6 natural ways to induce labor

How can I induce labor myself?

1. Exercise

   • Exercise can be anything that gets the heart rate up, such as a long walk. Even if this method doesn’t work, it’s a great way to relieve stress and keep your body strong for the task ahead.

   • According to a 2022 study, walking for 30 minutes three times a week at 4 kilometers (km) or 2.5 miles (m) per hour starting from week 38 of pregnancy can help induce labor. It may also help reduce interventions during vaginal delivery.

2. Sex

   • Though research hasn’t found evidence that having sex actually results in the start of labor, theoretically, 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.

   • Also, for pregnant people who have sex with men, there are prostaglandin hormones in semen that might help ripen the cervix.

   • 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 of infection.

   
   

3. Nipple stimulation

   • Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and may bring about labor.

   • Nipple stimulations stimulate oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract and the breast to eject milk.

   • In fact, if you choose to breastfeed or chestfeed 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.

   • Research shows that breast stimulation can be an effective way to:

     • induce and augment labor

     • avoid a medical induction

     • reduce rates of postpartum hemorrhage

     • That said, the efficacy appears to be highest after performing breast stimulation for at least three days.

4. Acupuncture

   • Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. The exact way that acupuncture works is unclear.

   • In Chinese Medicine, it’s believed to balance the chi or vital energy within the body. It might also stimulate changes in hormones or in the nervous system.

   • That said, acupuncture should be administered only by a licensed acupuncturist.

   • According to research, the main benefit of acupuncture is increased cervical ripening.

5. Acupressure

   • Some practitioners believe that acupressure can help start labor. Before applying acupressure to yourself, make sure you get proper instruction from a trained acupressure professional.

   • That said, there isn’t much evidence that acupressure is actually effective in inducing labor. But if acupressure doesn’t get your labor going, it can still be an excellent way to alleviate pain and discomfort during labor.

6. Eating dates

   • Research shows that eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy:

     • increases cervical ripening and cervical dilation at the start of labor

     • decreases the need for Pitocin use during labor

Perks of waiting for labor to start on its own

• Most pregnant people at 40 weeks are likely ready to have their babies out of their bellies as soon as possible and in their arms.

• However, there are plenty of perks to waiting until your body naturally decides to go into labor — including recovery.

• Pregnant people who weren’t induced typically recover more quickly than those who were. More time in the womb can mean both you and your new baby get to go home from the hospital sooner.

• Infants who are born after a full-term pregnancy also experience other benefits. More time in the womb typically means:

  • more time to build muscle and strength

  • reduced risk of low blood sugar, infection, and jaundice

  • improved breathing as infants born even as little as two weeks early can experience twice the number of complications

  • better feeding once born

  • increased brain development, with the brain growing a third of its size between weeks 35 and 40

Let your body do the work for a few more days, and take the time to get as much rest as you possibly can.

We know that’s easier said than done when you’re 9 months pregnant. You and your baby will need all your energy soon enough!

Read full article here:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/natural-ways-to-induce-labor#why-wait-for-labor