A pregnancy is considered full-term after the 37th week, but induction of labor is not typically done until some time after the 40th week. Every birthing facility and practitioner is different, but waiting until the 41st week to begin a medical induction is just one example of birthing guidelines. Inducing labor at home should only be done under the advice of the health care provider overseeing the pregnancy.
Walk
Walking throughout pregnancy and especially when contractions begin can help move things along naturally. Standing takes advantage of gravity and brings the baby downward into the pelvis. DrSpock.com points out that walking can even feel good to a woman having contractions. It is not necessary to walk at a fast pace. Women this far along in pregnancy should be sure to walk with a partner in case of a fall or a rapid advancement in labor.
Intercourse
Sex may not sound appealing at the end of pregnancy, but it may progress labor. Semen contains prostaglandins, a hormone that can help stimulate contractions. A female orgasm can also cause some uterine contractions. This method of induction is not advisable for women who have been placed on pelvic rest or who have expelled the mucus plug. Pelvic rest is often prescribed for women who have pregnancy complications. Once the mucus plug has been lost, the uterus is no longer protected from environmental agents such as bacteria.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is not a pleasant substance, but it can be ingested to stimulate the bowels. The thinking is that by causing bowel irritation and cramps, the uterus will spasm as well. This method may just cause a woman to have loose stools and abdominal cramping. The oil takes about three hours to begin working. A doctor should be consulted before attempting this method.
Spicy Food
Like castor oil, spicy foods may irritate the stomach and digestive system enough to trigger uterine cramping. If this attempt isn't successful in starting labor, a woman may go through several hours of adverse side effects from eating the irritating foods.
Nipple Stimulation
Stimulating the nipples, either manually or with a breast pump, can encourage the release of oxytocin, a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and increases during labor. A synthetic form of this hormone is often administered to medically induce labor.
Evening Primrose Oil
WhattoExpect.com explains that evening primrose oil can act like a prostaglandin when inserted into the cervix; some practitioners may recommend an oral capsule instead. The gel capsules or a few drops of pure evening primrose oil can be inserted inside the vagina to reach the cervix. If this method works, a woman's cervix may thin and dilate to progress labor. Consult a physician before attempting this method.
