How to Speed Up Labor Contractions

Contractions are often weak and irregular at the beginning stage known as early labor. Irregular contractions can result in a longer labor, with early labor sometimes lasting several days. The dangers of being in labor for an extended period of time include dehydration and physical exhaustion, which can affect the health of the unborn baby. Sometimes, medication may be needed to help regulate contractions and speed up labor. If you desire a drug-free birth, there are a few techniques you can try to get your contractions up to speed naturally.

Things You'll Need

• Red raspberry leaf tea

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Instructions

• 1

  Walk around. Walking allows your body to work with gravity to get the baby in the proper birthing position. The downward pressure on the cervix can induce stronger, more regular contractions. Do not walk if it is painful or very uncomfortable to do so, and rest regularly to avoid getting exhausted.

• 2

  Drink a cup or two of red raspberry leaf tea. Red raspberry leaf tea tones the uterine and pelvic muscles, making contractions stronger and more efficient. It works best if you start drinking it when you are 34 weeks gestation, but you can drink it during labor as well. It will also help keep you hydrated.

• 3

  Empty your bladder often, especially if you are drinking a lot of water or are hooked up to intravenous fluids. A full bladder can block the descent of the baby's head. Contractions generally get stronger and faster once the baby's head is pressing against the cervix.

• 4

  Practice techniques that help you relieve stress, such as massage or aromatherapy. Severe stress can cause emotional dystocia. In emotional dystocia, circulations of the uterus is reduced, causing irregular and inefficient contractions.