Labor inductions are becoming more and more common today, however even the latest research shows that if the mother's body is not completely ready for labor (i.e. her cervix is not ripe) it can make it more likely that she will have a cesarean.
There are several ways your care provider may suggest that you try to prepare your cervix to be ready for labor. Not to mention, there are several methods you can use to ripen your cervix in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Here is a list of several ways you may be able to prepare your body for labor and reduce your chances of having a cesarean.
Prostaglandin Gel
This cervical ripening agent contains a hormone that is often applied directly to the mother's cervix the day before a scheduled induction to cause it to thin out (also referred to as effacement) or even help dilate the cervix. After the care provider inserts the gel, the baby will be monitored (using an external monitor) for about 30 minutes. About 30-60% of the time, prostaglandin gel actually starts labor without requiring pitocin to induce labor.
Evening Primrose Oil
This oil is high in essential fatty acids, which the mother's body converts to a prostaglandin hormone. In her book, The author of the Natural Pregnancy Book, herbalist Aviva Jill Romm, recommends that pregnant mothers take a 500mg gel capsule of evening primrose oil daily starting at week 36 of pregnancy. If the expectant mother is overdue and her cervix is unripe, Ms. Romm recommends doubling this amount to increase the hormonal stimulation and help to prepare her cervix.
Sexual Intercourse
One of the reasons why having intercourse may help to ripen the mother's cervix is due to the fact the semen also contains prostaglandins. Regular sexual intercourse in the last few weeks of pregnancy can help to bathe the mother's cervix with additional prostaglandins. These prostaglandins can help to stimulate hormones around the cervix and ultimately may help her body to get ready for labor.
Misoprostal
Another more recent addition as a cervical ripening agent is misoprostal, or cytotec. This drug contains prostaglandin E and was designed as a treatment for stomach ulcers. Misoprostal can be taken either orally or inserted vaginally. Research has shown that misoprostal not only ripens the mother's cervix, but can start labor and even shorten the length of her labor when used carefully. Misoprostal is one of the few cervical ripening agents that can be used on mothers who are planning for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean.)
While research suggests that misoprostal can be beneficial as a cervical ripening agent, consumers should be aware that the FDA has not approved its use for pregnancy or labor. The Cochrane Library recommends that misoprostal not be used routinely.
"Thus, though misoprostol shows promise as a highly effective, inexpensive and convenient agent for labour induction, it cannot be recommended for routine use at this stage. It is also not registered for such use in many countries."
No matter the method you choose to help ripen your cervix, be sure to check with your care provider to make sure you know all of the possible risks, benefits and alternatives of every cervical ripening agent before you proceed.
 |
