1. Let Your Doctor Decide
When it comes to when your baby makes her grand arrival into this world, often times you just have to let nature take its course. But if you are are seven-plus days overdue without any signs of labor, you may just be too uncomfortable to let nature do its thing. At that point, your doctor will decide on the next steps to take about medically inducing your labor. This may involve softening your cervix with prostaglandin gel, manually breaking your water; or administering drugs that will cause your uterus to contract. Usually these measures are done once you are already dilated, so if that baby's still cooking, you'll just have to wait it out.
2. Spice Things Up
But as you wait it out, there are always some do-it-yourself tricks you can try to get your labor going. Note that most labor-inducing home remedies are usually scoffed at by doctors as "old wives tales," and are not backed by scientific proof. Spicy food, for starters, is said to stimulate your bowels, causing your uterus to contract and castor oil can have the same effect. But just don't eat too much: Instead of a quicker delivery, you may just get served with a bad case of heartburn.
3. Try Sex to Speed Up Labor
Some science supports the notion that sex can bring on labor. Why? It is either that orgasms provide a natural boost of oxytocin (the contraction-causing hormone) or that semen--which contains prostaglandins--might cause your cervix to soften and prepare to open. Nipple stimulation (with or without sex) may also release labor-inducing hormones labor in much the same way sex does. One study showed that women who stimulated their nipples for three hours or more daily were much less likely to carry past their due dates. If you choose to go that route, consult your doctor first as nipple stimulation can also produce very strong--and potentially harmful--contractions.
4. Walk Your Way into the Delivery Room
Just try a walk around your neighborhood. Post due date jaunts may encourage your little one to settle further down into the birth canal. At the very least, mild exercise will keep your muscles loose and your blood flowing, which can fight off painful cramping and swelling. Just be sure to drink plenty of water every time you walk around to stay hydrated.
5. Drink Tea for Two
Speaking of drinking, some women swear that sips of raspberry leaf tea will send you to the delivery table in no time. Used by Native Americans for centuries, this concoction is said to tone the uterus, making for an easier delivery. Other herbs like black cohosh are also thought to induce labor or help strengthen contractions. But to avoid complications, don't ingest any herbs without consulting your doctor first.
