How to Start Labor

You have completed all the stages of pregnancy development and now you cannot wait any longer to start a whole new life of motherhood. Your curiosity to see the "little wonder" is understood. But, babies follow their own calender. They come out only when they feel they are ready to do so. The minimum time period a baby spends inside its mother's womb is 38 weeks. The time period can even prolong to 42 weeks. Thus, a baby comes out anytime in between the 38th to 42nd week after the completion of all the maternity stages. Gynecologists often give a fixed date for child delivery. However, hardly 3-5% of women deliver exactly on their due dates.

When you experience no labor like symptoms even after 42nd week of your pregnancy, you are said to be overdue or "post-dated". You should see your gynecologist for necessary medical intervention. If your gynecologist says that all is fine, then with her agreement, you can try to take some natural means to induce labor. Below-mentioned are a few ways on how to induce labor naturally.

How to Start Labor Naturally

Physical Activity: Keep yourself physically active. In this way, you can make use of gravity to direct your baby to take the position ready for delivery. Take a walk for about 15-20 minutes in a day, during anytime that you feel is comfortable. You can also do small household chores, such as cleaning, dusting, mopping the floor and many more. Many cases have been documented, where women started to have labor while doing some household work.

Prostaglandin and Oxytocin: Love making is known for inducing labor. There is a scientific reason behind it. The hormones prostaglandin and oxytocin ripen the cervix, hence induce labor. Prostaglandin is present in semen while women produce oxytocin during climax of sexual intercourse. Love making makes both these hormones available in the expectant mother's body, which in turn induces labor.

Talking to the Baby: There is no scientific explanation behind the saying that talking to your baby can induce labor. Still, the statement is quite popular in South-East Asian countries. According to the Indian Epic Mahabharata, a character named Abhimanyu learned the strategies of war while he was inside his mother's womb. It is also said that he actually implemented that particular war strategy in the war of Mahabharata. You believe it or not, but cannot deny the fact that the hearing system of a baby is well-developed before birth. So, start talking to your "little love" and assure him that the outside world is desperate to welcome him.

Nipple Stimulation: Nipple stimulation induces labor by stimulating the production of oxytocin. This method is sure to induce labor but must be done only under the guidance of a gynecologist or a professional midwife. This is so because vigorous stimulation of labor may induce strong contractions.

Herbs and Spices: Herbs such as basil, oregano, evening primrose oil, red raspberry, blue and black cohosh and false unicorn leaves are known to induce labor naturally. Some experts on maternity say that eating spices trigger labor. The explanation they give is that spices boost digestion and thus increase the availability of prostaglandin.

Castor Oil: The use of castor oil to induce labor is very popular in Egypt. A dose of 60 ml is said to start labor.

Fruits: Tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, kiwi and pineapple are also known to induce labor. This is the best way on how to start labor at home.

Acupressure: Hoku, Bladder 32, Spleen 6 are some of the pressure points to induce labor. When the pressure points meant to control labor are pressed, a sensation is felt. Make use of this fact and take the help of your nursing partner to press or rub these labor inducing pressure points.

Relaxation: You can also take the help of yoga meditation or massage to induce labor. These are the methods of relaxation, which bring you to a state when your body feels that the current time is absolutely safe and comfortable for child birth.

The techniques cited above on "how to start labor "are natural, safe and comfortable. Still, it is recommendable that you consult a medical professional before trying any of them. Here's wishing you a comfortable and safe parturition!