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Softening your cervix can play an important role in making childbirth easier. Your healthcare professional can assess your cervix and determine if cervical softening is necessary. As the cervix softens and opens, it allows the baby’s head to pass more easily through the birth canal. Methods such as exercise, dietary changes, medication, and medical procedures can help with this process.
Cervical Ripening: An Overview
Cervix softening for birth is often referred to as cervical ripening. It is the process of preparing the body for childbirth. The cervix is stiff and closed; however, cervical ripening helps in opening, thinning and softening so that the baby's head can pass through during vaginal delivery.Cervical ripening usually happens on its own, but hormone changes may cause the need for medicine. In some people, the cervix doesn't soften on its own. Therefore, healthcare professionals may induce it using different procedures and treatments. You may also practice some exercises at home to induce cervical ripening.
If labour induction is needed, cervical ripening can be very helpful. Induction may be recommended in the following situations:
- You're way past your due date
- You have health issues threatening the foetus' health
What Does it Mean to Soften the Cervix for Birth?
Softening the cervix means making the cervix thinner and shorter to prepare it for labour and delivery. Cervix softening helps to open and stretch the cervix to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.Cervix softening plays an essential role in successful vaginal birth. You need to connect with your healthcare professional if the cervix isn't ripening on its own.
How to know you need cervical softening?
The Bishop score is used by healthcare professionals to assess how ready your cervix is for labour. It looks at factors like cervix dilation, thinning, position, and the baby's position in the pelvis. The score ranges from 0 to 13, with higher scores indicating that your cervix is more prepared for birth.If your Bishop score is below 6, your cervix may not be ready, and you might need help softening it. If the score is above 8, your body is likely ready for labour, and your cervix has softened enough for birth. If you're naturally going into labour, further cervical ripening may not be necessary.
Difference between dilation and effacement
Dilation is when your cervix widens to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Effacement, on the other hand, is when the cervix shortens and thins out.Dilation is measured in centimetres, whereas effacement is measured in percentage. Effacement helps the body prepare for dilation, whereas effacement ensures that the opening is wide enough for the child to pass through the birth canal.
Tips for Softening Your Cervix for Birth
From medicines to procedures, exercises and natural methods, everything can help in softening the cervix. You also need to be conscious of your dietary choices. Below are some of the significant tips to follow for softening your cervix for birth:Medicines to soften the cervix for birth
Cervix softening can be done with synthetic prostaglandins recommended by your healthcare professional. The prostaglandins help cause contractions. Some of the common types of treatments to soften the cervix for birth are as follows:- Gel: The healthcare professional applies gel on the catheter and inserts it into your cervix. The recommended dosage is usually thrice in 24 hours.
- Pill: The pill is administered orally to soften the cervix.
- Suppository: Depending on your health condition, your healthcare professional may insert a suppository into your vagina, where it dissolves.
- Insert: The insert is a tampon-like device which, when inserted into the vagina, expands and releases the medicine. It is recommended to keep the device inserted for about 12 hours or until labour is induced.
Procedures to soften the cervix for birth
The healthcare professional may adopt different procedures if the cervix isn't softened naturally. These are done to induce labour and prepare the body for childbirth. Below are the top methods a healthcare professional may use to soften the cervix for birth:- Amniotomy: In this method, the healthcare professional may rupture the membrane of the amniotic sac using small hooks. The artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) may help release prostaglandins.
- Membrane stripping: In membrane stripping, the healthcare professional passes a gloved finger on the membranes that contain an amniotic sac to the uterus. This induces the body to release prostaglandin, which helps soften the cervix and causes contractions.
- Mechanical: The mechanical procedure involves using a balloon catheter. A small tube with a balloon at the tip is inserted into the cervix. The balloon is filled with saline to expand, helping to ripen and widen the cervix.
Natural methods to soften the cervix for birth
If you are considering natural ways to help soften your cervix as your due date approaches, it’s important to first consult with your healthcare professional. They can guide you on safe and effective methods to prepare your body for childbirth. Some natural methods include:- Walk: Walking is a simple yet effective way to help soften the cervix and encourage the baby to pass through the cervix.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated helps maintain amniotic fluid levels and supports cervix softening.
- Warm baths: In the later stages of pregnancy, taking warm (but not too hot) baths can help relax the muscles and soften the cervix.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help soften the cervix and induce labour, potentially shortening the time between labour and delivery. Clary sage oil, used in aromatherapy, can also encourage labour. Additionally, acupressure on the LI4 point can help soften the cervix and induce labour.
