Are expecting a baby soon, then congrats in advance? Then how do you induce labor naturally?
According to a recent research report; only about 5% of women give birth on their given due date.A due date is nothing more than an educated guess of when a mother is going to deliver. When a mother passes her due date, it is usually considered as an overdue pregnancy.It poses no danger if delivery is delayed for about 5-10 days.
However, if childbirth is delayed for about 2 weeks, then it becomes a great source of concern that should be attended to.
Most medical practitioners start to monitor you and the baby at 41 weeks. This is because a greater number of pregnant women are exposed to larger risks that can affect both the mother and the baby. Most doctors will induce a medical labor as you get to 42 weeks and beyond.
However, you must know that there are alternatives to medical labor induction. Different natural techniques exist that help to coax your baby into the world with some research backing up these techniques.
There are some points you must remember before you go through with the natural ways to induce labor.
Things to Remember Before Using Natural Ways to Induce Labor at Home
You must understand that we are neither doctors nor health care professionals. It is important that you seek advice from your doctor and consider the following points before you decide on methods on how to bring on labor;
- You must keep your doctor informed before you begin the induction process.
- Always keep your hospital’s bags packed as you may require visiting the hospital in any case of emergency.
- If the pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy or if the mother has any medical condition worth mentioning. Then you might want to avoid the natural ways to induce labor.
- Give extra care to the pregnant woman while inducing labor naturally.
- When the water breaks, it is important that you take the pregnant woman to the hospital immediately and suspend the induction.
- Keep in touch with an experienced person at home if you are considering the natural ways to induce labor.
10 Fastest Ways on How to Induce Labor Naturally at Home
Some women induce labor naturally at 38 weeks while some must wait until about 40 weeks. In whatever category you may fall and after careful consultation with your doctor, here are 10 natural ways to induce labor;
1. Castor Oil to Induce Labor
Pregnant women have been ingesting castor oil to induce labor for centuries. Extracted from the bean of the castor plant, castor oil is claimed to help stimulate contractions in pregnant women.
However, ingesting castor oil will make you feel nauseous and may even experience vomiting and diarrhea. You may want to limit the use of Castor oil to induce labor.
2. Exercise to Induce Labor
Exercise is anything that gets the heart rate up. Moderate exercises such as a long walk are fantastic throughout pregnancy.
Some women have had luck-inducing labor by swimming, biking, walking and other kinds of moderate exercises. It is a great way to relieve stress and keep your body strong for the task ahead.
The theory behind this is that by moving our body, we can help the baby settle into the laboring positing. This will engage her in the pelvis, ready for exit. It is a good induction method to start practicing in the last week of pregnancy.
However, you should avoid overdoing it. It is also important to avoid high-impact exercises. You don’t want to be exhausted when you start labor.
3. Sex to Induce Labor
It is no secret that having sex is one of the best natural methods to induce labor. Many women have reported that they had success with natural labor induction by having sex.
The reason for this is not far-fetched. Sex can release oxytocin, which may help to jumpstart uterine contractions. Also, semen has prostaglandins, the same hormone-like substances can be found in cervical ripening medications like Cervidil.
Despite the benefit of sex, however, you should avoid it after your water has broken. Having sex in this period can increase your risk of infection.
4. Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labor
Nipple Stimulation can work for inducing labor or boosting a slow labor. This will make your uterus to contract and stimulate milk ejection from the breast.
In fact, if you consider breastfeeding your baby right after delivery, stimulating your breast will also help your uterus shrink back to its original size.Thus, reduce the risk of having a protruding belly after delivery.This is a natural inducing technique that can be done yourself or by your partner.
How to Stimulate Nipple to Induce Labor
Below is a guide on how to stimulate nipples to induce labor at home;
Choose your tool carefully. You can make use of your fingers, a breast pump, or your partner’s mouth to stimulate your nipples.
- You must focus on the areola. The areola is the dark circle that surrounds your nipple.
- Use your fingers or palm to gently rub your areola( or use areola pump) through thin clothing or directly on the skin.
- Focus on one breast at a time and limit stimulation to just five minutes with a 15-minute break in-between before trying again.
- Stop stimulation during contractions.
5. Try Spicy Foods to Induce Labor
Though no scientific evidence exists for it, spicy foods are often hailed as a great way to induce labor. Some women believe eating hot curry or Mexican fare can help stimulate contractions.
Trying out spicy foods might not be a bad idea as the foods will not hurt you or the baby. However, do not eat them if they are not part of your normal diet.
6. Use Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to Induce Labor
The red raspberry leaf tea tones and strengthens the uterus in preparation for labor. It has been widely used to tone the uterus and prevent post-date pregnancies. Women usually drink the tea starting around 32 weeks of gestation as it slightly helps to shorten the second stage of labor.
Even though raspberry leaf tea is safe for both you and your baby, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine if it is suitable for use.
7. Acupuncture to Induce Labor
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on the body. This helps to stimulate the uterine activity and the release of oxytocin and nudge the baby into action.
8. Acupressure to Induce Labor
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese therapy that has been in use for about 5,000 years. It utilizes specific finger placement and pressure along pivotal points on the body. You can use your fingers, elbows, knees, legs, and feet to massage, rub and stimulate the pressure points.
Apply firm pressure on foot (in between the big toe and second toe), between the second and third metacarpals, and On the back of the hand(thumb and index finger ) for some time and then release. Give a break and repeat.
Acupressure works by encouraging cervical dilation and stimulating productive contractions. It is a common belief among practitioners that acupressure can start and restart labor.
However, if acupressure does not work to induce your labor, it is still an excellent way to alleviate pain and discomfort during labor.
9. Membrane Stripping to Induce Labor
There is no medical equipment involved in using the membrane stripping method to induce labor. It is an effective and chemical-free way on how to induce labor at home
A gloved finger is used to separate the amniotic sac from the area around the cervix. The technique releases hormones called prostaglandins, that help the body go into labor.
If you experience bleeding similar to a menstrual period after the procedure, it is recommended you contact your doctor immediately. Also, if your water breaks during the procedure, you should visit the medical center immediately.
However, you should avoid membrane stripping if you have any vaginal infections.
10. Pineapple to Induce Labor
Our last method on how to induce labor at home is by using pineapple. This is a delicious food that can help you induce labor. The bromelain in the fruit is said to stimulate the uterus thereby inducing labor. Also, the intestinal stimulation from eating large amounts of pineapple may also help to get labor started.
Read Next: Do You Want to Know The Best 7 Healthy Foods for Pregnant Women?
You should speak to your doctor before trying any of the natural ways to induce labor. It is important to have a clear understanding of all the risks and possible complications involved.
It is recommended that you should take time and avoid rushing things too much. Patience is a great virtue in pregnancy. You might want to consider allowing the baby to set her own birth date.
Did you use induce your labor naturally at home? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments box below.
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