How do I jump start labor?

Question

I am pregnant and overdue. Does anyone have any home remedies for inducing labor. I'm ready to get this over with!!!

Answer 1

Although I am sure you don't feel in the mood for sex because of the uncomfortable stage you are in it is a good way to help labor along. It helps contractions begin and get your body going. Walking helps too. I went bowling and my water broke right when I finished. Good luck.

Answer 2

Since you are overdue, I'll tell you what can help. If you aren't ready none of this will work, but for some it does, so it's worth a shot!

Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. This is the best way to get things moving. Walking brings the baby down so it puts pressure on the cervix, which can help get dilation and effacement going. The added exercise can help get endorphins pumping, which can stimulate contractions.

Sex can help to. There is a hormone in semen called prostoglandins that help to soften the cervix. Orgasm for you can help get contractions going.

You can try raspberry leaf tea. You can get it at the grocery store, but you have to drink a lot of it- at least 3 cups a day. It tastes pretty good, so if it doesn't work, at least it didn't taste bad.

There are acupressure points you can use also. One between your thumb and first finger, the webbing of skin between the two. Take your thumb and first finger of the opposite hand and press that webbing. Hold for 20 seconds, then release. Do this for 20-30 mins at a time and then take a break for a while. You will know you hit the right spot because it will be sore. There is also one two finger widths up from your ankle. There are indentations along both sides where the tendons come down and attach to the ankle. Squeeze the skin at those indentations. You will feel the tendon. That spot will be sore too. Do the same as with the hand.

You can use evening prime rose oil. You can buy it as caplets or as an oil. If you get the caplets, you can either take them orally, or you can insert one into your vagina, up by the cervix, before you go to bed. It will dissolve and help soften the cervix.

What ever you do, don't try either of these: Castor oil- it's a laxative, so it will cause really bad cramps and diarrhea, it can also cause vomiting. Nipple stimulation- it can cause really bad contractions that do nothing for dilation and effacement. I would only do this in the presence of a doctor or nurse.

I hope some of these help you!!! Good luck!!

Answer 3

Not a whole lot. Physical activity is known to induce labor. Of course, not exerting yourself. But sex, taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Walking. Jogging, jumping jacks lol I used to live in a 6 floor apartment and when I was close I started taking the stairs when I was leaving. And I wouldn't just walk down them, I would hop down them with as much bounce as possible lol. Started getting contractions 3 days after my due date. Of course that could be a coincidence.

Answer 4

There is nothing medically proven to jump start a late labor, but it won't hurt to try the old "homegrown" methods like:

1. Walking or moderate exercise
2. Intercourse (progesterone in sperm can cause mild contractions but they may not be strong enough to make you go into labor!)
3. Herbal tea (raspberry leaf, licorice - check with a knowledgeable herbalist or homeopathic doctor)
4. Accupuncture....again check with a professional!

Good luck and I hope you meet your baby VERY soon!

Answer 5

Poor thing, I know just how you feel. Walk as much as you can, but not to the point where you are winded or dizzy.

I just had my baby in Feb (she was also overdue) I drank tons of Red raspberry leaf tea - about 3 cups a day. Just be careful cause it's considered a uterine conditioner, which may mean that you have very strong contractions, very quickly. At least it will get the show on the road ; ) I was going in the next day to be induced, but she showed up on her own that night!

Good luck! Think of it this way...within about a week MAX you will have your beautiful baby (hopefully sooner)! All the best.

Answer 6

I had read that eggplant parmesan might work to induce labor. I was due on June 30, 2006. On July 4, 2006, my husband and I ate dinner at the Olive Garden and I got the eggplant. Within an hour after we got home from dinner, I started having contractions. The contractions got worse and we were at the hospital by 1am on July 5th. I had my baby boy at 11:06am on July 5th. I don't know if it was the eggplant or not, but I thought it was worth writing about.

Answer 7

oh my gosh!
I had a baby in January.
and I think I tried just about anything to get my baby out before the new year. (baby's due date was Jan. 11)

I crawled around on all fours
I walked, up and down stairs
I made my husband have awkward sex with me
I even bought a mini - trampolene
I ate a lot of spicy foods

but there is one thing i DIDN'T try...and i wish i would have
I saw this news breifing on a woman who heard about taking liqorice extract. (like in the herbal aisle in the store)
they had a baby like two hours later.

So, I'd try a safe dosage of that...(with your doctor's okay of course) :)



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Answer 8

My mother says that jumping on a trampoline worked for her when she was pregnant with me. It sounds like an old wives tale, but she swears by it

Answer 9

ive heard that taking a long walk. spicy food or even sex will help induce labor. good luck and congrats.

Answer 10

I walked in the morning and night and cleaned a lot,just stay active and that does help!Good Luck!!