Labour – Induce Naturally – But When is it Safe?

Do you want to bring on labour? Induce naturally but only when it’s safe to do so. Normally labour starts naturally between 37 and 42 weeks. Although it’s usually best to let nature take its course, sometimes the birth process may need a little help. You may need to give nature a gentle nudge especially if your induction date is looming.

Induction may be necessary if prolonging your pregnancy carries a higher risk than delivering your baby straight away. Baby may need to be induced when

* You are overdue i.e. your pregnancy is more than 41 weeks and you had a healthy and trouble free pregnancy. The risk of your baby developing health problems increases from this stage.

* Your water have broken but labour hasn’t started. Most women go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking. If this doesn’t happen and you are more than 37 weeks pregnant you may be advised to wait and see if labor starts naturally. That may be a good opportunity to try inducing natural labor. However, there is a slight risk that you or your baby could develop an infection.

* You have gestational diabetes – it’s recommended that baby is induced at 38 weeks of pregnancy provided that baby is growing normally. Try inducing natural labor in this case.

* You have a chronic or acute condition, such as pre-eclampsia or kidney disease, that threatens your well being or the health of your baby. To kick-start labour, induce only when your doctor or midwife advises you that it is safe. During my first pregnancy, I attended a routine check up at 39 weeks. I was admitted and induced immediately!

Induction in a hospital can sometimes take you by surprise as happened in my case. Things happen so fast that you barely have time to think. Wouldn’t it be better to bring on labor the natural way? There are many ways to help start labor. Induce naturally by walking, nipple stimulation, castor oil, sex and acupressure.

Scientific evidence proves that labor inducing acupressure is effective. Stimulation of specific acupressure points induces labor in up to 83% of women within 48 hours. It does not over stimulate your body or distress your baby, because it just helps your body work better, in an optimal way. It is safe for the mother and the baby and helps you avoid the risks and discomforts of chemical labor induction in a hospital.

To bring on labour, induce naturally after seeking the advice of your midwife or doctor. This is particularly important if there are any complications in your pregnancy.