6 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

You're 9 months along and just plain DONE being pregnant! You are probably wondering whether there are any natural ways to induce labor and gently nudge your little one towards making a grand entrance into this world. You may be feeling uncomfortable and ready to get this show on the road. Or perhaps your doctor has made it clear that after a certain date, you are facing a hospital induction and you'd rather not wait for that. Whatever the reason, it's good to know that there are some natural ways to induce labor.

Here are my favorite 6 natural ways to induce labor:

#1 natural way to induce labor

Wait. No, seriously. Labor will start on its own, and as long as everything with the baby and mother checks out, if you are both healthy, it is most likely okay to wait. Did you know in some countries they let women go to 43 or even 44 completed weeks of pregnancy? By contrast, in some hospitals I know they want to induce you as soon as you hit 40 weeks. Or even before, if the doctor thinks the baby is getting too big or he has a conference to go to. When evaluating whether or not to consent to an induction, remember that an induction also carries risks.

#2 natural way to induce labor

Move. Go out for a walk. Preferably a hike. Carry your toddler in your arms. Go swimming. Climb stairs. DANCE! For some reason, exertion seems to get things moving if your body is truly ready to go into labor. Just make sure you don't exhaust yourself. Dead tired is not a fun way to begin labor.

#3 natural way to induce labor

Nooky. There are so many ways being sexual and intimate helps bring on labor, I don't even know where to start. First of all, just cuddling produces oxytocin, which is the natural version of pitocin or syntocinon, which is what they would give you intravenously at the hospital if you were to go for an induction. Any sort of loving physical contact produces oxytocin, including snuggling, kissing, petting, nipple stimulation, and hello! orgasm! Orgasms are uterine contractions! Brought on by oxytocin! And as if that weren't enough, semen contains prostaglandins, which is the natural version of cytotec, which is another substance they like to use for inductions in hospitals. So just about everything about having sex promotes the onset of labor, one way or another.

#4 natural way to induce labor

Poop. Bowel movements involve intestinal contractions, and these may spread by proximity to the uterus. This is the theory behind things like eating spicy food to bring on labor, or drinking one of those awful concoctions involving castor oil, or getting an enema. It all has to do with producing bowel movements, the stronger the better, and hoping the contractions in your bowels spread to your uterus.

#5 natural way to induce labor

Massage. First of all, massages are relaxing, and you could certainly use some of that. But also, you know how they say you shouldn't get a foot massage during pregnancy because your feet have acupressure points that may trigger labor? Though no scientific study has ever backed this up, hey, at least you'll be getting some foot massages! :) And depending on who is giving them, they might lead to the #3 natural way to induce labor, nooky, which IS scientifically proven to bring on labor. So go ahead! Indulge yourself! It's for a good cause.

#6 natural way to induce labor

Herbs. Now be careful with this one! Ask your doctor or midwife about taking anything to bring on labor! Some herbs are abortifacients, which means they can be used to abort a pregnancy by causing uterine contractions. Of course, if you take them when you are ready to have your baby then they will induce labor. Some of these herbs are black and blue cohosh, raspberry leaf tea, cumin tea, and evening primrose oil. Please consult an experienced midwife or herbalist about proper dosages, and never try to induce labor with these before 37 weeks of pregnancy!

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Above all, be patient! Inducing labor, even naturally, may carry risks. It's best to wait for the baby to come in his or her own good time, as long as both of you are healthy.

Not sure it worked?

After trying all the natural ways to induce labor, read about the early signs of labor!

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