Are you wondering how you can induce labor when it’s already past your due date? Sadly, there are no scientifically proven labor-inducing tricks but it won’t hurt if you want to try these safe and natural methods.🧐
Natural ways to induce labor
🤰Sexual intercourse
Sexual activity stimulates orgasm and releases oxytocin which may provoke uterine contractions. Especially when you have sex with men👨, prostagladins in semen can help ripen the cervix.
Having sex during the final weeks of pregnancy is safe.🙆♀️ However, you should avoid this intimation after your water has broken since your baby might suffer from serious complications.⚠️
🤰Nipple stimulation
When your nipples are stimulated, your body produces oxytocin which may induce labor and contractions.😀 However, overstimulating your uterus can stress your baby👶 so you should consider trying this method while being monitored.
🤰Castor oil
Castor oil is a strong laxative. Drinking a bit of castor oil is claimed to have effects in stimulating prostaglandin release and inducing labor.😀 However, there’s not a lot of definitive research on its effectiveness; moreover, it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration which make you uncomfortable.😔
🤰Enemas
Enema works on triggering bowel movement and prostaglandin release. However, there’s also not much scientific research done on its effects on labor but its efficacy seems to work on select cases.😔 Enemas can cause diarrhea and dehydration, making you uncomfortable.😟
Other natural ways to induce labor
🤰Herbal remedies
Some herbs such as red raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil are claimed to be effective in inducing labor.🌼 Due to lack of evidence on their safety for pregnant moms, you should consult with your doctor before using them.👩⚕️ Some of them can overstimulate your uterus, stress your baby and pose other risks.😔
🤰Exercise
Moderate exercises are highly recommended during pregnancy.🚶 There’s not much research on how exercises induce labor. Nonetheless, exercises are proven to be effective in shortening the labor process and ending your labor pain a bit faster.😃
🤰Acupuncture and acupressure
Inserting tiny needles💉 through strategic locations on your body is helpful in terms of alleviating pain and discomfort. Acupressure is similar but uses pressure instead of needles. Since a few studies support their effectiveness in labor induction, you should consult with your doctor or midwife before deciding to use these techniques.👩⚕️🙆♀️