Sexual Intercourse

Semen contains naturally occurring hormones called prostaglandins. When released during intercourse, the prostaglandins can aid in the softening of the cervix which prepares it to dilate. Prostaglandins can also trigger uterine contractions. Another advantage of using intercourse to induce labor is the oxytocin that is produce during female orgasm. Oxytocin is a hormone that is proven to begin contractions in the uterus when the body is ready for labor.

Nipple Stimulation

This method, along with sexual intercourse, may be one that makes the expectant mother uncomfortable. Nipple stimulation is the act of taking the nipple between two fingers and rubbing or massaging. This practice causes the release of oxytocin, which we have established can trigger contractions. Many women who use this practice will caution that the resulting contractions from nipple stimulation are strong and can be quite painful. In order to experience true results, the nipples must be massaged for adequate time periods. The usual suggestion for stimulation is around 15 minutes per nipple several times a day. Physicians will warn if you decide to use this method at home, not to begin until you have reached or surpassed your due date due to the possibility of such strong contractions.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is another source of prostaglandins. Regularly sold as a soft gel capsule, it can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, however at-home methods of labor induction are strongly advised against before 37 weeks. The usual dosage is two 500mg capsules per day. For best results, primrose oil capsules can be inserted vaginally so they rest on the cervix causing it to thin and soften for dilation.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has long been thrown around as a method to induce labor. Some women swear by it, while others tell you to steer clear of it. Swallowing a few tablespoons of oil, even though this one is tasteless and odorless, is never pleasant. And of course, let’s not forget to mention how and why this stuff works.

The castor oil acts as a laxative, stimulating the bowels and causing diarrhea. The cramping that occurs with the diarrhea helps the uterus to contract, which is supposed to kick start your labor.

The controversy surrounding castor oil is due to the speculation that it can cause the baby to release meconium in the womb. Meconium is the baby’s first bowel movement and if released while still in the womb the baby can inhale it, possibly causing respiratory problems and even pneumonia. Another danger occurs if the mother has diarrhea severe enough to cause dehydration and exhaustion. Adequate fluids, most importantly water, are needed to provide sufficient nutrients to the baby. If the mother becomes dehydrated she will put the baby’s health in danger. Poor hydration can also lead to an inadequate milk supply for a breastfeeding mom.

Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

It is said that the body will not respond to natural methods of labor induction unless it is ready for labor. You need to be free of stress and ready to handle the physical and emotional challenges labor will bring. To get your body ready for labor, one good at-home method to use is meditation. Sitting alone in a quiet room with soothing music and some aromatherapy will help the body de-stress and be ready for the on-set of labor. Acupuncture is another good way to relieve stress and even start contractions using two particular trigger points on your body. One point is located about 2-3 inches above the inner ankle on your calf. The other can be found the webbing between your thumb and forefinger.

Blue and black cohosh are said to help labor by triggering contractions. There is no significant research to prove that these plant roots actually start contractions, but some women feel that they do help stimulate the uterus.

Stripping of the Membranes

During a visit to your physician, she may perform a procedure call a stipping or sweeping of the membranes. She will insert a finger or two in the vaginal opening and “sweep” the cervix, pushing it from one side to the other. This pulls the membranes of the bag of water away from the cervix, causing the cervix to be able to stretch out and begin to thin. This process can also cause the release of prostaglandins, which will begin contractions. It is a quite painful and uncomfortable procedure and does not always produce results when performed.

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.

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.