Nature usually takes its course to bring on labor when it's time for a baby to be born. Some women can go past their due date, however, and although their bodies and the baby are more than ready to get started, nothing happens and they continue to carry on miserably uncomfortable. Others are past due and hoping to avoid a medical induction. With a doctor's approval, there are a few natural options to get contractions and labor started which prove safe if a woman has been pregnant for the full 40 weeks. These techniques for inducing labor during pregnancy are only effective if the body is fully prepared for labor.
Walking
Walking can help kick-start contractions, according to Dr. Spock's website. Because walking makes your hips sway from side to side, it helps rock the baby into a proper birthing position. In addition, standing upright utilizes the pull of gravity to move the baby into the pelvis, the ideal position for labor to begin.
Nipple Stimulation
The Mayo Clinic website states that nipple stimulation or breast massage makes the body release oxytocin. Providing the cervix is ready to open, this hormone can sometimes make contractions begin. A woman can stimulate her nipples manually, or with an electric breastfeeding pump.
Membrane Stripping
Unlike walking and nipple stimulation, membrane stripping cannot be self-induced. During membrane stripping, the medical practitioner will sweep away the amniotic membranes and detach them from the lower uterine cavity. Much like a pelvic exam, this procedure can prove painful and cause cramping. Pregnancy.org states this procedure can release hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which help ready the body for labor. It can also cause the baby's head to move down against the cervix and make contractions stronger.
Sexual Intercourse
Semen that travels to the cervix during sexual intercourse can work to break down cervical collagen and "ripen" the cervix for delivery, according to Childbirth Solutions Inc. Nurse Midwife Kathleen McClelland. This is because semen contains prostaglandins, and prostaglandins are believed to soften the cervical collagen and prepare it to open.
Orgasm
With or without sexual intercourse, McClelland points out that female orgasm can help induce labor providing the body proves fully prepared for birth. Orgasm causes the body to release the hormone oxytocin, which causes the uterus to naturally contract.
Alternative Therapies
Pregnancy-info.net points out that acupuncture, massage, herbal teas and other homeopathic remedies may lead to a naturally induced labor. A doctor's approval remains critical before attempting any of these options. Avoid castor oil, an alternative therapy commonly listed on the Internet. Castor oil more often than not leads to diarrhea and abdominal cramps, according to pregnancy-info.net, together with nausea and vomiting. Many women who attempt this treatment, wind up miserably sick as well as miserably pregnant.
