How can I start my contractions?

Question

Today is my due date and I haven't felt any strong contractions. I've been having BH, but not the real ones yet. I'm only 2cm. so far. Anyone have any tips?

Answer 1

Have you tried Red Raspberry Leaf tea?  I used Black Cohosh, but it isn't something I would have done without my OB's direction, but it definitely worked.

Answer 2

try castor oil, I took it and went into labor three hours later

Answer 3

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!     I  was advised to relax as much as I could and to have a lovely warm bath.. Took this with a pinch of salt but tried it anyway. Surprise, surprise contractions started 60minutes later. Good luck, but ultimately think baby will come when it pleases.x

Answer 4

There is nothing you can do to start labor. It will happen when it's ready. I tried every one of these suggestions, except the castor oil, with my second pregnancy and all I succeeded at was making my life h**l for the last two weeks of my pregnancy. I did so much walking and s*x and all kinds of stuff. It did nothing. If the baby is ready it will come. Try to enjoy the time you have left. Relax it will be over before you know it.

Answer 5

i hope this helps you

As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may be ready for the entire process of carrying your baby to be over. You'll be eager to start a whole new phase of life and actually meet this little miracle. But you might wonder: When is it safe to try to naturally induce labor, and how do I go about accomplishing that?

You shouldn't even consider trying to begin your labor until you are around 40 weeks pregnant or overdue. That's because your due date could be inaccurate by a few weeks, and if you start your labor before 40 weeks, you might give birth to the baby before he is ready to thrive outside the womb.

Several things can be done that might make you have contractions and start your labor, but they'll only work if your body is ready. If your body isn't prepared to go into labor, you can try as much as your heart desires, but you will only frustrate yourself.

Use caution when trying any of these natural methods to begin your labor, particularly herbs and nipple stimulation. The uterus can become hyperstimulated, meaning that it'll get too little rest between contractions. This can cause the baby to receive less oxygen, resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Before trying any of these techniques, you should discuss them with your practitioner.

Walk

If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born. Also, by standing upright, you're using gravity to move the baby down into the pelvis. Another plus: It usually feels good to walk when you are contracting. And of course, even if you don't go into full-blown labor, at least you're getting some exercise.

s*x

Making love can be one of the last things on a woman's mind toward the end of her pregnancy. She feels clumsy and big and may be experiencing a lot of vaginal pressure. But believe it or not, s*x is one of the things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his s***n (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions.

Castor oil

For decades, women have been using castor oil to help induce labor. In fact, many old school physicians and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor.

You can take 1 to 4 ounces of castor oil mixed with 6 ounces of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You'll want to drink it quickly because of the unpleasant taste. Some practitioners suggest taking a single dose; others suggest repeated doses depending on your response. Keep in mind that castor oil usually will cause your bowels to empty within about three hours. With luck, soon after that, you will be in true labor.

Spicy food

Some people swear that it was that extra-hot enchilada from their favorite Mexican restaurant that brought them face to face with their new baby. Unfortunately, the statistics are out on this one. You could try it, but if you have a full stomach when you are in labor, you might vomit and see that enchilada again--in less-than-appetizing circumstances.

Blue and black cohosh

These herbs are used often to induce labor. They may be particularly effective if you are having weak or irregular contractions. Blue cohosh is believed to make uterine contractions stronger, while black cohosh may regulate the contractions. Together, they work to make contractions more effective. Unfortunately, no studies have determined that these natural treatments are safe, or whether all versions of the herb available for purchase are of equal potency. Be sure to discuss any herbal treatment with your practitioner before attempting it, to see if it is a good idea in your situation.

Nipple stimulation

Some women massage their nipples as a way to induce labor. This stimulation brings about the release of oxytocin, which is the natural form of pitocin. Oxytocin causes contractions, which sometimes evolve into labor.

Most practitioners are not enthusiastic about this method of inducing labor, because it has been known to lead to excessively long, strong uterine contractions sometimes resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Unless your practitioner advises it and is monitoring your progress closely, nipple stimulation is not recommended as a means for beginning labor.

Stripping the membranes

Your practitioner may offer to "strip your membranes" to help start your labor. This procedure usually feels like a vaginal examination, although it sometimes can be painful or cause cramping. The practitioner places her gloved finger through the cervix and sweeps the amniotic membranes free of their attachment to the lower part of the uterine cavity. This process is believed to release hormone-like substances called prostagl

Answer 6

walk a lot, i went to the hospital with minor contractions and they had me walk until they got stronger and my doctor did say that if you feel up to it s*x helps.  :P

Answer 7

try the classic: making love

Answer 8

walk also. Not only can it help start labor, it makes delivery easier.  

Answer 9

s*x, Nipple stimulation, walking, there are several ways but if the baby is not ready these may not work.  

Answer 10

Walk, walk, walk, walk. That will help your cervix dilate and help bring on contractions.

Answer 11

Congrats!!!!! I cant wait until my due date November 3rd is when my little girl arives... Most of my family went past their due dates and they did squats up and down like ur on top of a man lol... Try and do about 100-300 of them but dont tire your self out if u have to use a counter or a ball or something to help u get back up... This will ease labor as well wont be in much pain... I warn u do not get a epaduril they cause many back problems get the shot into your iv... or there is another thing im not sure what it is called but it numbs the area where the baby comes out... any questiond fell free to im me cdizzle4lyfe is my yahoo name

Answer 12

s*x

Food

Nipple Stimulation

Herbs

Castor Oil

Acupressure