How to Induce Labor Naturally

The advanced stage of pregnancy is the most difficult stage of the entire pregnancy. This is the period where the mother-to-be often complains of aches and pains and feels exhausted as well. The wait at times can get very frustrating. With the help and guidance of your obstetrician and gynecologist, you can use the methods below to induce labor naturally.

Ways to Induce Labor Naturally

Methods to induce labor naturally are safe and do not have any side-effects. They also do not cause any harm to the health of the baby and the mother. Here are some of the methods:

Walking: Very often, walking induces labor in the advanced stages of pregnancy, due to the gravitational force. The baby's head is in the descending position in the pelvic region. Many a time, women are also asked to climb the staircase to increase the pressure on the cervix. Health care professionals also suggest walking to speed up the labor process after the mother has gone into labor. Standing upright puts pressure on the cervix, which helps in dilation. Pedaling using a stationary bike is also recommended to start contractions. It is recommended that the fluid intake be high when you are walking, and if your body tells you that it is tired, stop walking or pedaling immediately.

Prostaglandins and Hormone Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone which causes the uterus to contract. It is released in the body after sexual intercourse. Also, orgasm helps in activating the uterus. Semen contains prostaglandins, which help in the softening of the cervix. Hence, sexual activity is suggested. If sexual intercourse is difficult for you at this stage, nipple stimulation is suggested, although vigorous nipple stimulation can lead to heavy labor contractions. It also helps in releasing oxytocin. It is important that you verify that your water has not broken before you indulge in any sexual act. Many a time, the option of sexual intercourse is ruled out for women who have a low-lying placenta or any other complication.

Castor Oil: This is an Egyptian method of inducing labor naturally. A dose of 60 ml is usually recommended to induce labor. Although some women feel nauseous after consuming castor oil.

Herbs and Spices: Very spicy food is said to help to induce labor naturally. But be careful you do not upset your stomach due to the spices. Herbs like basil and oregano also are said to be of great help in inducing labor.

Tropical Fruit: Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple and kiwi also help in inducing labor. naturally. They contain enzymes which help induce labor.

Acupressure: Research has shown that applying pressure to certain sensitive parts of the body stimulates contractions. Labor acupressure can be easily done at home. It is one of the safest methods to induce labor naturally.

Baby Pep Talk: Some studies have shown that talking to the baby and making it feel welcome will help in starting the labor cycle. It is said that it is the baby who starts the complex labor cycle. In the Indian mythological book, Mahabharata, Abhimanyu is supposed to have heard the war strategy told to his mother, when he was still in her womb. The war strategy is said to be used by him in the actual war. If the fetus can learn a war strategy, then it will most certainly listen to the pep talk by his mother.

House Cleaning: Many women have gone into labor while they were cleaning the house in the advanced stages of pregnancy. Cleaning the house involves activities like bending, squatting, walking, etc. Squatting is a good way to stretch the pelvic area muscle. Lifting things while cleaning puts pressure on the thoracic and abdominal cavity, which will help in starting the labor process.

Relaxation: And last but certainly not the least, relaxation helps a great deal to induce labor naturally. There are many relaxation techniques which you can use. A warm water bath is one - I emphasize, warm and not hot water. Meditation is another technique which can be used for relaxation.

The techniques to induce labor naturally are safe, but it is recommended you talk to your health care professional to avoid any complications. Here's wishing you Happy Birthing!