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5 Great Ways to Naturally Stimulate Labor

Feel like your pregnancy is never going to end? Even if you may be past your "official due date" it's important to remember that it's actually more like a birth "month". It's very common for women to give birth anywhere between two weeks before or two weeks after their due date. You really shouldn't even think about trying to naturally induce your labor until you are at least 40 weeks pregnant, or you have passed your due date. As well, it's important to talk to your doctor or midwife before trying to naturally induce your labor. They'll let you know if they think it's a safe time.

Here are a few different ways to naturally induce your labor:

1. Walking

If you find that you are having contractions, but you're not in labor yet, walking may help move things along. The benefits of walking? As your hips sway side to side, they help bring your baby into position. As well, getting out and standing on your feet will help gravity pull your baby into position, down in the pelvis. It feels great to walk when you're having contractions, and hey, even if it doesn't work, it's great that you're getting exercise and sunshine!

2. Sex!?!

Even though you may not feel like it (a lot of pregnant women feel huge and uncomfortable and definitely do not have sex on the brain) sex can actually stimulate labor. Your partner's semen contains prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions by dilating the cervix. As an added bonus, an orgasm can actually cause the uterus to contract. If your doctor or midwife has told you that sex is not safe for you, then it's important to find another way to naturally stimulate labor.

3. Nipple stimulation

Some women find that massaging their nipples helps to induce labor (or have their partner "stimulate" for them). This stimulation can cause the uterus to contract, similar to the way an IV Pitocin drip would. How does it work? The stimulation causes the release of oxytocin, which is the natural form of pitocin.

4. Natural Herbs

Blue and black cohosh is often used to stimulate labor. Basically, if you are already having weak and irregular contractions, blue cohosh is supposed to make your contractions stronger and black cohosh is supposed to make your contractions more regular. There aren't any studies that show that these herbs are safe to use to induce labor, so it's important to discuss it with your doctor or midwife before trying them.

5. Spicy Food!?!

Some women swear by it. But you may find yourself getting sick and throwing up if you have a stomach full of spicy food during labor. The choice is up to you :)

Just remember to discuss these options with your doctor before trying to naturally induce labor. I know it's hard to wait, but your baby can't stay in there forever, don't worry! Try to distract yourself with things like cleaning and organizing for your new little one, working, exercising, getting together with friends, or even working on a hobby. Your baby will come soon, I promise!

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