Your due date is near and there are butterflies in your tummy. Oh no, there’s actually a little one who’s all set to pop out. While many women deliver perfectly healthy babies 2 weeks before or after the presumed due date, it’s recommended that women wait until at least 39 weeks for delivery. It’s best to let mother nature decide when your baby comes.
Though there are many other ways of inducing labor, here we are with some natural methods. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before attempting any of these methods. After all, it’s always recommended to be the safest during this time.
EXERCISE
It is the best and one of the safest methods to induce labor. A long walk, prenatal yoga or something else that makes it easy for the task ahead.
NIPPLE STIMULATION
Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and may bring about labor. In fact, if you choose to breastfeed your baby right after delivery, this same stimulation is what will help your uterus shrink back to its original size. You or your partner may manually stimulate your nipples, or you can try using a breast pump.
ACUPRESSURE/ ACUPUNCTURE
Some practitioners believe that acupressure and acupuncture can help start labor. Prior to applying acupressure to yourself, make sure you get proper instruction from a trained acupressure professional. If these don’t get your labor going, it can still be an excellent way to alleviate pain and discomfort during labor.
USING CASTOR OIL/EATING DATES
Drinking a little bit, like only 1–2 ounces of castor oil stimulates prostaglandin release, which can help ripen the cervix and get labor started. Eating dates increases cervical ripening and cervical dilation at the start of labor.
SEX
There are multiple reasons why having sex could induce labor. For example, sexual activity, especially having an orgasm, can release oxytocin, which may help jumpstart uterine contractions. Having sex is safe during the final weeks of pregnancy, but you shouldn’t have sex after your water has broken. Doing so can increase your risk for infection.
