Here
are some of the most common methods women try to induce labor
naturally
Sexual
intercourse - This works in two ways to induce labor. First,
female orgasm can bring on contractions. Second, semen contains
prostaglandins. Prostaglandins work to help ripe and soften
the cervix.
Nipple
stimulation - Stimulating the nipples triggers
the production of natural oxytocin. Oxytocin contracts the
uterus.
Accupressure
- Accupressure may be helpful in inducing labor. Some pressure
points you can try are the roof of your mouth, the webbing
of your fingers between your pointer finger and thumb, and
above the ankle about four fingerspaces above is a pressure
point.
Stripping
the membranes - This can only be done by a health care provider.
Your doctor or midwife will seperate the bag of waters from
your cervix and this is thought to help encourage labor to
start.
Raspberry
Leaf Tea - Rasberry leaf tea is not actually known for it's
labor inducing properties, but it is believed to be helpful
in toning the uterus and helping with labor.
Cinnamin
stick tea - Take cinnamin sticks and boil them into a tea
and drink. It actually tastes good so even if it doesn't bring
on labor it may help you to relax.
Evening primrose oil - Evening primrose oil
comes in small capsules similar to vitamin E. It is believed
to help soften and ripen the cervix.
Walking - Walking may help to get baby to drop into proper
position.
Visualization/relaxation - Relaxation can help with labor
induction. Try doing relaxation exercisers. They are also
good practice for when labor actually begins.
Pineapple, cumin tea, eggplant parmesan, and spicy foods -
are another thing you can try.
Other
methods we do not recommend for inducing labor
Castor
oil - Castor oil is also used
for inducing labor. It tastes horrible! It is likely to make
you feel sick and it probably won't work.
Herbs
- There are other herbs you can use to induce labor.
Without consulting your doctor or midwife we do not
recommend the use of herbs.
