How To Naturally Induce Labor At Home
Giving birth to a new life is the most magical, wonderful experience a woman can ever have. But sometimes, the baby is in no hurry to come out and may need a little help. If you’re overdue, you and your doctor probably discussed about the possibility of medical induction. If possible, however, you should try to avoid risky medications and only use medical induction as a last resort.
There are many natural methods you could try before medical induction. In this article we will explore some of the possibilities that are at your disposal at home.
Having sex is one of the favorite for many pregnant women. The semen contains a hormone called prostaglandin, which is actually similar to the medications for inducing labor, and can help soften the cervix and start dilation. Additionally, a woman releases oxytocin, which can help stimulate contractions. So why not end your pregnancy the same way you started it - by having sex.
Gravity can also help. Many methods are based on the idea that the force of gravity helps the baby to drop down lower into the pelvic region, possibly causing enough pressure to induce contractions. Bouncing on the exercise ball, walking and similar activities allow gravity to aid in the labor process.
Herbs are another option. Blue and black cohosh are often used to induce labor. They are believed to make contractions stronger, but no studies have been done to determine if they are safe. They have actually been linked to serious bleeding during labor and cardiac problems in newborns. Use with extreme caution.
One of the most effective methods that has been used for thousands of years, but is not very well know in the western world is acupressure, or maternity acupressure, to be exact. It has been proven to be both safe and effective.
Labor or maternity acupressure uses gentle finger pressure to stimulate the specific acupoints. This can help in descending the baby, dilating the cervix, strengthening contractions, and, very importantly, relaxing the mother. Certainly one of the most safe and effective natural labor inducing methods. Recommended.
