Waiting to go into labor naturally is usually ideal, but sometimes things don't work out that way. Whether it is because a woman is past her due date, experiencing complications with the pregnancy or baby's development or experiencing another medical condition that would make continuing with the pregnancy too risky, sometimes inducing labor is the best option. While there are many different ways to try to induce labor, pregnant women should do their own research about the subject and follow the advice of a doctor or midwife based upon their own specific situation.
Natural Methods
No natural method should be used at home to induce labor until after 40 weeks gestation and only after the mother is given permission by a doctor or health care professional, warns the popular parenting website DrSpock.com. It is also important to remember that the effectiveness of natural ways to induce labor at home have not been proved, and these methods will not work for all women. However, for those that still want to try to start labor on their own, there are a few ways of going about doing so. Taking long walks, having sexual intercourse, taking certain herbs, such as blue or black cohosh or castor oil, and stimulating the nipples are some ideas to consider, but make sure to talk with a doctor first.
Membrane Sweep
Another idea for women wanting to induce labor is to have a doctor or midwife perform a process called a membrane sweep. This entails the doctor or midwife using a finger to separate the cervix from the membrane tissues around the baby's head, which causes a release of hormones called prostaglandins, which may trigger contractions, explains KidsHealth. This method can be done at a normal prenatal visit as an outpatient procedure and does not require hospitalization. Although this method may work for some women, it will not work for everyone.
Breaking Waters
Doctors or midwives may be able to induce labor by rupturing the amniotic sac. This procedure is technically called amniotomy but is often referred to as "water breaking." This is done by inserting a little plastic hook to break the membranes of the amniotic sac during a vaginal exam and often brings upon labor in a matter or hours, according to KidsHealth, so this procedure is typically done in a hospital.
Cervical Medications
Certain medications can be put on the cervix to encourage it to soften and open and begin the labor process. These medications are usually administered in a hospital by inserting suppositories containing prostaglandin into the vagina, explains the American Pregnancy Association. Often times, this is done in the evening with the hope that labor will be started by morning. Unlike alternative medical interventions to start labor, women that take this approach will be free to get up and move around as they wait for labor to begin.
Intravenous Medications
Oxytocin is a hormone that naturally is produced in the body to trigger contractions and labor. Another way to induce labor is to give a synthetic form of oxytocin through an IV in a hospital setting. Pitocin and Syntocinon are two common brand names of medications used to do this. Although this method is quite effective, it can sometimes cause labor to progress too quickly and may increase the need for pain medications in order to deal with the labor pains, warns the American Pregnancy Association.
