Can i naturally induce labor

Not everyone should try to give Mother Nature a nudge. Emery cautions that you should not consider natural induction methods unless:. The good news? No pregnancy lasts forever. Junior will arrive eventually. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles.

Truth or Tale? You and your baby will need all your energy soon enough! Before trying anything that might induce labor, speak with your healthcare provider to go over any risks or possible complications. Though some of these methods are popular folklore among pregnant women, little scientific evidence supports their efficacy. Here are some natural ways to start contractions.

As you approach your due date and delivery, you might be wondering how to speed up the process. Are you pregnant and past your due date? Help induce labor naturally by pressing on these acupressure points along the body. Get answers to common questions such as, who can be in the delivery room with you, the average length of delivery, and assisted birth methods.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nipple stimulation. Castor oil. Eating dates. Perks of waiting for labor to start on its own. Parenthood Pregnancy 3rd Trimester. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Michael Weber, MD.

Women have been passing down this tradition for generations because if you take a shot of it, it can stimulate your bowels by causing spasms in the intestines and, in turn, irritate your uterus and cause it to start contracting. Some small studies support this assertion. But it's best to avoid trying castor oil altogether when you're pregnant. If you're not already showing signs of labor , taking castor oil can just give you a bad case of diarrhea something you probably want to avoid this close to childbirth.

Bottom line: Steer clear of castor oil completely. If you really want to try a spoonful, talk with your practitioner first. Can spicy food really bring on labor?

Some people believe that spicy food, like castor oil, irritates your intestines but more gently and that can cause your uterus to contract. Therefore, many doctors advise against trying spicy food, as it may only cause stomach upset. Plus, there's no evidence that proves that spicy foods are natural labor inducers. But if you generally tolerate spicy food well and think your bloated belly can stomach a couple of chili tacos, go for it.

Just remember that you might bring on heartburn instead of labor. Acupuncture, the art of inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on the body, can stimulate uterine activity and nudge the baby into action — and many experts and mamas-to-be swear this technique is a natural way to induce labor. It's also a natural stress reliever, which can help. Of course, even the most die-hard proponents of acupuncture during pregnancy say that if the baby isn't ready to make a grand entrance, acupuncture alone isn't likely make it happen.

So unless you're really impatient, save the money. If you do want to give it a try, be sure to get your doctor's approval first. Similar to acupuncture, this is another age-old practice that entails putting pressure on specific points on the body to stimulate uterine activity, except that instead of using needles, you can use fingertips including your own — or your partner's.

Two pressure points that may induce labor naturally: The webbing between your thumb and index finger, and the inside of your leg about four finger-widths above the ankle bone. Are you sitting around twiddling your thumbs, waiting for the baby to arrive? How about twiddling your nipples instead? That's right, nipple stimulation — massaging or twisting your nipples but not to the point of pain — for a few hours a day can cause your body to release the hormone oxytocin, which brings on contractions.

But when it comes to natural ways to induce labor, some practitioners don't recommend this one. That's because it can cause painfully long and strong uterine contractions that could potentially lower fetal heart rate.

Your best bet if you're considering trying this natural way to induce labor, which can potentially be effective, is to talk to your doctor first.