Pineapple To Induce Labor: Is It Safe And Effective?
If labor does not start right away when you are already in your 37th week of pregnancy, you have the option to bring on labor and accelerate things a bit.
You have to understand that you will deliver when your baby is ready, but there are signs that tell you that you are ready to deliver. Also, there are ways that bring on or induce labor and delivery, especially if it stops progressing.
Once you notice and experience the initial signs of labor, you can speak with your health care provider and ask for your options when it comes to speeding things up. Your doctor can advise you the best, the safest and the most effective methods for inducing labor and delivery.
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How Does Pineapple Induce Labor And Delivery?
One way to induce labor is through eating pineapple. Pineapple is noted to contain a certain kind of proteolytic enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme helps soften the cervix and induce labor and uterine contractions.
Along with other tropical fruits like papaya, kiwi, and mango that contain bromelain, pineapple offers other health benefits. This fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for the digestive system.
It is important to note, however, that you should only choose fresh pineapples as they contain the ample amounts of bromelain. Canned pineapple may have fewer of these enzymes because the canning process destroys it.
Are There Any Risks Involved In Eating Pineapple To Induce Labor?
While eating pineapple to induce labor is a common practice, it is important to remember that eating excessive amounts of this fruit can cause heartburn.
Also, this fruit contains vitamin C and other digestive enzymes that can trigger diarrhea, especially when taken excessively. For pregnant women who are suffering from gestational diabetes, eating pineapple should be avoided, as it contains high amounts of sugar.
There are also reports about increased risk of miscarriage after eating unripe pineapples. Pregnant women should avoid eating unripe pineapples.
Since there are precautions you need to consider when eating pineapple to induce labor, it is important to consult your health care provider and eat the fruit in moderation.
How To Make Homemade Pineapple Smoothie To Induce Labor?
If you want to try and induce labor through consuming pineapple, you have the option to eat the fresh fruits or make your fruit smoothie at home.
To create your pineapple smoothie, you have to a cup of chopped mangoes, a cup of fresh pineapples, a cup of orange juice, a half cup of yogurt and ice.
Using a blender, you can blend the pineapple, mangoes, yogurt and juice. Once the ingredients are thoroughly blended, you can add some ice and blend it again until you can reach the desired consistency.
You have the option to add in bananas and other fruits to make your smoothie more nutritious.
What Are The Alternative Ways To Induce Labor?
Aside from consuming pineapple to induce labor, there are other ways that you can try to bring on labor early and accelerate things a bit.
- Take a Warm Bath. When you take a warm bath, you are helping your body relax. Also, this can induce labor. You should, however, keep the water from becoming too hot as this will be felt by your baby. You can even add in a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to enhance relaxation.
- Consider Acupressure. Acupressure is quite similar to acupuncture, as this promotes healing. This technique works on the principle that the pressure points where energy flows. If done properly and the pressure is applied on specific pressure points in the body, labor can be induced.
- Do Nipple Stimulation. This technique is one of the most effective ways to induce labor and enhance uterine contractions. You can do this on your own through rolling your nipples using your forefinger and thumb for several minutes. If contractions are felt, you have to stop stimulating your nipples and wait for the contractions to stop before doing the process again.
- Sexual Intercourse. Sexual intercourse with your partner is one way to induce labor, as prostaglandins are released during the process. However, if your bag of water has already leaked or broken, you should avoid any sexual contact with your partner to reduce the risk of infection to your unborn child.
- Use a Birth Ball. Using a large and bouncy ball called the birth ball can also induce labor. You simply have to sit on the ball with your legs spread apart then bounce on the ball gentle to aid the baby in moving downwards.
- Do Walking Exercises. Light walking does induce labor. Labor and delivery are near when your baby begins applying pressure on the cervix. Walking for about 20 minutes up a steep hill is recommended.
- Take Supplements and Herbs to Induce Labor. Herbs and supplements also help induce labor. You can consume castor oil, raspberry leaf, or evening primrose oil capsules to speed labor and delivery.
Before taking steps to induce labor and delivery, always consider you and your baby’s safety. You should speak with your health care provider about your options.
Conclusion
Since labor and delivery only happen when your baby is ready or when you are near your due date, it is always best to consult your health care provider to determine the best and safest methods to use to induce labor, whether you are consuming pineapple or stimulating your nipples.
Also, you have to note that you should not try consuming excessive amounts of pineapple or doing the other ways to induce labor if you are still on your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy, as you can experience premature uterine contractions and deliver your baby prematurely.
