Natural Ways To Induce Labour

Before you do anything like trying these methods out, do chat it over with your midwife first.

Some of these methods have been tried and tested. Some are just old wives tales. Think of the effects on your body (and your baby) before taking anything, and don't try any of these methods unless you are overdue. Most babies are classed as full term when you are 37 weeks pregnant. Labour will normally start on its own between 37 and 42 weeks, so you are not classed as overdue until you are 10 to 14 days past your due date.

Let's look at some natural ways to induce labour

• Walking! A nice easy one to start, the pressure of the baby's head bearing down on your cervix may bring on labour. Either a nice gentle walk, or maybe walking up the stairs (no 20 mile marathons though)

• Have sex! Only if you want too though :-) Making love with your partner will help to release a hormone called oxytocin, and this can cause the uterus to contract (which is what you need to happen!) Sperm also contains something called prostaglandins, and this can help to ripen the cervix (soften it in other words) to help dilation when your contractions do start.
  

• Eat some spicy food. This is not scientifically proven, but it is supposed to stimulate your bowels... which in turn may bring on labour. Don't go overboard and order the hottest things on the menu though, you may just end up with heartburn and diarrhoea, Yuk!

• Black cohosh is a herb that is supposed to kick start labour, although again no evidence that it really works. It's also good to remember that taking anything while you are pregnant, may cause serious harm to your baby. If you do decide to try anything herbal, then Do get the advice of your midwife or doctor first.
  

• Nipple stimulation. This is reported to be one of the best natural ways to induce labour. It helps your body to release that vital oxytocin, as does the sex option. It may take a little more hard work though as it's not just a quick tweak that you'll need. The whole area of the nipple including the areola needs massaging, as you are trying to stimulate the suckling motion that your baby would make.

• Homoeopathy. Once again no concrete evidence to state that this will work, but it is safe to give it a try. Do contact a registered homoeopath, tell them what you need and talk it over.

  

• Red raspberry leaf in tablet form, or taken as a tea. This should definitely not be used until the last 3 months of pregnancy. It is stated that red raspberry leaves have a stimulating effect on the uterus. I have read that it is a myth that it can induce labour, but it can help the second stage of labour along.

• Acupressure or acupuncture. If you are considering trying any of these, you must consult a qualified practitioner.

Natural ways to induce labour - The one to steer clear of!

Castor oil... Many women who have tried this will tell you, that this is the worst method of the natural ways to induce labour. Although it may help to kick-start labour, it is more likely to make you vomit and give a bad case of diarrhoea. Vomiting and diarrhoea in pregnancy can make you dehydrated, which is definitely not good. So my advice with this one is to 'not bother' and try something else!

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