When you get to the end of your pregnancy you are generally uncomfortable, tired and a little bit over it all. Mostly though, you just want your new baby out in the world with you. There are a few natural induction methods that you can try to get labour started.

Please remember that any attempts at inducing labour should be supervised by a health care professional. Please don't try any of these methods without consulting your doctor first.

Following are six of the dozens of options you have to try and induce labour naturally, in no particular order.

Sex

As I’ve heard some midwives say, “the best way to get the baby out is the same way you got it in there!” While you might be skeptical, there is actual evidence that having sex can help with inducing labour naturally. Semen contains prostaglandins, which is on of the hormones that help labour to begin. In fact, when you go into hospital to be induced medically, often it will involve having a prostaglandin gel placed near the cervix to help it to ripen.

Nipple Stimulation

Another natural way to induce labour is through nipple stimulation, either by yourself or have your partner help you. This method of induging labour naturally relies on the release of oxytocin. As with prostaglandins mentioned above, oxytocin is another one of the hormones needed to start labour. During labour, if you are given an IV medication to help a stalled labour or to induce labour, it is a synthetic version of oxytocin used.

To release oxytocin, the recommendation is to massage your nipples by rolling them between your thumbs and forefingers for approximately two minutes and then rest for three minutes. Repeat this pattern for around 20 minutes.

Fresh Pineapple

The newest craze for inducing labour naturally is to eat freshly cut pineapple. There is an enzyme in pineapple (and also papaya, kiwi fruit and figs in a lesser amount) called Bromelain, which is believed to work in the same way as prostaglandins. The catch is that the enzyme is only found in fresh pineapple, so canned and cooked pineapple and pineapple juice aren’t going to help get things moving.

Spicy Food

The reason why spicy foods are suggesting as a way to naturally induce labour is because the food can cause spasms in the intestines. With the uterus being located close to the intestines, it may begin to contract at the same time. This induction method is usually classed in the realm of old wive’s tales but as long as you’re not suffering from heartburn it’s worth a try.

Castor Oil

Castor oil induction works on the same theory as spicy food, intestinal cramping causes uterine cramping and therefore a start to labour. This method will also cause your bowels to empty within a few hours of taking it. The biggest concern here is that your baby will empty his or her bowels as well which is quite dangerous, so please use this method only with strict medical assistance.

Acupuncture

To naturally induce labour with acupuncture, several acupuncture needles are placed in particular spots on the lower legs, feet and hands. Sometimes these needles will be stimulated with an electrical pulse, depending on the acupuncturist. You must be overdue before and have a doctor’s permission before attempting acupuncture to induce labour as it is quite effective and a lot of women will go into labour 6-48 hours after their first session.

While the following two things won’t necessarily induce labour naturally, they are both uterine tonics and will help with preparing your cervix and uterus for labour and birth.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is a great source of prostaglandins and can be used to naturally induce labour from around 34 weeks. There are two options for using evening primrose oil, orally or internally, and both are quite effective at ripening the cervix.

The recommended oral dosage is two 500mg capsules every day from 34 to 38 weeks, at which time you can increase to 3-4 capsules per day.

It isn’t recommended to use the capsules internally until 36 weeks. At which time, one or two entire capsules can be inserted vaginally as close to the cervix as you can reach. It’s best to do this at bedtime, as the oil will pool at the cervix overnight while you are sleeping. You may have some excess oil discharge in the morning, so wearing a pad is recommended.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

The aim of raspberry leaf tea is to tone the uterine muscles and is thought to help your contractions be more efficient when labour starts. So whilst it isn’t a direct labour induction method, it can be quite useful. You can start taking the tea as a drink, which is quite bitter, or you can take capsules orally from around 28 weeks.

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Does pregnancy diminish a woman's sexual desires?

Every woman responds differently. The changes that make one woman feel more sensual can make another want to avoid sex altogether.
During the first trimester, many women suffer from fatigue, hormonal fluctuations and morning sickness that may occur all day and night. These factors may result in your partner being disinterested in sexual intercourse at this time.

My partner has suddenly become kinky and wants to indulge in role playing. Is this normal?

Some women find pregnancy a period of sexual indulgence, free of obstacles and without reservations, particularly if they have found contraception methods were an interruption or psychological boundary. For some, increased blood flow around the abdominal area promotes the sensitivity and enjoyment of sex. This can lead to heightened sexual experiences for both of you.

My partner has no desire for sex. Is it me?

