The last few weeks and days of pregnancy can be very uncomfortable. Many women find it difficult to sleep, eat, or even breathe in the latter part of the third trimester. By the time 40 weeks comes along, you may be ready for your pregnancy to conclude and the miracle of life to begin. Gentle labor induction methods can help if you and your baby are healthy and at term.

Nipple Stimulation

Stimulating your nipples will make your body release oxytocin, a natural form of the labor-inducing drug pitocin. Begin by gently massaging or rubbing one nipple at a time and stop once a contraction begins. It is a good idea to stop nipple stimulation completely once your contractions are three minutes apart.

Castor Oil

Midwives have used castor oil to induce labor for generations. It is believed that castor oil causes intestinal spasms that irritate the uterus and cause it to begin contracting. Drink 1 to 4 oz. of castor oil mixed with 6 oz. of any beverage, such as orange juice. This drink not going to taste good, so gulp it down quickly. Be careful, however: castor oil has a strong laxative effect, so you may experience a nasty bout of diarrhea along with your contractions.

Make Love

Make love with your partner. Sex may not be comfortable for you right now, or you may not be in the mood, but a man's semen contains prostaglandins, hormone-like substances, that can cause contractions to begin.

Spicy Foods

Some people are convinced that spicy foods can help trigger labor, but there is no evidence to support this notion. It may not be a good idea to have a full stomach of food when labor does begin, because you may become nauseated and vomit.

Blue and Black Cohosh and Other Herbs

The herbs blue and black cohosh have both been used for labor induction. Black cohosh is thought to regulate contractions, while blue cohosh is a traditional means of making contractions to more regular and intense. Many practitioners believe that motherwort is a safer choice than blue cohosh. Others recommend rubbing evening primrose oil directly onto the cervix. Check with your doctor or midwife before ingesting any herbs or herbal preparations during your pregnancy.

Walking

Once your contractions have begun, the best way to get your baby to move into place and help your cervix thin out is to walk. The swinging of your hips can help your baby's head to engage. Walking can also be helpful with pain management, so keep moving right up until active labor begins.

Source:

Dr. Spock: Natural Ways to Induce Labor

Just Mommies: Castor Oil to Induce Labor

1intra.com: Using Herbs to Induce Labor