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 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!