Inducing Labor Without Drugs

You are a conscientious mom-to-be. You have read all the requisite books and eaten healthy foods and taken all the recommended precautions. You have taken the pains to find just the right doctor. During one of your visits, your doctor has told you that if you go too far beyond your due date that he recommends inducing labor through medical means.

So, here you are. You are nine months pregnant and you are rapidly becoming convinced that this child living within you has no intention of coming out... ever. You are told that maybe you “should go for vigorous walks” or perhaps,”try some primrose oil.” Let’s be honest – at this point, you are about ready to try anything, right?

You may be surprised to find out that there are many ways to induce labor naturally without the need of medical intervention. By the same token, expecting mothers should also educate themselves so that they can be aware that some of the “traditional” methods talked about over the years may actually be dangerous to mothers and/or their unborn babies. With that in mind, take a look at the following review covering three methods of natural labor induction – one (or more) of them could be right for you in helping to convince that baby to seek the light of day!

Nipple Stimulation

This might sound a bit more like bedroom play, but the fact of the matter is that stimulation of the nipples in a pregnant woman can help encourage the body to release a natural hormone called Oxytocin! This hormone is a key element to bringing the body closer to a state of readiness for childbirth. However, it is important to remember that you do not want to overdo it with this activity… because it can lead to very strong (read: painful) uterine contractions if done too frequently. For best results, spend a total of 20 minutes alternating between rolling the nipples gently between the thumb and forefinger for two minutes, and then resting for three minutes. After four cycles of stimulation and rest, you could find yourself beginning contractions!

Take a Vigorous Walk

Sure, it might feel like the last thing you want to do when you are nine months pregnant… but in many cases it is precisely this activity that brings about labor and subsequent delivery. The rhythmic motions of walking, as well as the continuous pressure on the cervix brought about by the walking motion, can really help to stimulate the baby toward that birth canal. It is recommended that such walks should be taken with a supportive loved one, in the event that the walk brings about a sudden change in labor status!

Acupressure Points

Acupressure is related to the Chinese tradition of acupuncture, but (thankfully) it does not involve the use of needles! Rather, acupressure therapists stimulate certain areas of the body with pressure, often using their hands and fingers, and devotees are convinced that they are effective in treating all sorts of conditions – including stimulating childbirth, as well as cervix dilation! The pressure points are known well to trained therapists, but they are located on the lower legs, ankles, shoulders, and hands.

So you see there are ways to start your labor without the use of dangerous drugs. You just have to look into it a bit!