Pregnancy is such a beautiful time in the life of a mother expecting a baby. Here we will know about tips and tricks to induce labor. To nurture and care for your baby in the womb, setting up the nursery, getting cute baby clothes, this journey is very touching and emotional. Sure, being pregnant comes with other side problems like morning sickness, pain, and mood swings, but all this is worth it for having a baby. Some mothers deliver their babies before their due date, or near their due date. Some mothers, however, may find it difficult to wait for the baby after their due date.
Tips and Tricks to Induce Labor
There are some tips and tricks involved known to help you induce labor. Although there is no proof these tricks will work. Also, you should know that you should be 40 weeks pregnant before thinking of inducing labor on your own. There can be many complications related to inducing labor at home, for example, cesarean delivery or other emergency interventions. Always confirm with your doctor before performing any of the given activities, so the doctor can tell you if it is safe to induce labor according to your health and the baby’s health.
1. Get Some Exercise
Exercises always are a great way of getting your body heated up and your heart rate up. Try any exercise that is bound to tire you, for example, try going on a long walk. Even if exercising doesn’t significantly help in inducing your labor, it is good to be exercising for the task you are to perform ahead, as it prepares your body for it.
Also Read: Yoga For Pregnant Women
2. Sexual Intercourse
There are often many misconceptions about having sex during your pregnancy. But you should know that it is completely safe to engage in sexual intercourse while you are pregnant. It comes with other benefits like when you are having sex, your body releases oxytocin which can jumpstart uterine interactions and thus induce labor. However, it is very unsafe to have sex after your water has broken. It may cause any infections to the mother or the baby.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another great way to help induce labor. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on your body. This activity helps in causing uterine interactions and nudging the baby into action. Many doctors and mothers recommend getting acupuncture if you want to induce your labor.
4. Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in the principle. Both of these activities involve putting pressure on some areas of your body. However, acupressure is done using fingers. Some pressure points to consider for having a naturally induced labor are the webbed area between your index finger and thumb, and the inside of your leg, a few inches above your ankle bone. You could book an appointment with a professional, or you could get your partner or close ones to do this for you. However, it is recommended that if you are trying this at home for the first time you should try consulting a professional about the methods first.
5. Stimulate Your Nipples
Yes, the process of stimulating your nipples can prove to be beneficial if you are looking for naturally induced labor. This is because stimulating nipples releases the hormone oxytocin in your body, responsible for your uterine contractions. So, you can try massaging and twisting your nipples for this. However, it is recommended that you do this only in the presence of a practitioner. The reason being sometimes nipple stimulation can cause painfully long contractions and lower fetal heart rate.
6. Try Spicy Food
It is widely believed that consuming spicy food can help induce natural labor. Spicy food is said to irritate your intestines and thus cause uterine contractions, bringing about the labor early. However, there is no proven evidence that this trick works or not. But you can try it if you are not resistant to the idea of consuming some hot spicy food during your pregnancy.
7. Get a Relaxing Massage
Some studies show that getting a massage before your due date can raise your body’s level of oxytocin and help bring your contractions early. Some massage experts swear by specific points to focus on while giving you a massage to help induce labor.
These are some methods to help induce your labor. You can also try meditation and relaxing to de-stress yourself. Cuddling with your partner is also a good option. All of this helps increase levels of oxytocin in your body. However, if you are not impatient it is recommended that you wait for the baby to come at its time.
Also Read: Different Stages Of Labor During Pregnancy