How to Start Labor in Pregnancy

By the time a pregnant woman reaches the end of her last trimester, there's usually only one question on her mind: how do I start labor? In some mothers, especially those for whom pregnancy has been a high-risk endeavor, this is a question for the doctor. For others, nature will take its own course and labor will start on its own at the end of pregnancy. But for other women who are healthy and overdue, there are a few tried-and-true home remedies that can help move things along.

Instructions

1. Use the force--gravitational force, that is. Gravity is a pregnant woman's friend toward the end of pregnancy. Take walks to encourage the baby to settle into a more labor-friendly position, with his head engaged in the pelvis. This is particularly effective if you've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions or are experiencing the irregular contractions common to early stage labor.

2. Do what got you in this situation in the first place. Sexual activity, particularly intercourse during which both you and your partner have an orgasm, produces hormones that can start labor. His semen has prostaglandins which help to ready the cervix, while your body releases Oxytocin which can also start contractions. Oxytocin is merely the natural version of the drug Pitocin which is used by physicians to medically induce labor.

3. Speak to a massage therapist or acupuncturist about maternity acupressure. There are certain pressure points on the body which are associated not only with pain relief during labor, but also for being able to begin labor naturally. However, because acupressure is a tricky science, it's best left to professionals.

4. Ask your doctor to strip the membranes. It's not nearly as scary as it sounds, it's merely a procedure in which your doctor separates the amniotic membrane from the bottom of your uterine cavity. It can be performed in the office and is performed much like a typical vaginal exam. Stripping the membranes promotes the release of prostaglandins.

5. Reach for the castor oil. This is a situation in which an old (mid)wives' tale has some merit. In small doses (between 2 and 6 tbsp.), castor oil can be effective in starting labor. Theoretically, the otherwise unfortunate intestinal spasms caused by the laxative can compress the uterus, encouraging it to contract on its own.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to induce labor until your pregnancy has reached 40 weeks or it has been confirmed that you are overdue. Starting labor too early can result in the delivery of a premature infant. While some women swear by nipple stimulation as a good way to start labor (it releases Oxytocin), it can cause very long, unproductive contractions. Talk to your doctor about whether she thinks this will work for you.