Some pregnant women avoid sexual contact because they feel they have lost their figure and are no longer sexually attractive. You may be able to help her overcome this by showing enthusiasm for her voluptuous shape.
Very rarely some women feel infinite loathing for sex while pregnant based on an unconscious fear of injuring the foetus. These fears may also arise if an earlier pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Be gentle and understanding. Shouting and sulking will not improve your situation. Perhaps suggest alternatives to sex such as cuddling, sensual massage or mutual masturbation.

I’ve gone off sex. How can I stop this damaging our relationship?

You must be honest with your partner as she may interpret your lack of interest in sex, as a lack of interest in her. Discuss your emotions and let her know that you want to solve this difficulty. You may find other options that don’t involve sexual intercourse to show your love. Sensual massages, sharing a relaxing bath or creating a romantic environment may be ways to be intimate without having to be sexual.

My partner says the baby squirms after we have sexual intercourse. Is there something wrong?

Sometimes the baby may move around after an orgasm. This is due to the increased blood flow triggered momentarily following an orgasm. It is not considered dangerous.

How often can we have sex without danger?

There is no frequency that is considered ideal and as long as your pregnancy is not considered high-risk, there is no reason why you cannot make love to each other as often as you want. Frequency may vary month to month depending on the couple. Often women lose interest in sex in the first trimester as a result of fatigue and sickness. By the fourth month energy often recovers and brings with it new waves of sexual desires.

Do men find pregnant women attractive?

To some men there is nothing sexier than a woman bearing his child. Few men are repelled physically by their partner’s shape but it does happen. It is usually a temporary reaction and should not be considered by the pregnant partner as rejection.
Many men find their partner even more sexually attractive during pregnancy due to a surge of femininity that comes with the “glow” of pregnancy. It is possible, however, that this attitude originates from more deep-rooted emotions of love.

How soon after the birth is it safe to have sex again?

This may depend on your partner’s birth experience and whether or not she had a vaginal birth, caesarean, episiotomy or tearing. It may be six weeks or so before scars have healed. Your partner will also experience postnatal bleeding, which may last a few days or as long as six weeks. Be sensitive when discussing this with your partner.

What can I do to help my partner feel more comfortable during postnatal sex?

Be gentle with one another and build things gradually. Perhaps avoid penetration and instead concentrate on caressing, kissing and oral sex to aid arousal. Until your partner’s hormone levels are back to normal her vagina will not be as lubricated as usual. Try using a water-soluble lubricant or share a warm bath prior to foreplay. If your partner has had an episiotomy be gentle and ask her if she is experiencing any pain. Try different positions if there is discomfort.

Can breastfeeding affect our sex life?

Having a baby almost always affects your sex life, no matter how the baby is fed. Physical recovery from childbirth takes time in itself. Being a new mother is a 24-hour-a-day responsibility and can be exhausting. Many women combine breastfeeding with an active and enjoyable sex life but some women do find that their interest in sex is less whilst they are feeding. Don’t rush it.

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Some women fear they may become frigid after childbirth and have no interest in sex. Much of this is due to a combination of exhaustion and the fact that immediate focus is the baby’s welfare. Be sensitive when talking to your partner about this and try not to let it become too much of an issue in the early days. Any problems resuming sex are often discussed at the six-week postnatal medical appointment.

Conflicting Emotions

For some couples switching from parent role to the role of lovers can be difficult. You may feel that sexual urges may not be appropriate and do not equate with the role of responsible parent. As parents, it is equally as important to have a fulfilling sex life. Sex and intimacy is not just self-indulgence, it is a significant and meaningful component in any successful relationship. With another little person in the home, be prepared for a few more unexpected interruptions, but be sure not to neglect your own needs of intimacy. This is what a family is all about.

Resuming Sex

Feelings of apprehension and unease are likely the first few times and this is not surprising, especially if your partner has had an unpleasant labour or a traumatic delivery, an episiotomy, tearing or a Caesarean. Go slowly as there is no value in painful sex. An episiotomy scar may still be tender six to eight weeks after the birth. For some women, it is possible to have continued postnatal bleeding for as long as six weeks.

Lochia

Lochia is a vaginal discharge resulting from the womb shedding its pregnancy membranes. Hormone levels are still returning to normal and sometimes the vagina may need more lubrication. Choose a quiet moment when the baby is likely to sleep for a while and spend time finding out where your partner is likely to be sore. You may wish to use a lubricant. Ask your partner to guide you on where she would like to be touched. Many couples choose to resume lovemaking with a more exploratory approach the first few times. Both of you can regain your confidence this way without feeling too self-conscious. Be ready for a little comedy too as full and lactating breasts may also require strategic positioning and handling during postnatal sex. If your partner is breastfeeding, you may find yourself showered in expressed milk during an orgasm. If this bothers you, it is possible for your partner to cut the flow by pressing down firmly on the nipples.

