How to Use Natural Ways to Induce Labor

After nine long months of pregnancy it is understandable that many women don't want to wait another day to meet their baby. This may especially be true if you have had a difficult or uncomfortable pregnancy. You may have even discussed inducing labor with your doctor. However, there are also many natural ways to induce labor. Many of these methods you can try on your own before resorting to medical intervention. These methods, however, will only work if your body is ready. Read on to discover several natural ways to induce labor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sex. This is probably the most fun of the natural ways to induce labor. You may have heard the old saying "what gets the baby in gets the baby out." Well, it is actually true! Semen contains natural prostaglandins which can help ripen the cervix to get labor going.

2. Walking. Walking uses the natural force of gravity to help ripen the cervix. While a casual stroll may be helpful, a brisk walk will be more productive.

3. Nipple Stimulation. This releases the hormone oxytocin which can induce uterine contractions. However, this is one of the natural ways to induce labor that should be practiced carefully, possibly under the supervision of your OB/GYN. This is because nipple stimulation can produce very strong contractions.

4. Massage. Often just relaxing and the reducing stress hormones is one of the easiest and best natural ways to induce labor.

5. Spicy Food. Some women claim spicy food is one of the effective natural ways to induce labor. This is thought to be because spicy food stimulates digestion which can help increase prostaglandin production to ripen the cervix.

6. Pineapple. Eating pineapple is another one of the natural ways to induce labor than stimulates prostaglandins.

7. Acupressure. There are several points on the body which can be used to stimulate labor when you apply pressure. These points include the area between your thumb and forefinger and the area above the inside of your ankle bone.

Tips & Warnings

• These natural ways to induce labor will not get labor going if your body is not ready.
• To be safe, consult your doctor before trying natural ways to induce labor on your own.

[AllFYB]

on 5/27/2009 What unique labor induction ideas. My family thought a ride on a bumpy road would work..