13-7-2008 - Good to know: Inducing Labor naturally

My mood while writing this blog: Hmmm

What Gets the Baby In, Gets the Baby Out

Sex is the most well-known trick to begin labor. Semen has natural prostaglandins—-a hormone involved in the start of labor. If you use this technique, don’t get up right away and elevate your hips to help the semen stay on the cervix. This will help to thin and dilate it.

However, in late pregnancy, many women are not in the mood for intercourse. Simple loving activities that are part of your normal oreplay can help, too. Female orgasm has been known to open the cervix up to two centimeters. You can also ask your partner to gently stimulate your nipples, or heat up a towel in the dryer for a minute or two and place it over your breasts. This prompts the release of oxytocin. Do not do this constantly, however. For some women, contractions started within 20 minutes of doing this. If a half hour or so goes by, stop and maybe try it again another day.