Inducing Labor At Home

Induce Your Labor at Home

Are you tired of being pregnant? Has it been too long since you have been able to tie your own shoes, sleep on your tummy and walk without the pregnant girl “waddle”? I too have been there and I know it’s not pleasant. If you are like me, then you have probably searched high and low looking for ways to ease the discomfort by inducing labor at home. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the methods of induction you read about are fool-proof or work 100% of the time because they DON’T! However, there are some things you can do at home to aid in the onset of labor by starting contractions.

Doctors will always tell you that your baby will come when she is ready. But what about her coming when you are ready? Most moms get lucky and don’t make it all the way to their due date. The highest percentage of deliveries occurs between weeks 37 and 40. Your baby is considered full term after 37 weeks so delivering anytime after this week will give your baby the best chances for a healthy delivery. Sounds great, right? Well, what if weeks 40 comes and goes and still no baby?

So, if you’re your due date is long gone and you can’t wait anymore to see that little bundle of joy that’s been doing somersaults in your belly for 9 months, there are a few things you can try to get the ball rolling.

Inducing Labor at Home You should consult with your physician before attempting any of these at-home methods.

What you might NOT want to try

• Castor Oil! I’m sure you have heard the old tale that castor oil will help if you are inducing labor at home by starting contractions. While this may be true, the oil does this by stimulating your bowels (which in turn stimulates your uterus to contract) meaning you will be spending quite a bit of time in the bathroom! Persistent diarrhea can cause you to become dehydrated so this may not be the best way to go.
• Spicy Food! If you can’t normally handle spicy food, I wouldn’t recommend it during pregnancy. The spices may cause you to have heartburn or even worse, diarrhea.
• Vigorous exercise! Doctors will warn you not to take on too much physical activity, especially during your last few weeks. If you are thinking about exercising harder to try to get the baby to “drop” or come out faster, think again. You are only putting yourself and your baby at risk.

What you might WANT to try

• Walking! We all know how to do it and should be doing it everyday anyway. This is the easiest way to bring on your labor. The gentle rocking of the pelvis can allow the baby to drop, plus the exercise can help bring on contractions.

• Spicy food! If you normally can eat spicy food, then give it a shot to induce your labor. The spices in what you eat can help trigger contractions. But again, watch out for that heartburn!
• Sex! That’s right, I said SEX! Most women steer clear of sexual intercourse during pregnancy, especially toward the last month or so because it can be very uncomfortable. However, when released during orgasm, a natural female hormone called oxytocin can cause the uterus to contract. Plus, another special hormone found in semen can cause the cervix to thin slightly and cause dilation.
• Nipple stimulation! As odd as it may sound, rubbing or massaging the nipple between your fingers (or your partners!) also causes the release of oxytocin which can start contractions. If you are not comfortable with this method, try placing a hot towel over your breasts for a few minutes at a time or use the towel to massage the nipple instead of your fingers.
• Massage! Pre-natal massage is extremely relaxing and helps de-stress the body which makes it easier for labor to begin and progress.  Rubbing the belly can help stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. Just be careful not to rub or push down too hard.

If you have reached or passed your due date and can’t wait anymore to finally have and hold your baby, then find an at-home method you are comfortable with and give it a shot. Just remember to use caution with all of these methods and don’t get disappointed if they don’t work right away or at all. Just try to be patient and focus on the moment you finally get to see that perfect little face…and your feet!