How to Induce Labor Without Medication

If you are pregnant and have gone past your due date you are probably very uncomfortable. Most likely your doctor has mentioned inducing your labor. Induction can be a scary thought for many woman. If you are hoping to experience natural child birth and avoid the use of medications you can try these techniques to naturally induce your labor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walking Shoes
• Partner
• Food

1. Walking is the most common and one of the most effective ways to induce labor naturally. So put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes, grab your partner and take a nice walk. Don't speed walk and wear yourself out. A nice leisurely walk will be beneficial. The forces of gravity will help your cervix to ripen. Just remember to take breaks to rest and drink plenty of water.

2. Sex is another way to naturally induce labor. Semen contains a high amount of prostaglandins which cause the cervix to soften and open.

3. Many woman claim that certain foods help naturally induce labor. Foods like pineapple, licorice, spicy foods, and Chinese food have been known to start labor. Just keep in mind that whatever you eat to induce labor will be in your stomach during labor. A large Mexican meal may not be the best thing to have sitting in your stomach when you are trying to push.

4. Nipple stimulation is an easy natural way to induce labor. Nipple stimulation causes the release of oxytocin which is the same hormone that causes the uterus to contract.

[flor2729]

on 6/14/2009 I did not know this. Thanks for all the great information, will definitely pass on to my daughter.