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9 foods to induce labor naturally

9 foods to induce labor naturally

The excitement of the arrival of a new family member is beyond words. Sometimes, moms-to-be feel anxious, especially in the end stages of gestation. As the due date approaches, first-time mothers wish to accelerate the process of labor naturally. Certain foods make the whole process easier and do not harm either mom or child.

Foods to induce labor naturally:

1. Spicy and tangy foods – Spicy foods, including Thai, Mexican, and Indian curries, are thought to trigger labor. Spicy meals boost the prostaglandins, which are known to cause uterine wall contractions when they are digested. Additionally, the active ingredient capsaicin found in peppers stimulates the womb and induces bowel movements.

2. Dates – Women who consume six dates per day in the month before their due dates are more likely to have spontaneous labor and larger cervical dilations.  Consuming dates won’t affect the onset of labor but may aid in the process later on.

3. Pineapple – Bromelain, an active enzyme found in pineapple, is recognized for its capacity to soften the cervix and, as a result, trigger the contraction of the uterus’s smooth muscles to start labor. Since canning and other processing methods tend to lower the bromelain content of the fruit, it is recommended to ingest fresh pineapple rather than canned pineapple to induce labor. Avoid eating the fruit in excess as this can cause diarrhea.

4. Raspberry leaf tea – Drinking this tea may reduce the likelihood that your pregnancy will last over your due date. This tea is thought to tone uterine muscles and aid in triggering contractions. If you drink red raspberry leaf tea every day starting in your 32nd week of pregnancy, it will lessen your chances of having a post-term pregnancy.

5. Green papaya – The enzyme Papin is widely distributed in raw green papayas. Latex, which also functions as prostaglandin and oxytocin and can help trigger contractions, is found in papaya leaves. Consuming ripe papaya won’t have any effect on inducing labor because the more the papaya ripens, the more papain is lost.

6. Castor Oil – One of the foods that prompt labor rapidly is castor oil which is directly extracted from the plant’s bean. Castor oil has been used by women for millennia to start labor.

7. Evening Primrose oil – Essential fatty acids, which are precursors to prostaglandins and help soften and get the cervix ready for labor, are found in evening primrose oil. At 37 to 38 weeks, you can start taking evening primrose oil. You can either insert one gelcap (500 mg) deep into your vagina at night, or you can take 500 mg orally once or twice a day.

8. Black Licorice – Due to the presence of the chemical glycyrrhizin in black licorice, prostaglandin synthesis can be stimulated. However, taking in too much of this can lead to moderate diarrhea, which results in mild bowel contractions. This causes the uterus to contract sympathetically, beginning labor.

9. Cumin tea – A traditional remedy for digestive tract problems is cumin. It eases bloating and aids in the onset of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it can be utilized to start labor. If you don’t like the flavor, add some sugar or honey to improve it.

Takeaway

When you’re at the end of your pregnancy, it is important to keep your doctor informed of your symptoms, and you should consider the most effective techniques to induce labor depending on your unique medical history and health history. 

You can contact Kanupriya Khanna for further guidance, who is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

Also Read: Pregnancy diet: foods to eat and avoid

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