The hormones of labour

A mama labouring in hospital

Although you would like to think (or hope) that you started labour all on your own by walking, eating all the spicy foods, bouncing on the birth ball, having sex and drinking raspberry leaf tea, but it might not be the case. Don’t get me wrong those things definitely help, but its really certain hormones that are released by certain areas of our body and baby’s brain that truly get things going. I’ll do my best the break down the labour hormones, what they do, where they come from, and how we can all help them along (mama and her support team).

Relaxin: This is a good one to start with as it is present throughout your pregnancy and tends to be released from the placenta slowly, which is a good thing because it helps to loosen joints especially in the hips but also softens the ligaments of mama’s entire body. As pregnancy draws to an end relaxin is pumped up again by the placenta to help the mama’s pelvis relax and open up during labour as well as softens the bones of baby in order to make that way through the birth path a tad easier on both baby and mama. It also is responsible for making skin around the vagina and perineum stretchy for the second stage of labour or delivery. Although you may not notice the changes in your flexibility in late pregnancy, trust that it is happening. If you’re looking to increase and encourage the production of relaxin, please check with your care provider first, but here’s a few things to try:

• Prenatal Yoga and gentle stretching. Everyday would be ideal, even for 5 -10 min especially in the last month of pregnancy.

• Squatting or yogic squat (with a couple of yoga blocks under your bottom for safety). Do 5-10 and try and hold them for 3-5 deep and relaxing breaths.

• Men’s semen actually contains relaxin, therefore sex can help prime the body for labour (unless your water is broken, then avoid this tip please).

Prostaglandins: this hormone is produced by the uterus and most notably the amniotic sac. Its job is to thin the cervix and prepare it for dilation. It may have a hand in the initial dilation in early labour or prelabour especially for experienced mamas. It can also cause uterine contractions as you near the end of your pregnancy. Prostaglandins do not play a huge role as you move into active labour, but definitely is a main contributor in early or prelabour as it can really help to establish labour. A synthetic prostaglandin gel known as cervidil is commonly used to induce women who are past their due date. It seems to be the preferred method of induction here in Nova Scotia as it is a slow release hormone directly placed into the vagina (like a tampon) and it allows the mama to go home and relax and get cozy while waiting for labour to start. However, if you’re healthy and nearing your due date there are some natural ways to get those prostaglandins flowing:

• Spicy foods (here’s where this comes into play) may help release prostaglandins as the spices are thought to irritate the digestive tract causing a disruption and potentially triggering the amniotic sac to produce prostaglandins.

• If spicy foods aren’t your thing, then fresh pineapple seems to have the same effect and its hydrating too.

• Walking puts pressure on the uterus making the production of prostaglandins possible.

• Yoga postures like puppy posture or a modified dolphin posture (where your knees are elevated on a couch and your elbows are resting on the floor) has a similar affect as walking as you’re gravity to aggravate the uterus. And bonus postures also help baby into an optimal birthing position.

• Again men’s semen contains large amounts of prostaglandins so sex might be worth a try.

Oxytocin: this is the number 1 hormone of labour and star of the show really. It is released from mama’s brain during her whole pregnancy really, but it starts flooding the system when baby’s brain is finished developing and sends a message to mama’s brain letting her know its go time. So its true when they say that baby’s run the show because they really do when it comes to getting labour going. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for stimulating and maintaining contractions throughout labour. As you are nearing the second stage (or pushing phase) of labour, a large amount is released triggering that urge to bear down reflex. It is also released during skin to skin time and while breastfeeding, which in turn helps speed the recovery process. Oxytocin is known as the love hormone and as long as you’ve cleared with your health care provider here’s a few ways to get it flowing and hopefully that will all coincide with baby’s brain development:

• Get cozy and lovey with your partner and/or with your older children. Cuddle parties afoot!

• Watch a feel- good movie or read a positive article.

• Use birth affirmations as well as general affirmations for life.

• Make sure you feel supported and love especially during early labour.

• Having sex and orgasm can produce oxytocin.

• Dim lights will produce melatonin, which makes the release of oxytocin much easier.

• Nipple stimulation or even a little hand expression of the breasts will help produce oxytocin.

Endorphins: you’re probably thinking ‘what? the fight, flight or freeze hormone - that doesn’t make sense’. I hear you friend, but when you produce the endorphins especially with oxytocin your body can endure more discomfort. I’m not saying you won’t feel it, but your mind lets you know that you’ve got this and that you’re strong enough to endure this temporarily. In the later stages of labour especially during transition and pushing you’ll have the energy (maybe even a boost of it during the pushing phase) to birth your child. Again if you’ve gotten the all clear from your doctor, try these ideas:

• Tickling or getting the chills can help create endorphins.

• Sex really gets the endorphins going and pair that with an orgasm - you’re golden.

• Watch a funny movie and comedy special - laughter produces endorphins.

• Exercise like a brisk walk may do the trick.

• Acupressure points and releases.

• Prenatal massage and one specifically for inducing labour.

Hormones are so important in late pregnancy and labour for both mama and baby. When all the hormones are working together, labour can advance at a steady rate, which is imperative as it allows mama’s brain to stay on top of the contractions and help create a great rhythm to the labour. Remember that although the tips listed above have been shown to increase specific hormones, it really truly is up to the baby. If baby’s brain is fully developed then labour will start.

Sourced books: Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the complete guide; The Birth Partner; The Doula Book.