Health care providers will caution women against using aromatherapy during pregnancy. Some herbs may be too strong for some women, causing allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, etc. However, there are some types of aromatherapy that are safe to use at home to induce labor. Women who choose to use aromatherapy to induce labor should only use it if they have reached or passed their due date to minimize any adverse effects. The use of aromatherapy to induce labor should always be used with caution.

Lavender

Lavender is naturally calming and relaxing and can often be found used in bath washes and lotions. It is said to help relieve stress and cause the body to lose tension. In order for labor to begin, the mother must be stress-free and relaxed. Contractions will not begin if the body is too tense so the use of Lavender is suggested to ease that tension and welcome the on-set of labor.

Evening Primrose Oil

This oil is believed to stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. In capsule form, Primrose can be taken orally or can be inserted vaginally to help soften and thin the cervix for dilation.

Clary sage

Clary sage is more helpful as an aromatherapy treatment once contractions have begun. Because it is said to be antispasmodic, clary can help ease the pain of contractions during labor. In large doses, however, clary sage can be highly toxic and is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Basilica and Oregano

Basilica, commonly known as basil, is an herb said to stimulate the uterus and help cause contractions due to its potency.

Like basilica, oregano is said to stimulate the uterus to induce labor. It is also known to be quite potent and should be used with caution.

Both herbs should only be used if the mother has reached her due date and wants to induce labor by starting contractions.

Expectant mothers should always consult their physician before using any type of aromatherapy during pregnancy. Women who choose to use aromatherapy as a method of labor induction must wait until they have reached at least 38 weeks pregnant, though physicians would most likely recommend waiting until they have reached or passed their due date.

Remember to consult your doctor or midwife before attempting this.

If you have reached or passed your due date and are looking to induce labor naturally, evening primrose oil may be your solution.

Evening primrose oil is most commonly found in a soft gel capsule form. It can be taken orally is doses of two 500mg per day. The capsule can be opened and the oil inside can be used to massage the perineum. It can also be inserted vaginally so that it sits on the cervix causing it to thin and soften. This is necessary for dilation to begin.

Primrose oil is most commonly used by midwives who prefer natural methods of labor induction to those administered in a clinical setting. To soften and thin the cervix, physicians most often use a technique called “stripping the membranes”. Using his fingers, he will physically separate the bag of water from the cervix so the cervix will stretch and thin.

There has been ongoing debate as to the effectiveness of using evening primrose oil to induce labor. As with most other natural methods of labor induction, primrose oil will not produce results right away. If taken before bed, you will not awaken in the middle of the night with contractions. It could take several attempts before experiencing effective results. A study conducted in 1999 by the American College of Nurse Midwives set out to discover the effectiveness of evening primrose oil. This study, unfortunately, has yet to prove conclusive as the group of women who took the capsules took them orally. In order for the oil to be most effective it should be taken vaginally so the cervix has an optimal chance of ripening.

If you have reached or passed your due date and would like to try a natural method of labor induction, consult with your health care provider or midwife about evening primrose oil.

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.