Labor sometimes starts with amniotic fluid gushing or leaking from the vagina. Contractions may happen more often and get stronger as labor progresses. Contractions (uterine muscle spasms) occurring at intervals of less than 10 minutes are often a sign that labor has started. A small amount of mucus slightly mixed with blood may come out of the vagina.Ĭontractions. Some common signs of labor are:īloody show. Signs of labor vary from woman to woman because each woman has a slightly different labor. But no one knows exactly what triggers the start of labor. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. This causes the fetus to move through the birth canal. It will help your muscles relax and make your mind calmer too, and for that, it’s a great thing to try while pregnant.Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). Before you even think about taking a spoonful (assuming the vile smell doesn’t put you off entirely first), please consult your doctor.Ī warm bath won’t induce labor, but it will induce good and happy feelings in you.
Castor oil tastes disgusting and has conflicting studies about its effectiveness. I mentioned it in my other post, but it’s worth repeating. Some of you have asked me about castor oil and a hot bath to induce labor.
It’s not the sole factor in telling your body it’s time to get that baby outta there. Think about how many times oxytocin is released during your pregnancy through other activities. It will also release oxytocin, but there’s no guarantee that release will kick you into the land of contractions. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water to keep your core temperature from rising above 102.2☏.Īll in all, taking a warm (not hot!) bath is soothing and will release stress. Will that help with labor induction? Nope! But it is safe to do as long as you mind the temperature. Let’s say you’re not dilated, but you want to use Epsom salts. Which won’t induce labor, but it will feel so good!ĭoes an Epsom salt bath help induce labor? So if your last checkup reveals you’re starting to dilate, do not take a bath! You won’t know this until your checkups that come weekly at the end of your pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association cautions you not to take a bath at all if you are dilated. That’s why a safer way to soak is in a bathtub filled with warm water though there are some stipulations. So even if you have your private hot tub, sitting in water that’s too hot is a bad idea. That alone is reason enough! However, there’s more to it, namely the temperature of the water. One reason for skipping the hot tub is that it can breed lots of germs. There are many reasons to avoid it, though you can safely stick just your feet in there and let them be soothed. Your doctor likely told you in the first trimester not to get into a hot tub. There is something you should definitely avoid, though… So, a warm bath is just excellent for relaxing, but don’t expect it to make you go into labor. If it would induce labor at any point, they’d tell you to avoid it altogether. Often, doctors will tell you that taking a bath is a lovely idea while you’re pregnant. This lack of evidence should tell you everything you need to know. Ditto for taking a hot shower to induce labor. I can’t find a shred of documented evidence where taking a warm bath to induce labor is effective at all. While I advise you to wait it out if you are earlier than 37 weeks along or even in the 28th or 39th weeks, you may find comfort in a warm bath. On that list, I’ve included a warm bath to induce labor, but is it for real? Can it help you kick labor in during the last weeks? Preferences!Īnyway, I have a whole post devoted to natural ways to induce labor. What I find soothing and comfortable, my daughters scream that I’m trying to boil them alive if I fill their tub with water of the same temperature.
Actually, it’s more of a warm to hot temperature. I don’t know about you, but I love taking a nice hot bath to relax.