Your physician cannot tell you exactly when or how your labor will begin, which is the hard part for most expectant moms. The uncertainty of labor can make most moms nervous enough to question how to start labor at home. While most home methods of inducing labor are safe, you must first decide if it is the right time to begin labor. If you have reached or passed 37 weeks in your pregnancy induction methods may be tried but are still not recommended until you have gone past your due date.

If you experience any of these health problems in your pregnancy that can pose a threat to you or your baby, your physician may recommend artificially starting labor before your due date.

• Toxemia
  Pregnancy induced hypertension, known also as toxemia or pre-eclampsia is a very dangerous and threatening condition if not monitored carefully by your doctor. Symptoms include high blood pressure, swelling of the face, hands, and feet and high protein levels in your urine. Doctors are still unsure of what exactly causes toxemia but they do know that it can have deadly consequences if not treated properly.
• Gestational Diabetes
  This condition can have serious consequences for the mother. Women with gestational diabetes are at risk for having babies that can be too large to deliver safely. Some health care providers may recommend inducing labor before your due date to prevent the baby from becoming too large or to prevent the possibility of a caesarean section.

Your due date is an estimated 40 weeks from the date of conception. If your pregnancy goes passed 42 weeks, it is possible that your baby is still healthy and just needs more time in the womb. However, going passed 42 weeks can also have negative consequences on the health of your baby. Most physicians will induce labor to not allow a pregnancy to reach or go beyond 42 weeks.

• Overdue Baby
  If your pregnancy reaches or surpasses 42 weeks the placenta may not be able to continue to sufficiently supply your baby with enough oxygen and nutrients. Again, most physicians will induce labor before this point to ensure the baby does not suffer from inadequate nutrition.
• Large Baby
  If your health care provider feels that your baby may become too large for you to deliver, he may want to induce labor early. As with gestational diabetes, when the baby becomes too large to deliver safely, a c-section may be ordered to deliver the baby. Ultrasound technology can give a very good estimate of the size of your baby before you deliver, but they are not exact measurements. Your baby could weigh up to a whole pound more at birth than the ultrasound determined. This is especially true if the ultrasound is done before the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, when your baby is significantly building up his fat supply.

How to Start Labor

If you and your physician have determined that it is safe to start labor, there are several methods to choose from to begin the process.

• Natural herbal/homeopathic techniques If you have ever wondered how to start labor at home there are some natural methods you can use to stimulate contractions and get your body ready for labor. Meditation in a dark and quiet room helps the body eliminate stress and get ready for the birthing experience. Taking a dose of castor oil can stimulate the uterus to contract. Black and blue cohosh can also bring on contractions.
• Natural, physical methods
  Sexual intercourse has been known to cause contractions to begin. Certain hormones in a man’s sperm and female orgasm can cause uterine contractions and the cervix to thin and dilate. Nipple stimulation causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone which is known to trigger contractions. Doctors also recommend walking to put more pressure on the pelvis and get the body ready for birth.
• Artificial Methods
  The body will only begin the labor process when the cervix is ready, meaning when the cervix is thin and soft. If you need to be induced, your health care provider may administer a treatment that will cause the cervix to become ready for labor. One example, cervidil, is a cream that is applied directly on the cervix. Many women are given a drug called Pitocin, which is an artificial form of the natural female hormone oxytocin. Pitocin is administered through an IV and aides in the onset of contractions.

There are always risks associated with labor induction, whether it is performed at home or by a physician. For the safety of you and your baby, be sure the home methods you choose are approved by your health care provider.

If you want your baby out the natural way, that can also be tried. But get your plans approved from your midwife or your health-care provider before trying the natural methods. These methods although considered safe, may not be suitable for in all women. Ensure safety and reduce risks!

So, what are the natural ways? There are many. Some are simple and some are interesting. Let’s know what they are.

Company march

You would have laughed watching those funny war movies when the general shouts that phrase. Now that can be beneficial for you. It has been noted that walking induces labor due to the action of gravity. The baby tends to move more easily towards the cervix as you walk for some time.

Foods

Eating spicy foods or fruits such as pineapple have also been noted to induce labor naturally. But don’t eat too spicy foods or you may run around for water while your water is breaking!

Sex

The interesting method! Most women enjoy sex during pregnancy. This can help induce labor also. The semen released from your partner contains prostaglandins that can soften the cervix and initiate labor. On the other hand, the orgasm you experience releases oxytocin which induces uterine contractions.

Stimulate the nipples

Another interesting method! This also has been noted to release oxytocin, the hormone necessary for uterine contractions. This may take more time than sex and overstimulation may result in severe contractions.

Get it stretched

You require your healthcare provider or your midwives help for this procedure during which the membranes of the uterus are stretched a bit, manually.

Alternatives

Then, there are these alternative therapies. Ranging from teas to massages, a number of alternative therapies are available to help in the natural induction of labor. Herbs and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, homeotherapy have all been associated with varying reports of efficacy and safety.

