If you are looking up the frequently asked question of how to induce labor naturally at home, then you are probably 40 weeks pregnant and had enough with pregnancy. Luckily, you are at the end of a difficult journey and you are about to meet your bundle of joy.
Fortunately, they are a few tips and tricks to induce labor naturally that will help prevent an overdue baby. The main way is to cause your uterus to contract and your cervix to open. Two hormones do this, and they include oxytocin and prostaglandin.
The following ways stimulate uterine contractions and cervix opening.
- Exercise
Go on long walks. Gravity helps push the baby downward. This could work, but it may take a long time to have an effect. Also, walking upstairs has a similar effect.
- Sexual Intercourse
Semen has prostaglandin which helps ripen and soften the cervix. Orgasms also release oxytocin which contracts the uterus.
- Pumping
Stimulating nipples releases the hormone oxytocin which leads to uterine contractions. Usually, women who have pumped went into labor within 72 hours.
- Dates
Eating 6 dates a day for four weeks before your due date will help mothers go into labor before induction is needed.
- Primrose Oil
Many women have taken these pills in the evening, These pills act like prostaglandin which helps the cervix soften and open up.
- Membrane Sweep
This technique involves your doctor pushing her finger up the cervix and separating the membrane from the cervix. It is uncomfortable and may hurt, but this usually causes labor within 48 hours.
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Some research concluded that red raspberry leaf tea shortens the second stage of labor. Begin drinking a cup at 32 weeks and increase the amount gradually.
These ways are scientifically proven to help in some way to induce labor. Use the tips and tricks to induce labor naturally before needing to be induced. Induction may cause complications during labor; so, these tips could be handy. If you begin feeling contractions, look for the signs found in the article “Are You In Labor” to help you decide whether you are actually in labor or not.