Natural Ways to Induce Labor at Home

Surpassing the due date is a normal condition for most pregnant women. In fact, about 7 out of ten babies are born post their due dates. However, there is often too much of anticipation and anxiety, if the woman surpasses her due date. Women often resort to labor inducing methods immediately after they exceed their due date. However, this is a wrong practice, as there may have been an error in calculating the accurate due date. Hence, any attempts for inducing labor should only be made after completing 40 weeks of pregnancy or more. Following are some natural ways to induce labor at home.

Relaxing and Visualizing
Most women tend to get frustrated if the baby shows no sign of arrival, even post its due date. However, stress can only make the matter worse. The woman should stay calm and try to connect with the baby on an emotional level. This helps to produce hormones that are beneficial for inducing labor. The mother-to-be should visualize the arrival of the baby, and be hopeful that her labor will begin soon.

Walking
Walking helps, particularly if you are getting uterine contraction but are unable to go into the labor. Walking also helps in placing the baby in the most suitable position for childbirth. Additionally, when you are standing in an upright position, the gravity helps the baby to push in the pelvic cavity. If nothing happens, walking will at least ensure you get some good exercise.

Food
Eating spicy food is somehow associated with an onset of labor. Some women even claim that Chinese food is particularly helpful in inducing labor. Spices such as oregano are supposedly effective for initiating labor. Fruits such as pineapples are also considered as a good and natural way of inducing labor.

Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies like acupressure and massage are also effective in inducing labor. Slight massage on the belly helps in pushing the baby into the pelvic cavity. Some herbs and homeopathic remedies are also considered useful for inducing labor. While going for alternative therapies, make sure you get it done from an authorized practitioner only.

Sexual Intercourse
Sex is an effective and the most reliable way of inducing labor. However, one must not try it before you are clearly overdue, as it can cause preterm labor in the late stages of pregnancy. The release of oxytocin during love making, stimulates the uterine contractions, thereby inducing the labor. Moreover, the semen contains prostaglandins which smoothen the muscles of the uterus and help facilitate labor. However, women may not find sex comfortable as there is too much vaginal pressure. Sex is also not advised in cases of sciatica, pubic symphysis dysfunction etc.

Nipple Stimulation and Belly Massage
Nipple stimulation has the same effects as sex, as this method also releases oxytocin. Suckling the nipples or stimulating them with fingers can help release oxytocin. Nipple stimulation is a good remedy for pregnant women who find sex a painful and uncomfortable option. You can get your partner to suckle your breasts for 20 to 60 minutes. However, nipple stimulation may sometimes cause powerful uterine contractions that can be detrimental to the baby.

Stretching the Uterine Membranes
This can be only done by a midwife or the physician. This method is a sure shot method of inducing labor and is usually exercised, when everything else fails. You can expect the labor to initiate within 48 hours of this method.

Castor oil to induce labor is an old remedy and many women actually vouch for its effectiveness. However, it is also known to induce some unpleasant effects, both for mother and baby, hence it is best to steer clear of it. Remember, any method of inducing labor can only bear a fruit, if your body is ready to go into it. Else, you'll end up being frustrated and tired. Also, untimely labor inducing can force the baby to come out before it is ready to thrive outside the womb.