Play safe

Consult your healthcare provider or your midwife before trying any of these labor induction procedures. Getting things done at the right time, in the right place with the right method can help you and your baby to have a safe and happy delivery.

Labor will not begin or progress if you are stressed so don’t try too hard to bring on contractions. Expectant moms should instead treat themselves to a warm bath with aromatherapy, a relaxing pre-natal or belly massage or even acupuncture.  Meditation can also help relax the body and mind while visualization techniques help you get in touch with your baby, as you envision her being born.

These techniques will help get your body and mind ready to try other methods of inducing labor at home. Doctors will warn however, to use caution with any home method of inducing labor and to only begin these techniques when you have reached at least 37 weeks in your pregnancy.

Physical Stimulation

Sexual intercourse is the most commonly known method of inducing labor at home. A male’s semen contains a hormone called prostaglandins, which is known to aid in the onset of labor.  The longer the semen stays on or around the cervix the better it will thin the cervix and help cause it to dilate. When the expectant mom has an orgasm, this can also cause the cervix to dilate and can stimulate the uterus to contract.

Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which will prompt contractions. Rubbing the nipple between your fingers or placing a hot towel on your breasts can trigger the release of oxytocin.  Doctors will recommend that you only use nipple stimulation sparingly in a day so as not to bring on such strong contractions before you can reach the hospital.

Walking has also been recommended by physicians as a way of naturally and safely inducing labor. Walking or gentle bike riding will put pressure on the cervix and help the baby “drop.”

Diet Changes, Herbs, and Oils

Spicy food has been known to help some women naturally induce labor. Eating spicy food will stimulate the bowels which will in turn stimulate the uterus and help it to contract. Some tropical fruits such as kiwi and pineapple contain enzymes that can trigger the uterus to mildly contract.

Evening Primrose Oil and Castor Oil can also be used to naturally induce labor. Mixing a dose of Castor Oil with another liquid, such as juice, makes it easier to drink and digest. Like spicy food, the oil will help stimulate the bowels and uterus.

An herbal specialist can provide you with special plant roots called cohash. Blue and black cohash have been said to aid in inducing labor at home though there are few studies or fact to prove their effectiveness.

Once again, you should always consult with your physician before experimenting with any of these home
methods of inducing labor. They can tell you what is best and safest for you and your baby.

One great time is going to end and the other greater time is due to begin. All these weeks of pregnancy must have been a great feeling. The initial days when you knew you were pregnant, the attention you got from your partner and the first movements of your baby within your womb. Unforgettable experiences these are. You will experience greater ones after your baby comes into this part of your world. Bringing up the baby has been considered as the most completing experience for both men and women. But, mothers have the upper hand in it.

The right time

Many women experience labor pains naturally without any stimulation once they reach the full term or the expected date of delivery. Now, wondering which is your day? It’s generally calculated in weeks and full term is considered when you have completed 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy since your last menstrual period. Babies born before this period are termed premature babies or preterm babies and babies born beyond the full term are known as post term babies.

Time before or time after

Premature babies are not mature enough to survive safely in the environment outside your womb. On the other hand, babies spending additional time in the mother’s womb may face some minor complications. Hence, the baby needs to be delivered at the right time and with the right procedure. If you are having a normal pregnancy and are not suffering from any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure then you can opt for the natural method of delivery. On the other hand, doctors or your midwife may prescribe caesarean delivery (the baby is brought out through an incision placed on your abdomen) if they think that it’s the best way out for your baby.

Medical labor induction

Your doctor or the midwife uses two steps to induce labor. One is the application of prostaglandins to your cervix and the other is the administration of a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. What do these both agents do? One dilates and the other contracts! Prostaglandins help in the softening and widening the cervix. This is the first step in the induction of labor. If the labor is initiated and sufficient amount of contractions are noted, it is allowed to progress. If not, oxytocin may be introduced through your veins to induce contractions in the uterus. This helps in the movement of the baby from the uterus to the outside.

If both these steps don’t work for you, then, you may have to go for a caesarean delivery. Any of the way followed, the doctor or your midwife will ensure that your baby is brought out safe and sound.

Sounds odd, isn’t it? Yeah that’s true and you read it right, Castor Oil for labor induction. You may remember using Castor Oil as a laxative and yes, the same action may induce labor naturally!

Natural labor induction is something you would want to have instead of getting it induced with the administration of medicines. Especially, if you are a true follower of natural therapies! Labor in simple terms is the process during which the baby is delivered. For this to happen you must have reached your term, which is about 37 to 42 weeks from the day of your last menses. The baby is grown and ready to come out by the time you complete the term of your pregnancy.

Now let’s come back to the wonder oil, Castor Oil! Castor oil is known to be a potent laxative agent that is generally advised in people suffering from constipation. It is known to stimulate bowel movements and also lead to cramps of the intestinal muscles. The second action is the one which can be beneficial for you. The cramps arising in the intestinal region can also spread to your uterus and induce labor. Now how successful can it be? Not sure. It has worked in many, while others have said it is useless.

