Many women begin to get impatient as their due dates approach. You may be experiencing extreme discomfort, mixed with anxiety and excitement, by the end of your pregnancy. It is not recommended that you try to induce labor on your own without consulting your obstetrician. According to Dr. Spock, you shouldn't even consider trying to begin your labor until you are around 40 weeks pregnant or overdue.
Have Sex
Semen contains prostaglandins, and having an orgasm may stimulate contractions, states BabyCenter. Prostaglandins help soften the cervix, making it easier to dilate. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, sexual intercourse is considered safe until labor ensues. If you think you may be leaking amniotic fluid, do not have intercourse to try to speed up your labor. Doing so may cause an increase of bacteria in the vagina, making you more prone to developing an infection, known as chorioamnionitis, in your uterus. This infection is treated by giving you and your newborn antibiotics and might lead to additional complications for your baby.
Walk
Walking may help move labor along naturally if you are having contractions but are not yet in labor. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born, states Dr. Spock. The baby's head has to be low in the pelvic cavity, placing direct pressure on the cervix, for the cervix to begin to soften and dilate. Walking may also help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with contractions.
Eat Spicy Food
Although this method has no scientific backing, it is safe and may be worth a try if you have been craving spicy Thai or Mexican food. The only drawback would be the discomfort that may occur if you go into labor after eating a spicy meal. Many women experience nausea and vomiting during labor because of the stress of labor and anesthesia medications. A spicy meal will not feel as good coming up as it felt going down.
Nipple Stimulation
According to BabyCenter, stimulating your nipples releases oxytocin, which may help start labor. However, doing so may cause overstimulation of the uterus, which may place your baby under additional stress. Although some practitioners may recommend doing this at home, it would be safer under the monitoring of your physician.
