What will help my cervix ripen

Nipple stimulation might also help , as it releases the hormone oxytocin which can help stimulate contractions. Other methods include castor and evening primrose oils , as well as mechanical inductions and membrane sweeps , but they come with a list of warnings ranging from diarrhea to premature rupture of the membranes to the need for further methods of induction. And do you really need to add something to your plate?

Acupressure might also bring you results in the contraction department. Certain drinks like raspberry leaf tea , and even oral sex , are said to help encourage labor contractions. Of course, conventional methods of induction, like Pitocin or Cervidil , which help your cervix to open, are available, too. I know being touched and sex may sound like the worst thing ever at the end of your pregnancy, but you never know — it could just help you go into labor sooner.

It's important to remember though, that when it comes to the actual medical information surrounding induction, the American Family Physician noted that while there are plenty of natural methods such as herbs and sex to try, the only things that are actually efficient at ripening your cervix are "mechanical and surgical" modalities.

I know — those sound scary. But obviously those aren't things you'll be trying on your own, and are only used if your healthcare provider deems them medically necessary. I wonder why? So how does it soften your cervix exactly? Your pituitary gland, which also produces the hormone that stimulates breast milk production — prolactin — then produces and releases oxytocin, he explains. Massage is so effective, apparently, that Abdur-Rahman says he discourages pregnant women who are in the first trimester of pregnancy from getting massages.

So does this mean any kind of massage will do? Abdur-Rahman says there are certain places you can massage to soften your cervix.

Be sure to consult your doctor before ingesting this herb, however, because it could potentially have side effects for some women , noted Healthline. Raspberry leaf is great for uterine health in general, but it is also great for softening your cervix to prepare it for labor , reported an article in Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal. I was more scared of this damn balloon than any other part of labor for some reason. The cook catheter has two balloons — one that goes on top of the cervix, and one that goes beneath the cervix to soften it , reported an article in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research.

This is meant to release cervix-softening prostaglandins and start contractions. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in.