- Herbal supplements: Herbal supplements, such as raspberry leaf tea, are sometimes used to help prepare your body for labour and may support cervical softening. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare professional before using any herbal supplements to ensure they are safe for you and your pregnancy.
- Nipple stimulation: Oral, manual and mechanical ways of nipple stimulation can be helpful. You can either ask your partner or do it by yourself. The gentle release of oxytocin due to nipple stimulation helps in easing contractions for many people.
- Birthing ball: Using a birthing ball can be a helpful and relaxing method to support your labour. Gentle movements, such as rocking and rotating your hips, may help soften your cervix and open your pelvis.
- Chiropractic care: Reaching out to a chiropractor can help ease lower back pain and other musculoskeletal symptoms you may experience during pregnancy. It can also assist in softening the cervix and aligning the baby for a smoother delivery.
- Parallel your feet: Aligning your feet parallel to each other can help open up the pelvic area and create more space in your lower back. This position may support a smoother labour and delivery by allowing more room for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
- Enemas: An enema may be helpful in cervical softening, but there's no scientific information to support it. An enema can support bowel movement, which may produce prostaglandin, which can help prepare the cervix for labour.
- Have intercourse: Sexual intercourse may help soften the cervix due to oxytocin release during orgasm. Semen also contains prostaglandins, which can encourage cervical ripening.
- Relax: Stress and tension can delay labour and prevent the cervix from softening for childbirth. Relaxing and not taking any stress can be crucial towards the end of pregnancy. It releases all tensions and worries, preparing your body for childbirth. Even if your labour hasn't started yet, relaxing can be extremely helpful, especially to help you stay calm.
What foods soften your cervix for birth?
Choosing the right food during pregnancy can play an important role in softening your cervix for birth. Every food has different types of effects on your body, so make sure to consume it accordingly. It is advisable to consult your healthcare expert before making any choice:- Castor Oil: Castor oil can improve bowel movements and stimulate uterine contractions. However, due to its laxative properties, it is important to monitor its consumption. When you are 40-41 weeks pregnant, it is recommended not to consume more than 60 ml of castor oil, as higher amounts can cause severe reactions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and cramping.
- Pineapples: Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which can trigger labour. Rich in the enzyme bromelain, pineapples help ripen the cervix and stimulate contractions. It’s best to consume one cup of pineapple every day.
- Red Raspberry leaf tea: Red raspberry leaf tea can be consumed either hot or ice-cold to induce labour. It boosts blood flow across the uterus, which triggers contractions. While the recommended serving is 1-3 cups per day, it is best to consult your healthcare professional before making any choice.
- Dates: Dates have fatty acids which produce prostaglandins. Apart from softening the cervix, it can maintain various body functions like uterine contractions, pain, and inflammation. Dates are rich in antioxidants and fibre.
- Evening primrose oil: Evening primrose oil is the source of omega-6 fatty acids known as gamma-linolenic acid, which boosts prostaglandin production in the body. You can consume evening primrose oil to soften the cervix. The recommended dosage is between 500 to 2000 milligrams, but do so as per the advice of your healthcare expert.
- Spicy food: Spicy foods may stimulate digestion and trigger mild contractions, but evidence is anecdotal. Avoid excessive amounts if you have heartburn.
Exercises to Soften Your Cervix for Birth
Exercises to soften your cervix can also help bring the baby into the correct position. It aligns your body, making it easier for you to give birth. Below are some of the top exercises for softening your cervix:Pelvic tilts
Butterfly pose
Lunges
If you are looking to induce labour naturally, it’s helpful to focus on cervical softening. Your healthcare professional can guide you through the process. It’s also important to regularly monitor your health and lifestyle to ensure no significant issues arise.
Keeping a check on your diet is also crucial to avoid any potential issues. Before making any dietary changes, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for your pregnancy.
FAQs on Tips to Soften Your Cervix for Birth
- What exercise can help to soften your cervix naturally?
Lunges, butterfly pose, and pelvic tilts can help loosen your joints and align the baby for birth. Gently rocking your pelvis while on all fours or standing may also be beneficial. Additionally, it’s best to walk every day to support your body's preparation for labour. - What should you drink to soften your cervix?
Black and blue cohosh and raspberry leaf tea can help to soften your cervix. Apart from this, you may consume dates and pineapples to soften the cervix for birth. But before bringing any dietary changes, it’s advised to consult your healthcare professional.
