- Relaxation is key to inducing labor. Being tense, worried and stressed will not help labor begin and is bad for both mother and baby. Meditation can be used to calm the body, mind and spirit and help the body relax in preparation for labor. Find a quiet spot to sit in comfortably. Take a few deep relaxing breathes in through the mouth and out through the nose. Close your eyes and connect with each part of your body beginning with your toes and ending with your head. Visualize your body and that of your baby growing inside of you. Picture the baby being born from you to the world in a peaceful surrounding. This is a technique that not only relaxes the body but may be the natural push your body needs to begin labor.
- Some things like scent are enhanced when pregnant. Aromatherapy can be used to begin labor because some scents are likely to create a response in the body. Aromatherapy is not medically recommended for pregnant women because it can cause adverse reactions for some people. It is best to talk with an alternative medicine practitioner before using herbs and scents mentioned here. Lavender is used for relaxation in aromatherapy and can be used to aid in relaxation to induce labor. Evening primrose oil is said to bring on contractions by using it as a scent. It is also said that evening primrose oil shortens labor time. There is no proof of this and evening primrose oil should only be used externally, never internally without consultation from a physician and natural health consultant. Other herbs and scents said to stimulate the body into inducing labor are clary sage, basilica (only after due date has passed), oregano and clove oil. Aromatherapy should not be used by pregnant women before the 38th week of pregnancy or when the baby is considered at full term. Before using any aromatherapy or herbal stimulant, speak with your health care provider.
- Sex can help labor begin. It's what got you pregnant in the first place and it can help you start the labor that will bring new life into the world. Studies show that semen contains prostaglandins and this chemical is what softens or ripens the cervix. There is no proof that there are enough prostaglandins in semen to actually soften the cervix, however when combined with a female orgasm, which releases oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions, there is a good chance that labor can be induced by making love.
- There are many natural and alternative ways to induce labor. Walking is among the best alternative and natural method of inducing labor. Many doctors and nurses recommend walking because the swaying of the hips from side to side will bring the baby into the position she needs to be in for labor to begin. Using castor oil is another alternative method of inducing labor but there is controversy surrounding its usage. Castor oil causes spasms in the uterus and bowels, which is thought to bring on contractions. It is best to ask your health care provider before using castor oil. Acupuncture and acupressure can also be used to induce labor but must be done by a professional alternative medicinal practitioner skilled in working with pregnant women. Other methods that women have used to induce labor include eating spicy food, nipple stimulation and a practice called "stripping the membranes." The last method should only be done by a doctor and is considered uncomfortable and painful. A finger is inserted into the cervix and sweeps the amniotic membranes from their attached position to the uterus. This releases prostaglandins which causes contractions.