Oxytocin

Lovemaking helps both your partner and baby by releasing oxytocin into the blood stream. This is the same hormone that assists the contraction of the uterus and encourages the flow of breast milk. If your partner's uterus is still involuting (returning to its original size) she may feel strong contractions after sex. This is a positive sign although it may be a little uncomfortable for her at times. A hot bath, massage or hot water bottle on your partner's lower back and abdomen will help ease pain.
Often women find their labia, the skinfolds surrounding the vagina, to be fleshier and the vagina more voluptuous and sensual. For some women sex after childbirth remains acutely painful. This is called dyspareunia and can occur when the stitches have been inserted too tightly and the surrounding tissue has responded by swelling or become infected. Sometimes this is solved by a procedure as simple as releasing a couple of stitches. Your partner may be prescribed an antibiotic if there is infection. If your partner has pain near her cervix, it may be that the transverse ligaments of the cervix have been torn during the birth. This takes time to heal.

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Studies have found that sexual intercourse during the last few weeks of pregnancy can help soften the cervix in preparation for labour.

Breast and nipple stimulation can also produce a strongly contracting womb and is sometimes encouraged to restart a labour that has stalled.

Clitoral stimulation is cited as an effective method of pain relief during labour. While the hospital delivery room may not be the most practical place to trial this method, it can be useful at home in the early stages of labour.

Nipple stimulation is also known to enhance the ability to breastfeed both in milk production and particularly for women with inverted nipples.

Semen

Some women are sensitive to the prostaglandins in semen. Prostaglandins are fatty acids made naturally in the body and are found in semen in a higher proportion than anywhere else in the human body. Women secrete prostaglandins during the latter stages of pregnancy both to soften the connective tissue of the cervix and increase oxytocin production in the muscle cells of the womb in preparation for labour. Synthetic prostaglandin gel is often used to soften the cervix and womb to induce labour. Many medical professionals recommend sex during the last few weeks of pregnancy for these reasons.

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Unless the pregnancy is considered high-risk it is completely safe to continue making love throughout pregnancy. You need have no fears of dislodging or infecting the foetus or instigating premature labour as your baby is securely protected in the womb. The amniotic fluid acts as cushioning from impact and the mucus plug provides a seal to the womb.

Although the female orgasm involves contraction of the uterus it will not trigger labour unless it was due to start anyway. If your partner notices spotting of blood or the mucus plug has already come away (which could occur anytime in the last four to five weeks) then sex is not advised due to the risk of infection.

Fluctuating Appetite For Sex

A pregnant woman’s interest in sex may fluctuate considerably, even from day to day. Tiredness and hormonal changes are largely responsible for this. Many women find it difficult to feel sexy with an ever-expanding waist and protruding abdomen. Other women claim sex during pregnancy to be the most erotic and fulfilling of all.

Sexual Discovery

For many couples it is a time of sexual discovery and letting go of inhibitions. With contraception no longer an issue, many women say they are able to reach heightened levels of sexual excitement. Some women even admit that until they became pregnant, they had been ignorant of pelvic floor muscle control during lovemaking. Others have claimed to have their first orgasm while pregnant.

The middle trimester is often the time for wonderful sex as your partner’s energy levels have replenished and there is still the ability to move around easily.

Changing Shape

Some men find it difficult to cope with their partner’s changing shape and are bewildered by their own reaction and subsequent loss of sexual appetite. Others welcome their partner’s new curves but are fearful of harming their unborn child or causing pain during making love.
Allow yourselves the time to create a harmonious atmosphere to express your sexual responses and needs. It is important to discuss your feelings and frustrations gently without either of you feeling rejected. Sometimes cuddles and kisses are more appropriate than sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be a fabulous bond for you both at a time when everything else around you is changing.

Be open to new ways of making love. Sex during pregnancy should always be gentle and loving.

A Different Approach

Explore mutual masturbation, oral sex and other forms of foreplay. Allow more time for sex and take things slowly, being sure to use positions that are comfortable for you both.

As your partner becomes larger, the best positions are those that do not encourage deep penetration. These positions are woman on top, side by side or on all fours. The conventional missionary position of man on top is rarely comfortable unless the man supports himself so that he is not exerting any weight on the woman.

Express Your Thoughts

However you both are feeling, find the time to create a harmonious atmosphere to express your sexual responses and needs. It is important to discuss your feelings and frustrations gently without either of you feeling rejected. Sometimes cuddles and kisses are more appropriate than sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be a fabulous bond for you both at a time when every thing else around you is changing.

Be open to new ways of making love. Sex during pregnancy should always be gentle and loving.

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