Sex for training. 7 Natural Ways to Induce Labor

There are cases when doctors are concerned about the mother’s health at the end of pregnancy. Sometimes women just get tired of waiting so long to meet their baby. So they may want to speed up the process by safely inducing labor. A 2022 study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that walking for half an hour three times a week starting in the 38th week of pregnancy can help with labor. We tell you the natural ways to induce labor.

Women usually have to wait 40 weeks to meet their baby, provided there are no complications during the pregnancy, says Dr Meshwa Patel, fertility and IVF specialist, Aveya IVF and Fertility Centre, Delhi. But some babies take their time coming out of the womb.

Three main factors influence the normal birth of a child.

Strength (uterine contractions)
Passage (female pelvis)
passenger (fruit)

If something is wrong in these three factors in terms of insufficient or insufficient uterine contractions, a narrow or deformed pelvis, a large baby, or an abnormal position of the baby, it will take longer than usual for delivery. In such cases, women may have to have a caesarean section or an instrumental delivery (forceps and vacuum).

Natural ways to induce labor

You can also give birth naturally if your baby takes time to come into this world. Here’s what to do.

1. Stimulation of the nipples

This involves gently massaging or rolling the nipples, which can release oxytocin, a hormone that can trigger uterine contractions. It’s important to do this carefully to avoid overstimulation, which can lead to excessively strong contractions, the expert warns.

2. Perineal massage

Massaging the area between the vagina and the anus (perineum) can help soften and stretch the tissues. This can reduce the risk of tearing during labor and increase blood flow to the area, promoting labor.

3. Exercise

Staying active during pregnancy through activities like walking or prenatal yoga can help keep you in good shape for labor. Exercise can also encourage the baby to move into a better birthing position, which can induce labor naturally.

4. Sex

Sex can stimulate labor because it can help the cervix ripen and release prostaglandins, which are hormones that can stimulate contractions. Also, the physical movements during sex can encourage the baby to descend into the birth canal, Dr. Patel tells Health Shots. However, scientific evidence in this regard is insufficient.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, so it can stimulate the release of oxytocin and induce labor.

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is similar to acupuncture, but involves applying pressure to specific points on the body with the fingers or hands. It can help relax the body, reduce stress, and potentially promote labor when used correctly.

7. Herbal medicines

Certain herbal remedies such as dates, castor oil, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, pineapple and papaya are believed to have the ability to induce uterine contractions and prepare the cervix.

There is also membrane exfoliation, also known as membrane stripping, to produce a member. It’s a medical procedure where the medical examiner uses his finger to slightly separate the amniotic sac from the cervix, Dr. Patel explains. This can release prostaglandins and sometimes lead to contractions.

Labor induction is safe, but monitor your doctor to avoid any complications.