Pregnancy Issues – Things You Could Try At Home To Induce Labor

Giving birth is one of the most wonderful experiences a woman can have. But sometimes a baby is in no hurry to make an appearance and might need a little encouragement. If you are overdue and tired, there are some safe methods you could try at home to stimulate labor and finally meet your baby.

You probably already discussed the possibility of medical induction with your doctor. You should know, however, that medical induction comes with many risks and side effects. If possible, you should try to avoid it and use it only as a last resort.

Pregnancy can be ended the same way it started – by having sexual intercourse. The hormones in the semen called prostaglandins can help soften the cervix. During orgasm a woman releases large amounts of oxytocin, which stimulate contractions. Nipple stimulation also brings about the release of oxytocin.

At nine months pregnant many women don’t desire sex. No problem, there are other options. The simplest one includes gravity. The idea is simple – using the force of gravity to help the baby to descend and speeding up the labor process. Walking or bouncing on an exercise ball can do the trick.

Some herbs, like black and blue cohosh, promote contractions and help the cervix to dilate. Their use, however, is not recommended, because they are possibly unsafe. They have been associated with severe hemorrhaging during childbirth and cardiac complications in newborns.

Another method, not widely known in Western civilization, but extremely popular in Asian countries, is a technique called maternity acupressure. It has been effectively used for more than 5000 years. It is intended to induce labor naturally and also make childbirth easier.

Maternity acupressure, or labor acupressure as it is sometimes called, is based on the same ideas and principles as acupuncture. The only difference is that it doesn’t use needles, but simply fingers to apply gentle pressure to specific points. Women who use this technique experience normal childbirth with substantially less complications.

Ways To Induce Labor Naturally At Home

When you are past your due date, you’re probably keenly awaiting for your baby to make an appearance. But before you consider medical induction, it’s important to understand the dangers of the medications. If not for medical reasons or as an emergency, you should try to avoid medical labor induction.

There are many natural methods you could try before medical induction. In this article we will explore some of the possibilities that are at your disposal at home.

Having sex is one of the favorite for many pregnant women. The semen contains a hormone called prostaglandin, which is actually similar to the medications for inducing labor, and can help soften the cervix and start dilation. Additionally, a woman releases oxytocin, which can help stimulate contractions. So why not end your pregnancy the same way you started it – by having sex.

Some methods use the force of gravity to bring the baby down. Walking around, squatting, bouncing on the exercise ball and similar activities can all help the baby to descend into the birthing canal and into the world. Some women also find walking helps them to cope with the discomforts associated with contractions.

Another option are herbs. Blue and black cohosh are believed to have properties to stimulate childbirth. You should know, however, they are potentially unsafe. They can cause excess bleeding during labor and hearth problems in newborn babies. Not recommended.

One of the most effective methods that has been used for thousands of years, but is not very well know in the western world is acupressure, or maternity acupressure, to be exact. It has been proven to be both safe and effective.

Maternity or labor acupressure uses fingers and thumbs to apply gentle pressure to key points on the skin called acupoints. This can strengthen contractions, improve dilation of the cervix, lessen labor pains, shorten the delivery time, and relax the mother. It can be safely used at home. Recommended.

What is Maternity Acupressure

Labor (or maternity) acupressure is a very effective and safe technique to make childbirth easier and help naturally induce labor at home. It’s entirely safe for both the mother and the baby and no, there are no needles involved.

But what is acupressure? Many people mistake acupressure for acupuncture. It’s true they have a similar name and work in a similar way, but there is one major difference. Acupressure uses fingers instead of needles. It’s a very gentle and safe technique, even for the pregnant mother to be.

Acupressure is an ancient healing art practiced by Chinese people for over 6000 years. It uses fingers and thumbs to apply pressure on acu points that are found on body’s energy pathways called meridians. Pressure on these points releases muscular tension, stimulates circulation of the blood and aids the body with it’s natural self-restorative abilities.

Is there some research evidence that acupressure really works? Yes, many studies have been conducted and they all confirm positive effects of acupressure to some degree. I’m not familiar with any negative conclusions about acupressure. After all, it has been practiced by millions of people for thousands of years.

Acupressure is used for treating a wide variety of ailments. From pain relief (low back pain, labor pain, joint pain, migraine headaches), depression, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, enuresis, incontinence to many every day illnesses such as colds, headaches, sore muscles and even hangovers.

It can also be very useful during pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy it can be used to combat morning sickness, and increase energy levels and overall well-being. When the time comes it can help induce labor naturally, relive labor pains, strengthen contractions and keeping you calm and relaxed.

You’re probably familiar with risks and side effects that come with medical induction. Maternity acupresure is certainly one of the safest and most effective way to induce labor naturally.