How to start labor - five tips

If you ask the midwife, she will probably say that there is no research that proves that we can do anything to start labor. And that's right! But we have HEARD, from friends, acquaintances of acquaintances and maybe an older relative. About childbirth drinks, sex positions and stair training. Of course we had to sort this out. Is there really anything that works? Together with our test panel consisting of pregnant women and those who have previously given birth, we have listed five tips - and a small warning. Here they are, with our completely unscientific ratings.

1. Sexy time
   Well, not everyone is super hungry at week 40+3 - but if you are, apart from being nice, a little oxytocin shower can help you relax and maybe trigger contractions. However, we cannot place any hope on the sperm themselves. The amount of prostaglandin that is said to help soften the cervix is ​​unfortunately vanishingly small. Those in our test panel who were hungry say that it was nice but that it didn't have much of an effect on the baby feeding front. But they are happy to continue testing.
   
   Effect: ++
   Enjoyment Factor: +++++
   
   
2. Strong food
   Mhm, you may have heard that. A curry with a twist from the Indian on the corner might get your stomach moving? Well, the bowels certainly start a race, but from what we've heard, it hasn't worked to get labor started. But if you're lucky, you might give birth with diarrhea? The test panel loves Indian and Thai, but they skip the really strong ones on the menu. "Damn what a heartburn" sounds a greeting.
   
   Effect: +
   Enjoyment factor: ++
   
   
3. Stimulate the nipples
   Of course it's free and it's completely harmless, but there's a small risk that you'll feel a little bit silly, greets the test panel. The idea is somewhat the same as with sex, that you should release the valuable oxytocin. Pinch and roll a quarter on each breast, three times a day. Try to time it so you don't have to do it during the teams meeting, and if you have to, maybe turn off the camera.
   
   Effect: +
   Enjoyment factor: +
   
   
4. Sip on something
   There are many recipes for childbirth drinks - you can find one of the more popular ones at Nina Campioni and it is actually said to be a standout, among those we spoke to. One of the test panel actually gave birth to her son the next day. The recipe is as follows:
   
   

   Recipe birth drink:

   A little champagne/sparkling approx. 1 dl
   1 tablespoon almond flour
   20 ml castor oil (see warning below...)
   1.5 dl apricot puree (e.g. that squeezed)

   Raspberry leaf tea is also something the panel has tried to pour into us - it is said to facilitate childbirth and provide a faster healing process afterwards. You can find real raspberry leaf tea at the health food store. It's not really disgusting, so it can't hurt to try, but preferably not before week 35. Start with a cup a day and increase.
   
   Effect: ++++ (the delivery drink) or + (raspberry leaf tea)
   Enjoyment Factor: +++
   

5. Stairmaster
   Can you still move? Cool for you! Then you can try taking the stairs. It's an old tried and true trick and did the trick for one in our test panel who gave birth less than a day after cutting a few floors up and down the stairwell. Others don't notice more than a brutal workout soreness the next day. And maybe it can be smart to conserve energy, so don't spend too much.
   
   Effect: +++
   Enjoyment factor: ++
   
   
6. Stop my body: Castor oil
   Okay, castor oil may be an important ingredient in the birthing drink, but it might be good to know that it can irritate the intestines and cause stomach-like symptoms. Not fun, neither at home nor in the delivery room. So be careful not to overdose the amount. Over and out.