Are there methods to accelerate labor?

It is estimated that currently 1 in 5 births are supported by labor induction. A birth is induced when it is more beneficial for the mother and the child to end the pregnancy before the natural onset of labor. Many pregnant women, who are close to their due date, want to accelerate the labor process naturally at home. What methods exist to speed up labor?

Home remedies to speed up labor

Many women who desire a natural birth try methods to accelerate labor when they are near their due date. Online forums feature posts about speeding up labor by drinking raspberry leaf tea, using castor oil, or eating spicy foods. Some expectant mothers increase their physical activity a few days before the planned due date, cleaning, walking up stairs, anything to help speed up labor. Physical exertion can lead to pressure from the baby’s head on the cervix, which may promote its opening.

Midwives recommend methods such as nipple stimulation and intercourse, provided there are no contraindications. Nipple stimulation encourages the release of natural oxytocin, which can stimulate contractions. Intercourse has a similar effect, and semen contains prostaglandins that can help prepare the cervix for labor and may have a contraction-promoting effect.

Accelerating labor in the hospital

Labor induction in the hospital occurs when there are specific indications. These include a pregnancy past the due date, suspected fetal growth restriction, or a pregnancy complicated by high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholestasis. This approach reduces the risk of potential complications for both the mother and the baby.

Labor acceleration in the hospital can be divided into pre-induction and induction. Initially, the maturity of the cervix is assessed using the Bishop score. If the cervix is not sufficiently mature, pre-induction is performed, which may include the use of a Foley catheter (often referred to as a balloon). This dilates the cervix and increases the local release of prostaglandins, which have a contraction-promoting effect. Methods of labor induction include amniotomy (the artificial rupture of the membranes) and the administration of an oxytocin drip. How quickly and whether the method works at all depends on various factors, including the gestational age and the number of previous births the woman has had.

Accelerating labor – Contraindications

Labor cannot be accelerated if there are contraindications. Methods for inducing labor should not be used if there are:

• Placenta or vessel previa
• Prior surgeries on the uterus
• Uterine rupture during a previous birth
• Invasive cervical cancer
• Active genital herpes infection
• Abnormal fetal position (e.g., breech presentation)
• Risk of shoulder dystocia
• Disproportionate birth canal
• Damage to the anal sphincter during a previous birth

It is always advisable to discuss the desire to use home remedies to accelerate labor with the midwife or the attending doctor. If a woman requires a cesarean section, she should not attempt to accelerate labor on her own at home. It should also be noted that all methods to accelerate labor can only be applied in a full-term pregnancy.