How does baby initiate labor

It may be effective for a few reasons, including the fact that semen is high in prostaglandins. This is a hormone that can cause contractions in uterine muscles. An orgasm can also stimulate the uterus, and sex in general can release the hormone oxytocin, which causes contractions. For people who begin nursing after baby is born, this same hormone is responsible for shrinking the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. Nipple stimulation is another method you might try. Gentle rubbing or rolling the nipple stimulates the breasts and also releases oxytocin.

You can also try getting comfortable and visualizing your labor beginning. Hot peppers and spicy meals are foods said to help induce labor. This may be because some spicy foods can trigger the release of prostaglandins as you digest them.

Everything from pineapple to licorice to Chinese food has been credited with getting the ball rolling. Acupuncture is another method of releasing oxytocin in your body. At your next prenatal appointment, ask your doctor or birthworker about having your membranes stripped. With a gloved finger, your doctor will separate the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus.

If the bleeding becomes heavy, however, call your doctor immediately. Even if none of these methods work to start contractions, remember that the end is near. If labor induction fails, you might need to try another induction or have a C-section. If you have a successful vaginal delivery after induction, there might be no implications for future pregnancies.

If the induction leads to a C-section, your health care provider can help you decide whether to attempt a vaginal delivery with a subsequent pregnancy or to schedule a repeat C-section. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Labor induction About. Overview Labor induction — also known as inducing labor — is the stimulation of uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins on its own to achieve a vaginal birth.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Uterine incisions used during C-sections Open pop-up dialog box Close. Uterine incisions used during C-sections A C-section includes an abdominal incision and a uterine incision. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Wing DA. Induction of labor. Accessed April 25, Frequently asked questions. Pregnancy FAQ What to expect after your due date. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Reaffirmed Wing DA. Cervical ripening and induction of labor in women with a prior cesarean delivery. What Is It? Why It's Done Your doctor might suggest an induction if: your water broke but you are not having contractions your baby still hasn't arrived by 2 weeks after the due date when you're considered post-term — more than 42 weeks into your pregnancy you have an infection in the uterus called chorioamnionitis you have certain risk factors e.

Page 2 How It's Done Some methods of induction are less invasive and carry fewer risks than others. Ways that doctors may try to induce labor by getting contractions started include: Stripping the membranes. The doctor puts on a glove and inserts a finger into the vagina and through the cervix the opening that connects the vagina to the uterus. He or she moves the finger back and forth to separate the thin membrane connecting the amniotic sac which houses the baby and amniotic fluid to the wall of the uterus.

When the membranes are stripped, the body releases hormones called prostaglandins, which help prepare the cervix for delivery and may bring on contractions. This method works for some women, but not all. Breaking your water also called an amniotomy. The doctor ruptures the amniotic sac during a vaginal exam using a little plastic hook to break the membranes.

If the cervix is ready for labor, amniotomy usually brings on labor in a matter of hours. Giving the hormone prostaglandin to help ripen the cervix. A gel or vaginal insert of prostaglandin is inserted into the vagina or a tablet is given by mouth. This is typically done overnight in the hospital to make the cervix "ripe" soft, thinned out for delivery.

Administered alone, prostaglandin may induce labor or may be used before giving oxytocin. Giving the hormone oxytocin to stimulate contractions. Given continuously through an IV, the drug Pitocin is started in a small dose and then increased until labor is progressing well. After it's administered, the fetus and uterus need to be closely monitored. Oxytocin is also frequently used to spur labor that's going slowly or has stalled. What Will It Feel Like? Page 3 Risks and Precautions Inducing labor is not like turning on a faucet.

Many babies are born "post-term" without any complications, but concerns include: A vaginal delivery may become harder as the baby gets bigger. As babies get bigger, the chance of an injury during delivery, such as a broken bone, increases. The placenta that helps to provide the baby with nourishment is deteriorating.