Pregnant mothers will experience contractions during the early stages of labor or when they are about to give birth. Some people claim that drinking honey water can help induce contractions. Is this true?
Does drinking honey water induce contractions?
No, it does not.
Contraction refers to the regular and rhythmic tightening of the uterus, which is a normal occurrence during the pre-labor phase for pregnant women. It is also an important monitoring indicator during prenatal check-ups. Honey water is a very common food that contains various nutrients such as sugars, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, and enzymes. It has multiple benefits, such as moisturizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, detoxification, and beauty enhancement. However, it does not have any effect on the uterus, so drinking honey water does not promote contractions.
Can pregnant women drink honey water?
Yes, they can.
Honey water does not have any adverse effects on the uterus. Moreover, honey water contains various nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals, which are beneficial for the growth and development of the fetus. Additionally, most pregnant women tend to have a hot constitution and experience constipation. Honey water has a laxative effect, which can improve constipation symptoms in pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women can drink honey water in moderation.
How to prepare honey water?
Steps:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey and put them in a cup.
2. Stir the honey in warm water at a temperature of around 40-60 degrees Celsius until it is well mixed. Then, it can be consumed.
Note:
1. Do not use boiling water to prepare honey water as high temperatures can destroy the nutritional components of honey, reducing its effectiveness. It can also make the honey water acidic, affecting the taste.
2. It is not recommended to use metal containers to prepare honey water because the active ingredients in honey can react with metal, causing the honey to darken and reduce its nutritional value.
Precautions for drinking honey water
Not suitable for diabetes patients
Honey water contains approximately 49% sugar, which is easily absorbed by the body. Drinking honey water may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and lead to symptoms of high blood sugar, such as dizziness and blurred vision, in diabetes patients.
Not suitable for individuals with dampness in the middle burner
Individuals with symptoms such as distention and fullness in the epigastrium, heaviness in the body, and thick and greasy tongue coating due to dampness in the middle burner should not drink honey water. Honey is nourishing and sweet, and consuming it may worsen the discomfort.
Not suitable for patients with cirrhosis
The active ingredients in honey water can worsen liver fibrosis and aggravate the condition of patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, it is not recommended for individuals with cirrhosis to drink honey water.
Not suitable for infants
Infants under the age of 1 should not be fed honey water. During the production or storage process, honey can be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, and infants have weak resistance, which may lead to infant botulism, causing symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Foods that promote contractions
1. Hawthorn and hawthorn products. Hawthorn has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Its active ingredients can stimulate the uterine blood vessels and promote uterine contractions. Pregnant women should avoid consuming hawthorn blindly as it may lead to miscarriage.
2. Chinese chives. Chinese chives have the effect of exciting the uterus and strengthening uterine contractions. Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to avoid consuming Chinese chives to prevent miscarriage.
3. Portulaca oleracea. Portulaca oleracea, also known as purslane, is a common wild vegetable and a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It has the function of promoting intestinal peristalsis and uterine contractions. Pregnant women should not take it.
How to naturally promote contractions for delivery?
Breast massage
Massaging the breasts can promote the synthesis and release of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions, in pregnant women, thus promoting delivery.
Method 1:
1. Take two warm and damp towels with a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius.
2. Massage both breasts alternately with both hands.
3. Massage each side for about 15 minutes, twice a day.
Method 2:
1. Use the index finger and middle finger to fix the breasts.
2. Gently rub the nipples and areolas with the pad of the thumb.
3. Massage each side for 15 minutes, alternating between left and right.
4. Perform this massage twice a day.
Oral or injection of oxytocin
Oxytocin is the fastest method to promote contractions. However, this method should be used under the guidance of a doctor and is generally used when the due date has passed or in other emergency situations.
