I’d be rich if I got a dollar for every time I hear a pregnant mom say, ”I have a feeling my baby is coming early.” You are more likely to need to do things to get labor started naturally, after you pass your due date. I hate to burst your bubble, only 5% of babies are born on their due date. Did you know that the average pregnancy is 41 1/7 weeks? It usually takes more than 40 weeks to grow a healthy full term baby! You may have to do some things to get labor started naturally so you can avoid a medical induction of labor.
Do you have a plan if your baby doesn’t arrive early, or on your due date?
This is such a common occurrence. Most expectant parents aren’t aware that not only will labor be more productive, easier, and shorter if they wait for labor to start on its own, but most babies will be healthier and safer if you have patience and wait. But there are some things you can do in your last 5 weeks of your pregnancy to get labor started naturally.
Solution #1 Get Labor Started Naturally with Acupuncture:
This 2000 year old practice of acupuncture is safe and it works! You’ll want to find an acupuncturist who specializes in pregnancy. It’s best to start treatments at 36 weeks. Acupuncture does everything from getting babies into just the right position, helping prepare the cervix to ripen, shortening labor, and easing labor pain. You can find lots of studies that prove acupuncture is not only safe, but acupuncture is also very beneficial to you and your baby. Plan on getting some acupuncture treatments to help get labor started naturally.
Solution #2 Get Labor Started Naturally with Uterine Tonics:
5W is an herbal supplement you have to buy from a Nature’s Sunshine distributor or on Amazon. According to the company, women should begin taking it 5 weeks before their due date. It has numerous herbs that tone the uterus to make it stronger for labor, while supporting the glandular and hormonal system. According to my herbalist, it has been known to shorten labor to 10 hours or less.
Taking this will help to get labor started naturally.
Here is what the Gentle Birth company says about Gentle Birth. It also helps to get labor started naturally.
- “A TIMELESS MEDICINAL RECIPE to help your body be at its best when labor starts.
- PERCEIVED BENEFITS include an easier, shorter, and more comfortable labor and delivery, plus a shorter recovery time.
- A FAVORITE OF MIDWIVES who attend home births and even doctors comment on the smooth and easy deliveries mothers experience who use it.
- IF YOU ARE TAKING RED RASPBERRY SUPPLEMENTS, we suggest Gentle Birth w/o Red Raspberry.
- IF YOU SUFFER FROM HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, we suggest Gentle Birth w/o Blue Cohosh.”
Solution #3 Get Labor Started Naturally with Sex
Yes! That’s what I said! Clitoral stimulation that causes an orgasm causes production of oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates contractions. Now it may not cause labor to begin but those contractions can help your cervix ripen so it may efface and dilate easier once labor begins. Semen also has natural prostaglandins. These are hormones that soften and help to ripen the cervix. So go ahead and enjoy each other!
Solution #4 Get Labor Started Naturally with Walking
This simple, daily activity not only keeps you healthy but it helps your baby get settled into the right position which can help put pressure on your cervix. If you can’t walk for long periods of time then take frequent short 10 minute walks. Walking is a great activity to do in early labor and can also help get labor started naturally.
Solution #5 Get Labor Started Naturally with Nipple Stimulation
If you rub or massage or orally stimulate the nipples, your body will produce oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions. Those contractions will help get your labor started naturally.You can use oil or get in the bath or shower and use gentle soap. Rub or massage them for 15 minutes at a time or until contractions last 45-60 seconds long. Or use a breast pump on one nipple at a time for 15 minutes.
Distract Yourself
As the days pass try to stay in the moment. Distract yourself and try not to think too much about how anxious you are or how tired of being pregnant you are. Keep eating well. Stay hydrated. Discuss all of these options with your caregiver.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader should contact a licensed medical professional regarding their own condition.
