Things you need to know before trying to induce labor naturally.
- Natural induction is only a helping hand - it's usually gentle enough that it won't bring on labor if your body isn't ready. It's not recommended for use before 39-40 weeks. If you do begin before then, chances are it won't work anyway. Remember: First time pregnancies are up to 80% more likely to go postdate, and you are not overdue till 42 weeks. Legally, a doctor cannot induce you without your permission.
- You should do your own research on any natural induction method before trying it. Make sure you know the risks and are taking the correct amount of any herbal product and don't overstrain yourself with labor inducing exercises.
- If you aren't sure about naturally inducing, talk to your doctor. High risk and complicated pregnancies can increase natural induction risks.
- Don't listen to people (friends, family or professionals) who flat out state that natural induction doesn't work. Even in the medical profession, opinions are varied on methods that work or if any do work at all.
Good luck with natural induction - hopefully you'll be meeting your gorgeous new addition very soon!
A timeline of inducing labor naturally.
40 Ways to induce Labor Naturally
1. Acupressure - There are pressure points in the shoulder well, webbing between thumb and forefinger, heel and small of back.
2. Balsamic Vinegar - Add a dash to your salad. Definitely won't hurt to try!
3. Bananas - Potassium is meant to be related to muscle contractions so being low can offset labor. Bananas have plenty of potassium. Note that you should take them in moderation and NEVER take potassium supplements as they can be poisonous when take incorrectly.
4. Basil - Throw some in your cooking.
5. Black/Blue Cohosh - Taken in tea form is a common way to induce labor. Some midwives use it even during labor to increase slow contractions. There have been some studies claiming that it can have bad side effects for mother and/or baby however. I'd recommend research first.
6. Borage seed oil - Meant to have similar effects to evening primrose oil - dilating and effacing.
7. Bouncing on birth/exercise ball - Spreading your legs as well as the moving up and down can help the baby move down.
8. Bumpy car ride - Sometimes the baby just needs a bit of a jiggle!
9. Castor oil - Statistically speaking it only works on 57% of women and causes lovely things like diarrhoea and sometimes, vomiting. The theory is that the cramps in the bowel set off contractions. Opinion is still out on whether castor oil causes babies to pass meconium in the womb but a) most women using castor oil are overdue and b) babies that are overdue are more likely to pass meconium so you do the maths!WARNING: Please read the linked article before attempting this, and make sure you're fully informed on the safe methods to induce with castor oil - incorrect use can be dangerous!
10. Chinese food - Not sure why, but some people have claimed this works a treat. Or maybe they just ate Chinese food all the time anyway, so they blamed it for the onset of labor. Worth a try!
11. Clary sage oil - Use for aromatherapy as an oil or in a candle.
12. Dancing - Don't do anything too drastic - pole dancing might be a bit much! But if you get in there and swing your hips around a lot, there's a chance baby might think about coming out.
13. Dates - Six date fruit a day in the leadup to your EDD is meant to help with dilation.
14. Eggplant - Many people swear by eggplant parmigiana.
15. Evening primrose oil - Can be taken orally from 35 weeks and used internally (good idea to do this at night and use a panty liner) from 38 weeks. It's meant to soften the cervix so that even if you do get induced, the doctor may be able to break your waters and not need any further intervention to bring on labor.
16. Galloping - Many women claim that imitating a horse can help start labor. See the video further down!
17. Glass of Wine - The slight effects of the alcohol are said to bring on labor, however remember that drinking during pregnancy is NOT recommended. You might want to check this with your doctor first.
18. Golden seal - Taken in tablet form is easiest. As it can be dangerous during pregnancy, if taken incorrectly, seek PROFESSIONAL advice first.
19. Kneeling on all fours - A friend of a friend was told to do this. Swing the hips back and forth. Her waters broke just a few minutes later. Coincidence? Maybe!
20. Licorice - Try to get the natural kind - it contains more licorice and usually less sugar. Like castor oil, some people claim that the slightly laxative effect can cause cramps in the bowel which lead to contractions.
21. Mandarin oil on heels - Had a friend recommend this. It didn't work for her, but worth a try!
22. Massage - Find a massage therapist qualified to work with pregnant women. Many will know various points to massage to induce labor. This is why massage is not recommended during the early stages of pregnancy.
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23. Motherwort - Taken in tea or pill form.
24. Nipple stimulation - Needs to be done for approx an hour at a time. The verdict is out on this - some people claim that it causes very strong contractions which can be dangerous. I tried it and I had barely more than cramps! For increased stimulation try either a breast pump or borrowing a friend's newborn baby (although you might want to be close friends!).
25. Oregano - Throw some in your cooking!
26. Orgasm - Orgasms cause contractions which is part of what feels so good. That's why many women enjoy orgasms more during pregnancy! You can try this alone or with a partner... whatever you're comfortable with.
27. Pineapple - Best taken fresh and raw. Statistically speaking, the chemicals which pineapple contain, which are said to start labor aren't very high. So that means about 7 pineapples should put you into labor!
28. Quinine - Not quite sure how it works but I've read that it is used in various countries - either pill or liquid form.
29. Raspberry leaf - Taken either as a tea or pill. Start at about 34 weeks - opinion is divided as to whether it will start labor, but it definitely strengthens the uterus, leading to a (hopefully) shorter labor, because each contraction can achieve more.
30. Relaxation excercises - Try some relaxing music and just lie back or even join a meditation class.
31. Sperm - If you feel up to sex, this is a good start towards getting ready for labor. The sperm helps soften and dilate the cervix.
32.Spicy food - A very well known labor starter! The reason it works may be because of the upset it causes to the digestive system which then upsets the uterus. Not highly recommended.
33. Squats - Doing a few of these each day often helps to move the baby down and into position.
34. Squaw Vine - Old remedy. Not sure how well it works.
35. Stretch and sweep of membranes - Your midwife or doctor can perform this simple procedure. A finger is inserted into the cervix and a gentle 'sweep' of the finger slightly separates the uterus wall and amniotic sac, sometimes leading to labor within hours or days. Some women say it's an easy, painless procedure, others claim it can be very painful. How well it works can also depend on if you are very far dilated or not.
36. Swimming - Relaxed swimming can help bring out the baby - both the water and the movement help.
37. Swinging on a swing - Similar to a bumpy car ride but probably a bit easier on mum.
38. Thyme Tea - Worth a try!
39. Visualisation excercises - Many women swear by these. Try making a recording of yourself talking about the baby moving down, preparing to be born etc or just imagine it in your head.
40. Walking - The bumping up and down can help the baby move into the birth canal. In fact, this is one of the few ways that most doctors agree on for starting labor.
41. Walking up/down stairs - More bumping up and down! The further lifting of the legs can help with moving the baby if walking doesn't seem to.
42. Yoga - Many places offer special classes for all stages of pregnancy.