thread: Suggestions for softening cervix....

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2004
    5,756

    Sorry, but i don't understand why they can't induce if your cervix is hard? I was induced via gels with my DD and my cervix was hard and closed.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    May 2004
    1,451

    I have heard of using Evening Primrose Oil too. Ihope it works for you. Good luck.

  3. #3
    angelickaren Guest

    hi i have been induced twice and im due to be induced tomorrow as well and both of mine i had gels the night before at 8pm and then again at 6am waters broken and thats when my labour really started gels just ripened my cervix and opened it a little for them to break my waters what about also having the drip that can help too i guess your ob has thought about it but i know you would be upset due to your hubby being away but if you cat be induced next week would you consider having a c/section? is this your first pregnancy my ob said if not your first bubs they sometimes dont engage till in labour i hope all goes well for you

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    Perth
    1,454

    Tegan I am with you in that I don't understand why I cannot be induced either as I had also heard that that is what the gel is there for.

    My Ob has said that the way he induces is by first breaking the waters and also having the drip attached, he rarely uses the gel. Maybe that is why he isn't? I might ring him and ask but I don't want to seem pushy....

    As for c/s I would prefer not to do that but if necessary so be it. Ob has said we will wait till my due date and then reassess. DH has also said he would prefer for me not to have a c/s if possible too.

    Might have to go out and buy some evening primrose oil tablets!

  5. #5
    goldilocks Guest

    Hi Gabysmum!

    Congrats on meeting your precious bundle soon

    Here are some ideas for natural induction I found on the Birthrites website:

    Evening Primrose Oil capsules; 2-3 capsules high in the vagina, repeat 2-3x 24hr intervals. Evening Primrose Oil acts as a prostaglandin, which ripens or softens the cervix. It's also useful for softening scar tissue from abortions or IUD damage. This will soften/ripen the cervical tissues and increase the flexibility of the pelvic ligaments. This will help the baby to deeply engage in the pelvis. This early application of the baby's head will assist with dilation and should result in a relatively easy birth, even after multiple C-sections for "stalled" labor.

    You can take evening primrose oil, orally, in the last four weeks of your pregnancy. You should take three evening primrose oil capsules daily for the first week (36th week of gestation) and then one to two capsules a day for the last three weeks of pregnancy.

    Blue cohosh
    (may cause irritability in uterus, non-labour contractions; better to use to enhance labour rather than induce. Try making your own tincture. Less "violent" than castor oil.)
    Blue and Black Cohosh Tinctures, 5-10 drops each, in cup of water or tea, 1-2 times everyday, after 37 weeks.

    Castor oil (same as above, also ends constipation/induces runs, but can be very effective with stripping) Serve in orange juice, root beer float or other drink; 1-4 Tbsp in drink (in 2 doses). The problem I've heard of with castor oil (besides making you miserable and not always working) is that it can cause the baby to pass meconium in the uterus because the castor oil causes a relaxation of sphincters.

    Ginger beer Put 2 oz. Castor oil in 4oz. Of ginger beer, place your hand over top of the glass tightly, shake it up, and immediately chug it down (remember doing "slammers" in our young and foolish days in college???). If no labour within 4 hours, may repeat x1. The Gingerbeer "fizz" suspends the oil, so when you chug it down you don't notice the "gloppy" taste of the oil.

    Sex, nipple stimulation - with breast pump or manually
    Don't get up straight after sex, lie there and relax, maybe raise hips to help bathe the cervix in semen.

    Tincture of Motherwort - 5 to 10 drops

    Enemas
    Gentler than Castor Oil, but should have the same effect of stimulating the intestines, and therby the uterus. Also good for rehydration and considered less invasive than an IV drip, but as effective.

    Membrane stripping
    The attendant separates the bag of waters from the cervix by running her finger around the internal space between the cervix and the membranes. You do a "good one" if you're going to do one at all. Must be good indications and mom must have been given informed consent. Never do it preterm, with a feverish mom, or if any suspicion of low lying placenta or previa....

    Cervical massage
    2 o'clock spot on cervix, rub for as long as 30 min. slowly and gently

    Caulophyllum 200
    1 tab 1/4 hourly for 1 hour then 1 tab hourly for another 4 hours.

    Acupressure Points
    Pressure on the space between the thumb and forefinger, 4 finger widths above the inner ankle bone.

    Sorry for the mammoth post but hopefully something will help!!!

    Love
    Goldilocks
    -xxxooo-