8 tips to get birth started

In the final stages of pregnancy, it can feel like time is flying by and the desire for baby to arrive is immense, so it's perhaps not surprising that there is a plethora of housewife tips to get you through labour (despite the fact that they all lack scientific evidence). But surely it doesn't hurt to try? Here are eight oldwives tips to try to get your labour started!

1. Raspberry tea

There's a saying that raspberry leaf tea can lower stress levels and relax the uterus in preparation for childbirth. It is also said to relieve nausea, make contractions more intense when they start and ease postpartum pain.

2. Walks

Walking is said to help the uterus start to contract and thus get the contractions going. However, the uterine tap should be mature for it to actually work!

3. Climbing stairs

Like walking, climbing stairs can help the uterus contract as a result of getting your body and breathing moving. However, be careful with walking up and down stairs if you are experiencing contractions!

4. Have sex

There are theories that sexual intercourse at the end of pregnancy will help get the labour pains going. The theory is based on two things, the first being that during sex, and particularly when a woman has an orgasm, oxytocin is released into the body which can increase contractions and at the same time help relaxation. The second is that prostaglandin, a substance found in sperm, can help to soften the uterine lining.

5. Stimulate the nipples

Stimulating the nipples releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract, which in turn can stimulate contractions. It may be worth trying this while resting for maximum effect!

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is widely used in Chinese medicine and involves placing thin needles on specific points across the body. By placing needles on the points that are said to stimulate the uterus and uterine tap, it is believed to influence the onset of labour.

7. Birth potion

The mythical birth potion is said to induce labour. However, it should be added that castor oil can also be used as a laxative and thus cause less amusing side effects. In other words: don't overdose!

Recipe for the birth potion:

about 1 dl of sparkling wine

1 tbsp almond flour

20 ml castor oil

1.5 dl apricot puree (squeezed or mixed apricots)

8. Rest

Rest is essential for childbirth. When you rest, relax and take deeper breaths, oxytocin is released into the body, which as mentioned earlier is the hormone that also helps to start and drive labour. There are other activities that help release oxytocin, including massage, yoga, bathing, intimacy and touch. Why not try them all?