Next question, how much to have? Not much, just about 2 ounces. Beware if you haven’t tasted it before, it may taste awful! You can try your imagination here and mix it with any food or beverage (referring only to fruit juices or milk shakes here!) so that the taste gets masked. You can get Castor Oil at your local store or in healthcare stores that sell herbal or natural oils and remedies.

The next doubt should have been the first and foremost question. Nevertheless, let’s get it clear. Safety of Castor Oil! Nobody gives a clear picture here. While some say it may induce meconium (earliest stools of your baby) formation other say that Castor Oil and meconium formation do not have any interlink. Adverse effects of Castor Oil? Can make you feel nauseated or even induce vomiting. At times it may result in severe cramps.

The best option? Ask your healthcare provider or your midwife. If they suggest that it is safe in your case, you can go ahead and try it! Nothing better than having your labor induced naturally.

The delivery date is fast approaching and you are so excited about it, or are you nervous? It’s OK to be nervous, but do not be worried or anxious. Majority of the deliveries occur without any complications. By this time you must be all set to go into the delivery room and get the baby of yours in your hands. One concern you may be having in your mind about delivery is the labor induction. There are many natural ways to induce labor and you may not require the administration of drugs to induce labor. Acupressure is one of the natural methods that can help you in this ordeal.

Wondering what’s acupressure and how can it help? Acupressure is an age old Chinese medicine technique which has been used across many centuries. The basic belief of this technique is that our body has many specific points which when stimulated can bring about the desired change in an organ placed deep inside the body. Hard to believe isn’t it? Believe it, because many researchers have tested these techniques and have found it to be beneficial in numerous conditions. Now you must be wondering how acupressure can help you. There are many specific spots in your body that can be stimulated to induce labor contractions and also decrease the severity of pain you are experiencing during delivery. Some of the major ones are listed below. You can perform this technique by yourself or you can ask your partner to do it for you.

Adjoining Valley/Hoku

This is the portion in your hand called webbing, present between your thumb and the fore finger. Apply firm pressure in this area to stimulate the intestinal region. It can also be done in the labor room. It stimulates contraction as well as relieves pain.

Spleen 6

This point is about 4 fingers above the ankle bone. Rub this area firmly to induce contractions. It would be easier for your partner to perform this.

Big and High

Applying pressure at the point between your ankle bone and the Achilles tendon (should be about 4 fingers above the heel bone) can help easier descent of your baby into the pelvis.

Bladder 32

This needs your partner’s help. The point is located in between the lower end of the back bone and the dimple of your buttocks. Ask your partner to apply firm pressure to induce labor.

These are 4 simple acupressure steps to induce labor naturally. But, words of caution before you try it, although it has been proven to be beneficial in others. Consult with your midwife or healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using acupressure in your case to induce labor naturally. If they give the green signal, then go ahead, have your baby naturally!

Labor induction is one of the primary steps undertaken during the delivery of your baby if you are not getting any labor pains. This involves administration of drugs which can be easily avoided if the labor can be induced naturally!

Now you may be wondering how you can induce labor naturally. There are few steps that have been time tested and even advised by midwives and doctors when your pregnancy is considered to be a safe one.

One of the commonest methods is walking. Yes! Walking around brings the baby down towards the vagina and facilitates easier delivery and can also induce labor. The next method is a more interesting one! Sexual intercourse! It has been reported that sexual intercourse has two benefits. One is that the semen released during intercourse contains hormones known as prostaglandins which help to ripen and soften the cervix (an essential step during delivery). The other benefit is the release of another hormone known as oxytocin when you experience an orgasm. Oxytocin is known to induce contractions necessary for the delivery of the baby. Synthetic forms of both these hormones are used by doctors and midwives to induce labor if you are due for delivery and are not having labor pains.

Nipple stimulation has also been noted to induce labor contractions. You can ask your partner to feel those nipples to induce labor naturally! But, be careful, overstimulation can cause very vigorous labor contractions.

If you feel that these methods do not suit you or your partner, you can try some of the herbal remedies. Commonly used herbs such as Evening Primrose Oil, Blue and Black Cohosh, Red Raspberry Leaf and False Unicorn Root have been tried to induce labor naturally. A word of caution before using these herbal remedies; it may not suit you, ask your healthcare provider or your midwife before using them.

Acupressure is a Chinese therapy which involves applying finger pressure to certain specific points in the body to relieve pain or other symptoms. Various studies have noted that this form of therapy can be helpful in inducing labor naturally. It is quite easy to learn and can be administered at home.

Aren’t these steps simple? You can follow any of these steps to induce labor naturally if you are due for delivery and do not notice any labor pains. Please remember these points before you try to induce labor naturally:

• The pregnancy has reached its full term (37 to 42 weeks from the first day of your last menses)
• Ensure that you do not have any complications
• There are no other underlying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure which need hospitalization for delivery
• The baby’s position in the womb is normal and vaginal delivery is advised

So take care of these points and go ahead accordingly, bring your baby to the real world naturally!