Induce Labor - Help To Get Things Moving

Your midwife may suggest that she will induce labor if your baby doesn't want to make an appearance and you're around 40 to 42 weeks. For some women this stage is extremely uncomfortable. You can't sleep properly, you need to use the bathroom every half an hour and to be honest you just can't wait to meet your baby!

You've shared your body for 40 weeks plus and now you really just want it back. And I wouldn't blame you if that's how you feel. When I was 38 weeks pregnant I felt huge and slow, so adding another two or more weeks on top - Wow! you must be a saint!

So let's have a look at the way your midwife may try inducing labor for you. If you're at 40 weeks and your midwife hasn't offered to help you along a little, then you could always try some natural ways to induce labor. In the next few articles we will look at ways that you could try and get labor to start. From something as easy as a nice gentle walk, to exploring the fantastic art of maternity acupressure.

• Natural ways to start your labor.
  
• Maternity acupressure - for use right through pregnancy and labor.
  
• Walking to start labor.
  
• Can tea help to start labor?
  
• Herbs for inducing labor and other roles they can play.
  
• Blach cohosh to start labor.
  
• Home remedies for inducing labor.
  
• The truth about castor oil!

Do remember that if your midwife offers to start labor for you, then it's because she thinks that you and your baby are ready. If you intend to try some natural ways to kick-start labor, then please do talk to your midwife first, she may offer advise and help, or she may give you a good reason why you shouldn't try.

Some methods of self starting labor can leave you with intense contractions which can cause your baby to become distressed. So take a good look at each option and then discuss this with your health professional.

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