Whatever the outcome, sex late in pregnancy won’t harm the baby, although the logistics might be tricky. While sex is often recommended for this purpose, it’s uncertain whether it makes a difference or not (Kavanagh et al, 2001). Having sex or an orgasm also increases levels of oxytocin the ‘love hormone’, which is needed in labour. Prostaglandins are present when the cervix softens in early labour, and they are the chemical used in hospital inductions. Sex is often hailed as a way of bringing on labour because semen is rich in prostaglandins. However, like anything in pregnancy, if you feel it is making you unwell, you can stop taking it and speak to your midwife. So if you are thinking about trying raspberry leaf tea, there is neither any evidence of harm nor any evidence of a positive effect. Most research suggests that raspberry leaf has no effect on labour, although women in one study did have a shorter second stage of labour and were less likely to have an oxytocin drip than those who didn't take it (Bowman et al, 2021). Raspberry leaf is popular because it's thought to tone the uterus, making contractions more effective (Ferguson, 2009). Raspberry leaf tea or tablets have long been a favourite among expectant parents (Ferguson, 2009). But again, more research is needed to say for sure whether it really does help. One very small study in Jordan found that eating dried dates could help make women give birth closer to their due date and might help make labour shorter (Al Kuran et al, 2011). The theory is that dates help stimulate the release of oxytocin. If you're a fan of dried fruit, then eating dates at the end of pregnancy might help to avoid induction (Al Kuran et al, 2011). Still, reaching for fresh fruit is a good way to help maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy. Pineapple is the popular one to try but the pregnant woman would need to eat a huge amount – which could cause an upset tummy. This has never been tested in humans, although two small animal studies showed pineapple could have an effect on uterine tissue (Nuwankudu et al, 2015 Monji et al, 2016). Fruitsįresh tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, mango and papaya are high in an enzyme called bromelain.
There’s no research showing curry has the desired effect of bringing on labour, though there is a chance of spicy food giving you heartburn if you are prone to it during pregnancy. Many pregnant women try eating hot curry, believing the laxative effect will stimulate the bowel and then the womb (Chaudhry et al, 2011). So here’s a rundown of the popular home remedies and whether there’s a grain of truth in any of them. You might have heard that eating certain foods can help to start labour but wonder whether they’re myths. And that’s why women often sail beyond their estimated due date. So a 'term' pregnancy is defined as any time between 37 and 42 weeks. It's good to know that pregnancies can vary in length by 37 days, which is over five weeks! (Jucik et al, 2013) The ultrasound scan offered between 11 and 14 weeks can confirm or adjust this age (NICE, 2021a). There is some discussion about whether this rule, dating from the 19th century, is helpful as anything more than a guideline (Lawson, 2021). Medical professionals use Naegele’s rule to calculate gestational age, which is based on a standard length of pregnancy and the date of the last period. Why don’t babies arrive on their estimated due date?
#CRAMPING AFTER MEMBRANE SWEEP HOW TO#
If that’s you and you’re wondering how to kick-start labour, it's helpful to remember that most babies do not arrive on their estimated due date. The pregnant woman might also feel impatient for labour to start because they're uncomfortable or they might want to avoid a membrane sweep or induction. One of the most common questions pregnant women are asked during pregnancy is ‘when is the baby due?’ So it’s understandable that this date becomes all-important and they might feel disappointed if their baby doesn’t stick to the schedule.
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