A pregnancy is term at 40 weeks. While some mothers go into labor on their own before 40 weeks, it is best to avoid any natural labor induction techniques until the pregnancy is term. Women may attempt to induce labor themselves naturally as a means of avoiding more invasive methods such as Pitocin or manual breaking of the bag of waters. As always, any woman should discuss her desires to induce labor herself with her doctor or midwife.
Intercourse
Intercourse is a highly effective means of labor induction. Semen contains prostaglandins, which help soften and open the cervix. In fact, some obstetricians use Cervidil, a synthetic prostaglandin, to induce labor in the hospital. Semen has a cumulative ripening effect, so repeated exposure is preferable to a single encounter.
Nipple Stimulation
When the mother's nipples are stimulated, either manually or with a breast pump, her brain releases oxytocin into her system. Pitocin, obstetricians' drug of choice for labor induction, is actually a synthetic version of oxytocin. Oxytocin triggers uterine contractions, which may help start labor.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
There are several points in the body which, when stimulated, may trigger labor. A licensed acupuncturist stimulates the points with needles. Anyone can stimulate the points using the pressure of fingertips. Spleen 6 is located about four finger widths above the inside of the ankle. Large intestine 4 is located in the middle of the web of skin between the thumb and index finger. Light pressure applied to these points throughout the day may stimulate contractions.
Walk
Long, brisk walks use gravity to help position the baby in the pelvis so that the head presses against the cervix, sometimes causing it to soften and dilate. As the mother walks, her hips move back and forth and widen, making space for the baby to pass through. A walk may also be an opportunity for the mother to clear her mind and get down to the task at hand. Stress, the byproduct of too much adrenaline in the system, is a common culprit of slow or stalled labor.
Herbs
Some midwives offer guidance as to which herbs may be used to safely induce labor at home. Otherwise, a woman should seek the advice of an acupuncturist or homeopathic doctor before attempting to use any kind of herb herself. Castor oil, cohosh root and clary sage oil have all been used to induce labor in women seeking to avoid hospital induction, according to Mothering.com.
