some to help tone the muscles of the womb for when you go into labour. It can also help combat nausea.
That said, health professionals don't suggest drinking the tea to induce labour, and it's unsure how safe it is in pregnancy.
According to Tommy's pregnancy and baby charity, if you are going to consume it, it should be in the weeks leading up to your due date, starting with one cup a day and steadily increasing to three cups, spread throughout the day. They also advise speaking to your midwife or doctor before trying any herbal remedies, like raspberry leaf tea, as it may not be safe for everyone.
The theory is that by eating spicy foods, you can stimulate your gut and in turn prompt contractions. But it can also bring on heartburn, so if you are prone to indigestion and acid reflux, it's probably best to avoid.
Although the NCT says there's no evidence to suggest that spicy food can induce labour, there also isn't any harm in trying it.
Whether you go for a stroll or rock on a birthing ball, gentle exercise has been linked to inducing labour. Being upright and moving about may help your baby settle into your pelvis.
It is a common misconception that having sex while pregnant may hurt the baby. But, thanks to the amniotic sac, your child is protected from infection – plus a penis or sex toy cannot penetrate beyond the cervix.
While having sex during pregnancy won't harm the baby and is perfectly safe for most people – unless a health professional advises against it – there isn't any evidence to suggest it can bring on labour.
What may happen as a result of an orgasm in the later stages, though, is that you experience Braxton Hicks contractions (also referred to as "practice contractions"). This is perfectly normal, albeit uncomfortable, and you might want to lie down and relax until they pass.
You can read the NCT's guide to sex during pregnancy for more information.
Rich in fibre and antioxidants, dates are nutritious at the best of times, but there is also a theory they can help induce labour.
A small study by the Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2008, for example, examined 69 women who ate six date fruits each day in the four weeks prior to their due date and compared them to 45 women who consumed none. The researchers found that spontaneous labour occurred in 96% of those who consumed dates, compared with 79% women in the non-date fruit consumers.
Research suggests that breast stimulation increases the number of women in labour within 72 hours, as it encourages the body's production of oxytocin – the same hormone that prompts contractions in labour.
Before trying any methods, though, it's always best to speak to your health team first.
Previously, ingesting castor oil was recommended as a way to bring on labour, and there is some evidence to suggest it can work.
That said, it is not advised you take castor oil while pregnant as it can lead to nausea, high blood pressure and digestive distress.
Handley-Stone stresses: "There's very little safe evidence for midwives to recommend many of the 'old wives' tales', and techniques such as hot baths, castor oil and sexual intercourse aren't advised in official guidelines.
"Similarly, there is little research that herbal teas influence the start of labour and some may actually be harmful – this is the same for essential oils. There is also some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may help the cervix to soften, but this is also limited."
She continues: "Generally, although some methods may offer relaxation (which is the best thing to start labour!), it's always worth consulting your midwife before trying any complementary therapies to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you. Your baby will come when they're ready!"
Read more about pregnancy and giving birth
What Jamie Laing has said about parenthood as he announces pregnancy with Sophie Habboo (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
How the most popular baby girl names in the UK compare with the US (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read)
Why it's not OK to speculate if someone's pregnant (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
