Safe and Natural Labor Induction Methods

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By Myrna Friedman

One of the hardest parts about being pregnant is the uncertainty of when labor will begin. Physicians cannot give you an exact date of when you will go into labor or tell you what causes you to go into labor. They do know that labor will happen when the body is ready, normally anytime after 37 weeks, when your baby is considered full term. If you feel your body is ready and you would like to aid in the progression of your labor, there are plenty of techniques for inducing labor at home. Expectant moms should do things to relax such as take warm baths with aromatherapy and candles, get a relaxing pre-natal massage, or read books on your baby's first year after birth. Meditation is also good for relaxing your body and mind. Some moms even find setting up the nursery and washing your baby's clothes and bedding calming.

All of these techniques can help get your body and mind ready for other methods of inducing labor at home. Your physician was strongly advise you to use caution with all at-home methods and to only try them if you have reached or passed your due date, though most techniques can be safely performed anytime after 37 weeks.

Physical Stimulation Sex is by far the most common physician-encouraged method of inducing labor at home. Semen contains hormones called prostaglandins, which are said to help the cervix become ready for labor. If the semen stays on or around the cervix it will help thin and soften the cervix, which will help with dilation. Also, when the expectant mom experiences orgasm it can cause the cervix to dilate and stimulate the uterus to contract.

Another activity some women may not be too comfortable with is nipple stimulation. This technique causes the release of a hormone called oxytocin which can cause uterine contractions. Rubbing your nipples between your fingers for at least 15 minutes each several times a day helps trigger the release of oxytocin. Use this method with caution as it is known to bring on very strong, painful contractions in some women. This method is usually only recommended if your due date has been reached or passed.

Walking has long been recommended by physicians as a method of naturally and safely incuding your labor at home. Walking puts pressure on the cervix, rocks the pelvis and helps the baby "drop."

Diet Changes, Herbs, and Oils Eating spicy food can also help to naturally induce labor. The strong herbs and spices in most spicy food help stimulate the bowels which can in turn stimulate the uterus to contract. It is also rumored that certain tropical fruits, such as pineapple, contain enzymes that are believed to trigger mild uterine contractions.

Evening primrose oil and castor oil are natural oils that can also be used to naturally and safely induce labor. Medical studies have yet to prove the actual effectiveness of these oils but many women can attest to their results. Mixing a dose of castor oil with another liquid or food makes it easier to drink and digest. This oil is said to help stimulate the bowels and uterus. Primrose oil is found in gel caps that can be taken orally or inserted vaginally for greater effect on cervix softening and thinning.

An herbal specialist or midwife can provide you with plant roots called cohash. Those that have tried this method claim that blue and black cohash aid in inducing labor at home, though there are few medical studies that prove their effectiveness. - 20763

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