- Walking
- Gravity and hip swaying may help the baby to naturally drop down into the pelvic area.
- The pressure of the baby dropping can help labor progress by priming the cervix.
- Sex
- Sperm contains prostaglandins which help to ripen the cervix by thinning and dilating it.
- Oxytocin is released during sex which may help to trigger contractions.
- Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
- This should probably only be done under a doctor's supervision.
- This is an herb which can help to thin and dilate the cervix.
- The capsules can be taken orally, the oil may be rubbed directly on the cervix or the capsules can be inserted vaginally.
- Castor Oil
- Another thing that should be taken only under a doctor's supervision.
- It is a vegetable oil that is typically used as a laxative.
- It causes intestinal spasms by stimulating the bowels. Bowel stimulation can then irritate the uterus to cause it to contract.
- Works only if you're already showing signs of labor. Taking it without the signs of labor may just give you a bad case of diarrhea.
- Spicy Food
- Another intestinal irritant which may cause your uterus to contract.
- May cause or worsen heartburn.
- Acupuncture
- Inserting needles into specific pressure points may stimulate uterine activity.
- Acupressure
- Applying pressure to specific points on the body may stimulate uterine activity.
- Applying pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger
- Applying pressure to the inside of your leg about four finger-widths above the ankle bone.
- Nipple Stimulation
- Massaging and twisting for a few hours a day may release oxytocin which can bring on contractions.
- Should be done under a practitioner's care.
- May cause long, painful contractions that can lower the heart rate of the baby.
- Massage
- Massage can raise oxytocin levels which may bring on contractions.
- Meditation can also help to relax you and raise oxytocin levels. This is why the majority of labor happen late at night when relaxed in bed.
- Pineapples
- Contains the enzyme bromelain which may help soften the cervix.
- It can also aid in digestion by stimulating the bowels which can stimulate contractions.
- Teas
- Should only be done under the care of a practitioner.
- Teas containing black and blue cohosh, raspberry leaf, cumin, or evening primrose oil may help to stimulate labor.
- Visualization
- Visualizing your cervix opening may actually cause your cervix to open.
Has anyone tried any of the "natural" methods mentioned above? If so, what was the result?
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