Here are 12 easy and natural ways to induce labor! (Please wait to try these until you're at least…

Here are 12 easy and natural ways to induce labor!

(Please wait to try these until you're at least 39 weeks along.)

1. Nipple Stimulation- prolonged nipple stimulation releases the hormone Oxytocin, which can cause your uterus to contract. A 2010 study was done on women at 37 weeks or later and found that 40% of the women who had breast stimulation for one to three hours a day went into labor and had their babies within three days.

2. Pineapple- this fruit contains enzymes that can help soften your cervix. It can also help with constipation.

3. Foot Massages- there are some pressure points in your feet that can help naturally induce labor. Lotion or Lavender Oil can help by causing uterine contractions.

4. Sexual Intercourse- Semen contains cervix softening prostaglandins, and an orgasm can lead to strong contractions.

5. Spicy Food- Spicy foods can stimulate the muscles in your bowels and release prostaglandin to get your uterus going.

6. Dancing- The movement can cause a release of hormones or trigger certain nerves to start contractions.

7. Herbs- Evening primrose oil taken three times a day in capsule form is said to soften the cervix, Raspberry tea is another herb recommended to induce labor that is said to tone the uterus for labor.

8. Acupuncture- A recent University of North Carolina study found that 70% of the late term pregnant women who received acupuncture did in fact go into labor naturally, compared to only 50% of the control group. The study also showed an almost 50% reduction in the C-section rate of the women who had the acupuncture.

9. Long Walks- They might not directly trigger contractions, but they will help prepare your body for labor and delivery.

10. Exercise Ball- Be sure to find the right size for your height, and sit, gently bounce and just relax. This is a wonderful seat for women in the third trimester. It relieves your sore hips and can help push baby into the right head-down position for birth.

11. Castor Oil- Castor oil stimulates the intestines, which causes bowel movements that you may need if you’re severely constipated. But it may also cause terrible diarrhea that you really don’t want at 40 weeks. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the right dose to take.

12. Laughter- Laughing relaxes you, keeps your spirits up and helps you lose that all anxiety about labor.