4 Natural Remedies That Can Speed Up Labor

Herbal remedies that can speed up labor are very popular with expectant mothers. The desire to meet their child means that women use different methods to accelerate this special moment.

However, you should not use any of these techniques before the 36th week. You do not want to inadvertently initiate labor prematurely before your baby is fully developed.

In addition, most of these methods do not have strong evidence that they work. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure it is a good option for you.

You should remember that all methods of speeding up labor can increase your risk of having to have a caesarean section and other emergency procedures. Be careful with these methods, if you decide to use one.

5 natural remedies that can speed up labor

Here is a list of the most well-known herbal remedies to speed up labor:

1. Red raspberry leaf tea

Drinking red raspberry leaf tea helps balance the hormones and tone the uterine muscles. This natural remedy is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, and also contains important minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium.

This tea shortens the labor and can reduce the need for medical intervention at birth. We recommend that you drink 3 or 4 cups of tea every day during your third trimester.

2. Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil is recommended for pregnant women who have gone over time or have given birth late in previous pregnancies.

It is rich in linolenic acid. This helps to soften and dilate the cervix during the weeks before delivery. In addition, it also causes the production of prostaglandins.

You can take capsules with evening primrose oil orally or insert them directly into the vagina. If you use the latter method, it is best if they are placed close to the cervix.

3. Castor oil

Castor oil is a classic natural remedy to naturally speed up labor and start labor. You should use this method with caution and only if your doctor approves it. This causes your intestines to begin to contract due to its laxative effect, which can cause your uterus to contract as well.

But you should be aware that castor oil causes diarrhea. This can be uncomfortable and, in the worst case, cause dehydration.

If you choose to use this method, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, such as coconut water. This helps you not to become dehydrated and keeps your electrolyte levels up. Since castor oil does not taste very good, you can add a spoon to a smoothie or a glass of orange juice.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which causes the cervix to dilate. Therefore, it helps to speed up the labor. You should know that it contains only very small amounts of this enzyme with proteolytic action.

But eating lots of pineapple can stimulate your gut and, just like castor oil, increase activity in the womb. You should eat fresh pineapple as bromelain is destroyed when canned or squeezed into juice.

Walking can also speed up labor

Perhaps not a herbal remedy, but quite effective, is this last natural remedy – to go for walks. Although it is an excellent form of exercise for expectant mothers, it also moves the baby down to the cervix at the end of pregnancy.

In addition, physical activity releases oxytocin, the hormone that helps trigger and regulate contractions. Therefore, mothers who are close to their estimated date of birth or who have passed the time may go further to help speed up labor.

Finally, before attempting these herbal remedies to speed up labor pain, you need to get your doctor’s approval.

In general, it is best to let the child decide their own date of birth, even if it means that you have to wait a little longer. Your baby will be here sooner than you think!