When your due date comes and goes, it can be very aggravating (that’s an understatement). Why is it that the last month of pregnancy seems to last the longest? You have the name, the medical facility bag all packed, the birth plan– but no baby. So, we gathered a bunch of mothers for suggestions on the fastest ways to induce labor at home (+ some we don’t recommend).
While some doctors and midwives may medically induce after 39 weeks- others may make you wait until 42 weeks. There are some great natural ways to get your body in gear for labor in the comfort of your own home if you’re past your due date and still waiting.
So, here are the fastest ways to induce labor at home. all of these ways are natural but before you try any of these methods, make sure you speak with your doctor or midwife about inducing at home. I would also recommend taking the mommy Labor nurse Birth course to get prepared for labor & delivery. I took one myself before giving birth to my fourth baby and found it so helpful! She’s got tons of suggestions about natural induction included as well.
Physical activities to induce Labor
When it came down to it, our mothers said over and over that the fastest way to induce labor at home is physical activity. Now, don’t overdo it, but these are certainly our mom’s favorites.
Sex
Let’s start off with a fun way that will make your partner happy. Sex is a very common way to induce labor and some say the fastest way to induce labor at home. numerous pregnant women have a lot of success with this method. It’s probably one of the simplest and many effective ways to bring on labor.
Scientifically- semen stimulates the cervix and orgasm can cause contractions. There’s no hurt in trying, right?
Nipple stimulation
Nipple stimulation is certainly another one of the fastest ways to induce labor at home and has been shown by various studies to work, of course, not in all cases though. Nipple Stimulation may bring on contractions by releasing oxytocin- making it a great way to induce labor at home. If you purchased yourself a breast pump it’s a great time to try it out!
A Foot or Body Massage
Did you know a foot massage can bring on labor? There are certain pressure points that can help bring on contractions. You can either go to an acupressure massage therapist or just have your significant other give you a massage. If it doesn’t bring on labor for you, at least you got a massage out of it!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is similar to an acupressure massage, but used with needles. This method ought to only be carried out by a professional. Acupuncture has been said to bring on contractions and help ripen the cervix for labor. If you’re not terrified of needles, it’s worth a try!
Bouncing on an exercise ball
You have probably seen an expecting mama bouncing up and down on an exercise ball before! This is because it can help get the baby in the appropriate position and encourage the baby’s head to relocation down through the birth canal. You can actually start doing this from the first semester on. Not only will it help induce labor, but it’s also a lot of fun and good exercise!
You will want to switch up your positions on the ball between Deep broad Circles, figure 8s, Bouncing, Child’s Pose, and supported Squats.
Uima
Swimming is another good way for you to try to induce labor. staying active towards the end of your pregnancy will relocation your baby down towards the pelvis and encourage dilation. At the very least, a good swim will help ease the pain on joints and muscles from pregnancy!
Kävely
Walking works similarly to swimming and bouncing exercises- it encourages the baby to relocation deeper into the pelvis and bring on labor. many light aerobic exercises are highly recommended when nearing your due date to promote labor (although exercise is probably the last thing you want to do in the third trimester!)
You can also try curb walking for an added increase to get the baby moving. To do this, you put one foot on the curb and the other on the street as you walk.
Natural Foods & Herbs to induce Labor at Home
Let’s review some natural ingredients you can try that some of our mothers say are the fastest ways to induce labor at home.
Midwives’ Brew
This odd concoction includes apricot juice, pure lemon verbena tea, castor oil, and almond butter and it is apparently very effective. learn much more about it from mommy Labor nurse here!
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is a highly recommended way to induce labor naturally by midwives. It has had proven success for numerous moms! It can be taken orally and purchased at many local pharmacies.
Primrose oil works by thinning out the cervix- so if your body is ready for labor and just needs to extra help with effacement, it ought to be successful.
Red Raspberry leaf Tea
Red Rasberry leaf Tea is many effective when you drink it daily throughout the thirdtrimester of your pregnancy- or at least starting in the third trimester. numerous mothers promise by its success- even saying the tea made their labor faster and less painful! Se on yrittämisen arvoista!
Thyme Tea
Thyme tea is similar to the Red Raspberry leaf Tea method. Some women claim that the Thyme in the tea can cause uterine contractions. It seems to be many effective when you drink it daily- so add another tea to the shopping list!
Eating dates
Photo Courtesy of Fresh N Lean
This is a sweet and delicious way to induce labor at home! dates are a proven way to help with dilatation and effacement. Not only do they help with softening of the cervix, but they’re also incredibly healthy for you and your baby- loaded with tons of calcium and potassium.
Spicy Foods
Spicy Foods are said to induce labor, although it’s probably unlikely to help unless your body is seriously ready to go into labor. It’s a good excuse to try some delicious spicy Thai or Indian Food or whatever spicy food you prefer.
Ananas
Say Aloha to pineapple as it is said to induce labor and has some science behind it. during a study- doctors have found that pineapple can cause uterine contractions as well as the ripening of the cervix. You can try fresh or frozen pineapple and even pineapple juice!
Cohosh, specifically black cohosh
Cohosh is an herb typically used to promote effacement and contractions. This herb is typically found as a liquid supplement, and a few drops every day will supposedly bring on labor. numerous midwives recommend cohosh for inducing labor naturally, but you ought to check with yours specifically before trying it out.
Castor Oil (Not Recommended)
Castor Oil has been used to induce labor for decades. It has shown to be a very successful method to induce labor, but can be dangerous. It can cause tension on the baby, so it’s essential to talk with your midwife or doctor before using castor oil.
When to visit the Doctor!
Doctors or midwives will typically tell clients about the 4-1-1 indicator. When contractions are 4 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for at least 1 hour it’s a good time to call or head best into the birthing center.
If your water happens to break- it’s certainly a good time to head to the medical facility or at least call your doctor if you’re unsure. Some women completely miss the contractions and can be in active labor when their water breaks.
Be sure to trip your birthing center or medical facility and take a test drive- timing how long it takes you to get there. preparation is essential and knowing where to go beforehand will (sort of) help ease the tension of labor! Make sure medical facility bags are packed and that the car seat is installed. You will do great!
Have questions about inducing labor? Please leave a question in the comments or ask questions in our Rookie mothers Facebook Group. It’s a great way to connect with other moms, share suggestions and get advice.
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How do you start contractions?
Get moving – walking is one great way!Nipple StimulationWalkingSexTry natural TeasEat Spicy Foods
What is the Quickest way to Go into Labor?
1. Sex2. Nipple stimulation3. Exercise4. Acupressure5. Spicy foods6. Red raspberry leaf tea
Can I break my waters myself?
No, your water ought to only be broken naturally or by your doctor, it is typically a safe procedure. never try to break your water at home.
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