Do Herbs Induce Labor?

Do herbs induce labor?  Since the time of medieval midwives, these women knew certain herbs are beneficial during pregnancy. In reality, most herbs used during pregnancy actually tone or help prepare the uterus for birth rather than actually starting labor.

Use caution when trying any of herbs to induce  labor, particularly herbs. Many people do not realize the dangers in herbs. Think about where most medicines originated, from plants. Many are now synthetically manufactured, but the chemical formulas they used as building blocks came from plants.

Not all herbs are bad or good, and some are harmful in high doses but safe in lower doses. And there's the rub. The FDA does not regulate the herbal industry, so the same herb from two different companies may differ greatly. Also, there may be other chemicals and/or preservatives present depending upon each manufacturers process. I recommend using organic herbs where possible or from a reputable store.

As always, don't attempt any of these methods until you are past 40 weeks and have discussed them with your care practitioner.

BLACK COHOSH

Using black cohosh to induce labor may regulate the contractions to make them more effective. It comes in a tincture form. You can purchase it water-based or alcohol-based. Do not take the capsule form.  Unfortunately, no studies have determined that herbs induce labor, are safe, or whether all versions of the herb  are of equal potency.

Black cohosh is contraindicated if you have any of the following conditions: anemia or any blood clotting disorder. Black cohosh has been shown to cause blood thinning which can lead to excessive blood loss during delivery.

BLUE COHOSH

The blue cohosh is similar to the black although its primary function is to strengthen uterine contractions.

A protocol for use is as follows:

• Take 10-15 tinctures of the blue every hour. 
• Then take 5-10 of the black cohosh every half and hour. 
• Do this until labor starts, or for one full day. 
• Take a rest the next day and try again on the third day.

Whether or not herbs induce labor, there are other alternatives to prepare the uterus. A widely used choice is red raspberry leaf tea.

It is a uterine tonic used by Native Americans and midwives for thousands of years. It tones your uterus. Think of its job as helping your uterus do more effective exercising while you are pregnant. It does not start contractions and can be safely used throughout pregnancy.

After delivery, it helps the uterus shrink back to normal size more quickly and reduces bleeding.

I guess the bottom line is that if you are going to use herbs, use them cautiously. And remember, if your cervix is not ready these herbs will not help you go into labor. If it is ripe, the best thing to do is be patient. I know it's harder than it sounds.

References

Smith CA. Homoeopathy for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003399. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003399.

McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16. 

Belew C. Herbs and the childbearing woman. Guidelines for midwives. J Nurse Midwifery 1999; 44:231-52.