The final stage of pregnancy often brings curiosity about how to encourage labor, particularly as the due date approaches. At 37 weeks, many expectant parents seek information on methods to initiate the birth process. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Any decision regarding labor induction must be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Understanding 37 Weeks: Medical Context and Safety
The 37-week mark represents an important threshold in pregnancy, but it is not the ideal end point. Medically, a pregnancy is classified as “Early Term” between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days of gestation, distinct from “Full Term,” which begins at 39 weeks 0 days.
While a baby born at 37 weeks is likely to survive, early term delivery is associated with measurable risks compared to birth at 39 weeks or later. Babies delivered early have higher rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They also face a greater risk of respiratory problems, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, and difficulty with feeding.
Elective induction before 39 weeks is discouraged due to these increased risks to the newborn. Although the baby’s major organs are formed, the final weeks in the womb are important for brain, lung, and liver maturation. Therefore, unless a medical condition like preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction necessitates an earlier delivery, waiting until at least 39 weeks is the safest approach for the baby’s health.
Natural Methods and Their Efficacy
Many methods are attempted to encourage labor, most of which are considered safe but lack strong scientific evidence of effectiveness. One of the most studied methods is nipple stimulation. The mechanism is based on the theory that stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin, the hormone responsible for causing uterine contractions during labor.
Studies suggest that while nipple stimulation causes a pulsatile release of oxytocin, it does not always lead to the sustained increase in the bloodstream needed to start labor. However, some research indicates that the method may lead to shorter labor phases once contractions have begun. This technique should be done with caution, as excessive stimulation carries a small risk of uterine hyperstimulation, where contractions become too frequent.
Sexual intercourse is another method. Semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds used in medical induction to help soften and ripen the cervix. Additionally, the physical act and the release of oxytocin from orgasm can stimulate uterine activity. However, high-quality research has produced mixed results, with some studies showing no significant difference in the timing of labor compared to women who abstain.
Physical activity is generally beneficial. The upright posture and movement can help the baby descend deeper into the pelvis, allowing the head to apply pressure to the cervix. Regular exercise in late pregnancy may improve the readiness of the cervix and reduce the need for medical induction later on.
Debunking Common Induction Myths
Castor oil is one method often cited, which acts as a powerful laxative. It is thought that the resulting intestinal spasms can irritate the uterus, causing it to contract.
However, the efficacy of castor oil remains controversial, with many studies showing no connection to labor induction, especially before 40 weeks. The primary side effects include nausea, vomiting, cramping, and significant dehydration from diarrhea. Dehydration can be dangerous for both the mother and baby, and the intense uterine contractions may lead to the baby passing their first stool, called meconium, before delivery.
Other methods, such as consuming spicy food, are based on anecdotal evidence. Spicy foods stimulate the digestive system, which is believed to indirectly affect the uterus, but there is no scientific basis to support this claim. Similarly, while acupuncture or acupressure performed by a licensed professional may show some potential, self-administering acupressure without guidance has no reliable data proving its effectiveness for labor induction.
What to Expect from a Clinical Induction
When induction is deemed medically necessary, such as for conditions like preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, or prolonged rupture of membranes, a healthcare provider will use clinical procedures chosen based on the readiness of the cervix.
The process often begins with cervical ripening to soften and thin the cervix, which can be accomplished using medications called prostaglandins, such as dinoprostone or misoprostol. Alternatively, mechanical methods, like inserting a balloon catheter into the cervix, can apply pressure to physically encourage dilation. These initial steps prepare the cervix for the next stage.
Once the cervix is favorable, a provider may perform an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes). This releases fluid and allows the baby’s head to press directly on the cervix, often intensifying contractions. The final step frequently involves administering synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, through an intravenous (IV) drip. This drug is carefully titrated to stimulate consistent and effective uterine contractions, managing the intensity and frequency to progress labor safely.