Ask your doctor if lifestyle methods or medical techniques are best for your pregnancy. Avoid trying to break your water or induce labor before 39 weeks of pregnancy. If this is your 2nd or 3rd pregnancy, and labor for those first two was fast, be sure you’re within a reasonable distance to your OB. [3] X Expert Source Jennifer Butt, MDBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.
Take an easy walk of no more than 30 minutes at a time to stimulate the baby to move. Remember not to strain or stress yourself when walking, even if you are excited to get labor started. Wear supportive shoes to cushion your feet and legs from unnecessary strain. Stick to flat surfaces if you can.
Try deep breathing exercises. Hold your breath and exhale slowly through your mouth, imagining the baby being pushed down into your pelvis. Repeat until you feel your pelvic floor muscles relax. Sit on an exercise ball and gently bounce. As you sit, keep your legs apart and move your body up and down on the ball. This can help your pelvic floor contract and relax. Supported squats stretch the pelvic floor, helping your baby move down towards your pelvis. Position your back against the wall and keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your body as far as is comfortable. Exhale as you lower your body and inhale as you stand up again. Once you start having contractions, your doctor will coach you through specific breathing techniques that might involve holding your breath for a few seconds as you push. [7] X Expert Source Jennifer Butt, MDBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 13 March 2020.
Avoid having sex once your water is broken. This can introduce harmful bacteria into the birth canal. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
It may require significant nipple stimulation to start labor.
Eggplant Balsamic vinegar Licorice Basil Oregano
To avoid complications, take castor oil in the morning. This helps you monitor your symptoms, drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, and avoid losing sleep due to frequent trips to the bathroom at night. [15] X Research source Castor oil can also cause dehydration. When using this method, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of H2O!
Because this tea can cause contractions, you probably shouldn’t drink it during the first trimester.
You’re almost two weeks beyond your due date You have a uterine infection Your baby has stopped growing at the expected pace There isn’t enough amniotic fluid, also called Oligohydramnios. You have placental abruption where the placenta peels away from the inner wall of the uterus You have high blood pressure or diabetes
Membrane stripping can be uncomfortable and can cause lingering cramps. It’s also not as effective as other induction techniques. You should never attempt this at home. Only a trained medical doctor should perform membrane stripping using sterile tools and techniques.
Wear comfortable clothes to the hospital that are easy to take off. You’ll be given a gown to wear for any procedures. [20] X Expert Source Jennifer Butt, MDBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 13 March 2020. Allow your doctor to check you and your baby after the amniotomy to ensure the stress of the procedure hasn’t affected you. This procedure comes with risks, including infection, uterine rupture, and increased risk of cesarean birth.
