If you’re fast approaching 40 weeks, or you’ve gone past your EDD, you’re probably getting impatient to meet your new baby and a little tired of being pregnant. Perhaps you have been set a date for induction at your hospital and are keen to try and start labour off in a more natural way. Here’s ten methods of natural induction you could try. Note: Please ensure you consult your doctor or midwife before attempting any form of labour induction – the normal length of a pregnancy is 37-42 weeks.


Clary sage and Jasmine essential oils
Both of these oils can act as a uterine stimulant, which is why they are usually listed as being contra-indicated during pregnancy. This is the reason why many women turn to essential oils for natural induction – you could try massaging them into your bump, putting them in a bath, or putting them on a hot towel on your bump. Be warned though, Clary Sage has a very distinctive smell…

Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of 'alternative' or 'complementary' medicine and involves a method of treatment using massage to reflex areas found in the feet and the hands. Most commonly the feet are massaged to treat other areas of the body – a reflexologist will massage specific areas which are believed to be linked to the uterus, in order to try and induce labour – most practitioners will not carry this out before 40 weeks as it can be highly effective. To find a qualified practitioner visit www.aor.org.uk

Homeopathy
Another form of complementary medicine that could help induce labour. It’s best to consult a qualified homeopath, as homeopathic remedies are selected to suit the individual patient. You can find more information on homeopathy and how it works HERE and to find a homeopath near you, visit www.homeopathy-soh.org

Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses fine needles which are inserted into the skin, to restore the body’s natural balance of Qi (motivating energy) and stimulate it’s healing response. It is another form of complementary medicine which can help ease the aches of late pregnancy and induce labour. You can find a registered acupuncture practitioner near you on the British Acupuncture Council website www.acupuncture.org.uk

Sex
Apparently, there are prostaglandins in semen which can trigger labour, if you are ready to go into labour. Of course it might be the last thing that you feel like doing at 40+ weeks of pregnancy, but if you’re both feeling in the mood then it might be worth a try. One other point though, the prostaglandins are better absorbed through the stomach (although you might want to keep that little bit of information to yourself…)

Fresh pineapple
There is an enzyme in pineapple which is also reputed to be a natural inducer of labour – however the enzyme is only found in fresh pineapple (the process of juicing or tinning the pineapple destroys it) and is only present in small quantities. Allegedly you would have to eat as many as seven pineapples to consume enough to have an effect.

Hot curries
This method works along the same lines as the old castor oil trick – the spicy food stimulates the bowel, and it’s thought that can have a similar effect on your uterus, kickstarting contractions. This method probably isn’t the best to try if you’re not a curry fan though! Please note that taking castor oil is now not generally recommended, as it can over-stimulate the bowel, bringing on diarrhoea and causing dehydration – labour is hard enough work, without making it even harder on yourself!

Stimulating your breasts
You could try putting hot towels on them, twiddling your nipples (or getting your partner to!), or even using a breast pump if you have bought one. This method is supposed to work because when your breasts are stimulated in this way it causes your body to release oxytocin – this hormones makes the womb contract (which is why breastfeeding after the birth helps your womb to return to it’s original size quicker).

Long walks
The theory here is that by walking, your baby’s head will press against your cervix, which will cause labour to start. Whether or not it’s true is a matter for debate (I walked miles while waiting for labour to start with my first son!) but if you’re feeling up to it, then at the very least it will pass some time in those last few weeks.

Stretch and sweep
You’ll need some help from your midwife or GP for this one. If your cervix is starting to soften and efface, and is a little bit dilated, they can give you what is sometimes termed a ‘vigourous internal exam’ – basically they will use their fingers to sweep around your cervix, and separate the membranes a little from your uterine wall. As with all of the other methods, it doesn’t work for everyone, but where it does work, it seems to be effective within about 24 hours. You’ll possibly feel a little crampy afterwards, and might have a bit of a show, but this can be a really good kickstart to labour.


And if all else fails, you could always plan lots of nice things to do over the next week – that way at least if it doesn’t work and you don’t go into labour as quickly as you hoped, you’ll have a nice time while waiting!

Why not take a look at our 'Packing your Hospital Bag' article to find out what you might need to take with you if you're having a hospital birth