Nipple stimulation is the act of rubbing and massaging the nipples and breasts to help induce contractions and promote labor.
Every pregnant mother is expected to meet her baby in the 40th week of pregnancy but sometimes it seems that the little angel is not ready. You may be restless and anxious, but it's okay to have no signs of labor after the due date.
In such cases, doctors may try to induce or direct you to go into labor spontaneously or to stimulate uterine contractions to support labor. One such technique is nipple stimulation.
You can perform induction at home near the due date . Since the effectiveness of these techniques is only known through word of mouth, consult your doctor before trying. The result will also depend on the individual condition of each pregnant mother. In addition, stimulation of labor is only recommended in the absence of any high-risk pregnancy.
Nipple stimulation can help induce labor as long as you don't experience any complications during pregnancy . Oxytocin plays a key role in the initiation of labor by triggering uterine contractions. The nipple stimulation helps to release this hormone and promotes contractions to support the baby's movement to the vagina.
Here is some evidence that nipple stimulation helps induce labor, but only in low-risk or low-risk pregnancies:
In a randomized but controlled experiment in a state hospital in Turkey (2015), the periods of labor were shorter when the mother elected to stimulate the nipples. The average length of labor for a labor was 3.8 hours (first stage), 16 minutes (second stage) and 5 minutes (third stage). In addition, this method supports normal birth.
In a 2012 study of first and low-risk pregnant mothers, women at 38 weeks were advised to massage their breasts three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes. These women gave birth at 39.2 weeks gestation, earlier when compared with the non-massage group. In addition, the risk of pregnant women having a cesarean section is also significantly reduced.
16 healthy pregnant women between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation were asked to test for breast stimulation for three days, one day and one hour. The concentration of oxytocin in powdered water of these pregnant women was examined. On day three, oxytocin levels rose and six women began to show signs of labor.
Nipple stimulation simulates breastfeeding and causes nipple sensory cells to stimulate the brain to release oxytocin by rubbing or rubbing, thereby creating uterine contractions.
To do this, you can refer to the following suggestions:
Choose a method: You can either stimulate your nipples manually or use a breast pump
Isola massage: Hold the nipple between your thumb and index finger, and gently massage the area. You can focus on massaging the areola (the darker area around the nipples). In the nipple, there are stimulating nerve endings that help release hormones.
Perform with the other breasts: Pregnant mothers should spend about 15 minutes massage for each breast and then wait 2 - 4 minutes before switching sides. Continue to stimulate nipples and breasts for 1 hour and repeat 3 times / day.
Exercise caution: Remember that your initial goal is to induce labor, but don't expect strong contractions. If contractions appear, pause the massage and wait until the sensation stops to measure the time. Continue the stimulation until the contractions last for more than a minute and each other for three minutes.
If your mother's nipples feel sore or slightly swollen, apply coconut oil to help ease the discomfort.
In addition to self-stimulating nipples to stimulate labor, there are other natural methods of inducing labor for pregnant women, such as:
Walking, especially long walks, can stimulate the body to release oxytocin and motivate the baby to move down the pelvis. However, do not go for a brisk walk as it will quickly tire your body out.
It is believed that the use of castor oil by pregnant mothers can stimulate uterine contractions. However, this oil sometimes leads to diarrhea due to its natural laxative properties.
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which stimulates labor by softening the cervix. Other tropical fruits including papaya, mango and kiwi have similar effects.
Acupuncture can stimulate the body to release oxytocin that promotes labor attacks, reducing the discomfort and pain associated with labor.
Taking a warm bath or taking a bath may stimulate uterine contractions. This action positively affects the emotions of pregnant women by helping to relax, eliminating fears and worries about the birth process. On the other hand, make sure the water is warm enough but not too hot.
In the early stages of labor, contractions will be dull with a little discomfort. When you try any of the above methods, watch for contractions and try to accurately record the time.
Ideally, contractions should last about 40 to 60 seconds and repeat 3-5 times in 10 minutes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the hospital to have them checked:
Phenomenon remove mucus button cervix
Contractions are stronger and last longer
Feel the baby is moving down to the pelvic area.
As the day of birth approaches, you may feel anxiety, exhaustion, and an eagerness to see your baby. Even so, pregnant mothers should still consult a doctor instead of voluntarily stimulating labor.
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