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Suggestions:
Nipple stimulation
Sweeping of membranes
Red Raspberry:
Red raspberry leaf is one of the most common natural medicines used for this purpose. Raspberry leaf might have some effects on uterine smooth muscle. Low doses are thought to stimulate contractions, whereas higher doses are thought to have spasmolytic effects. Very little clinical research has evaluated the use of raspberry leaf for facilitating or inducing labor. One clinical trial shows that raspberry leaf does not reduce time in labor or decrease the need for analgesics in the perinatal time.
Black Cohosh:
Black Cohosh has been used to induce labor. Note: There is no reliable evidence that it is safe or effective for this use. Blue Cohosh is also often used to induce labor. Although the name sounds similar, it is not related to black cohosh. Blue cohosh does have uterine stimulatory activity and might stimulate labor; however, the effectiveness of blue cohosh for this use has not been evaluated in clinical research.
Warning: Blue cohosh is considered UNSAFE to use at all stages of pregnancy. Several blue cohosh constituents are potentially teratogenic. Use of blue cohosh near term can cause life-threatening toxicity in the newborn infant.
Castor Oil:
Castor oil has been used routinely over time for stimulating labor. Castor oil is thought to cause hyperemia in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a reflex stimulation of the uterus. It might also increase prostaglandin production, resulting in uterine stimulation. Some clinical research shows that giving a dose of 60 mL of castor oil results in labor within 24 hours in about 50% or more women who are at term. Although there is not much data available regarding safety, there is no evidence suggesting harm to the fetus or mother.
Warning: Advise patients that, if they are not at term, they should not take castor oil or any other natural medicine that might have uterine-stimulating effects. Taking these products could potentially cause premature labor.
(Coatgal, Castor oil pods, flickr. CC: BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Downloaded on May 26, 2009.)
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