Efforts to speed up the delivery process need to be carried out when pregnant women have not yet given birth even though estimated day of birth it's been 2 weeks. If left, this conditioncan cause labor takes longer and increases the risk happening Fetal health problems.
In addition to pregnancies that have passed the predicted time, speeding up the labor process or induction of labor also needs to be done if the pregnant woman experiences ruptured membranes but has not followed other signs of labor, the placenta is no longer functioning, or suffers from conditions that can harm the fetus.
Speeding up the labor process can be done naturally at home or through medical procedures. To find out how, see the following explanation.
Natural Ways to Speed Up Labor
The calculation of the estimated day of birth is not always accurate, because every pregnant woman can give birth at a different time. However, if the pregnant woman has not given birth at the predicted time, especially if it has passed several weeks from the estimated time of birth, then this needs to be watched out for.
Although its effectiveness is still questionable, the following methods should be considered for pregnant women to speed up the delivery process:
1. Bhave sex
One way that is believed to be able to speed up the labor process is to have sex. Several studies have shown that having sex at 36 weeks of gestation can reduce the risk of delayed delivery. This is because the prostaglandins contained in sperm are believed to trigger contractions.
So, make sure your husband ejaculates in the vagina when pregnant women try it later, okay? In addition, choose sexual positions that do not endanger pregnancy, such as women on top, doggy style, or a standing position if possible.
2. Stimulate the nipples
Given that sex is not always possible, pregnant women can speed up the delivery process in another and simpler way, namely by stimulating the nipples.
Touching or gently rubbing the nipples can make pregnant women's bodies produce a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone then plays a role in triggering contractions, so labor can begin immediately.
Although it is easy to apply, pregnant women still have to be careful. If the stimulation given is too excessive, it is very likely that the contractions that occur will be very strong and actually endanger the baby at birth. It's best to discuss it with your doctor before doing it.
3. Exercising
A number of studies have shown that regular exercise during pregnancy not only prevents pregnant women and the fetus from various diseases, but can also facilitate and speed up the delivery process.
Some types of sports that pregnant women can choose are leisure walks, pregnancy exercises, squats, Kegel exercises, yoga, or Pilates. Avoid sports that require pregnant women to jump, such as jumping rope, because they can have a negative impact on pregnancy.
4. Massage
Old pregnancy and there are no signs of labor can certainly make pregnant women frustrated. But to overcome this, try to do a massage. Massage for pregnant women can help reduce anxiety, pain, and relax the body. In addition, massage can also help stimulate labor.
Massage at certain acupressure points, such as the soles of the feet, calves, palms, heels, and pelvis, is believed to help speed up labor.
Speeding up the birth process with natural ways above is indeed easy to do. However, considering its safety and effectiveness are still not known with certainty, then before trying it, you should first consult a gynecologist.
Medical Treatment to Speed Up Childbirth
Medical treatment is the most effective and safe way to induce labour. Some actions to speed up the labor process are:
Use of drugs
One type of drug to speed up labor is the hormone oxytocin. As previously explained, oxytocin is a hormone that can trigger or strengthen contractions to initiate labor. This drug is generally given in the form of an injection.
In addition to oxytocin, doctors can also give drugs that contain the hormone prostaglandin. Its function is to dilate the cervix and trigger contractions. This drug is used by inserting it directly into the vagina.
Amniotic sac rupture
This medical procedure is also known as an amniotomy. When the gestational age has passed the schedule and there are no visible signs of labor, the doctor or midwife will usually perform a rupture of the amniotic sac.
The goal is to stimulate labor contractions, so that the birth canal can begin to open and labor can begin immediately.
Mechanical dilation
Mechanical dilation is done by inserting a thin tube into the vagina. After the tube is successfully inserted, the doctor will run water into the tube to inflate the balloon at the end. This action can make the cervix dilate.
The effects of labor induction can usually be felt within a few hours or days after the medical procedure is performed. If all methods have been tried but labor has not occurred, the doctor may perform a cesarean section.
Going through a long labor process is tiring and can be stressful. To overcome this, pregnant women can relax by asking their husbands for massages, practicing breathing techniques, or listening to their favorite songs.
Consult further with the obstetrician about what pregnant women can do so that labor can occur immediately. Taking action to speed up labor without adjusting it to health conditions actually risks causing disturbances, both for pregnant women or the fetus in the womb.