Top Natural Methods to Kickstart Labor

You’ve been eagerly waiting for the past 30 weeks for that special day to meet your little bundle of joy. But now, your due date has come and gone, and your baby is still not in your arms. You might hear people say that your baby is so comfortable in your belly that they don’t want to leave. However, after 40 weeks of carrying that growing bump, you’re ready to finally meet your beautiful little one.

If your nurse won’t induce labor for another 7-10 days, why not try some natural ways to kick-start the process?

**Acupuncture**
One lesser-known method is acupuncture. Visit a qualified specialist who will insert needles into specific points on your body. It’s believed to stimulate energy and activate specific organ functions. There’s no solid proof that acupuncture can trigger labor, but some women find it effective. Since it poses no harm to you or your baby, it might be worth a try if you’re tired of waiting.

**Curry**
Spicy food might also help. The idea is that hot spices stimulate your stomach, which in turn could stimulate your uterus and start labor. There’s no concrete evidence this works, and if you’re not a fan of spicy foods, it might just leave you with a burning mouth and heartburn instead.

**Homeopathic Remedies**
Some women use homeopathic remedies like pulsatilla and Caulophyllum to induce labor. Again, there’s no scientific proof these methods work. While they haven’t been shown to harm you or your baby, you should talk to your doctor or midwife before trying them.

**Walking**
A brisk walk could be a simple way to help get things moving. If your baby is in the right position, the pressure of their head on your cervix might stimulate the release of oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions. Even if your baby isn’t in the perfect position, a walk might help them move into place.

**Sex**
Though you might not feel up for it with your big bump, sex in the final days could encourage labor. It also releases oxytocin, which can cause contractions.

Don’t stress too much if your due date has passed. Use this extra time to relax and enjoy the quiet before your baby arrives. Once they’re here, moments to yourself will be few and far between!