Table of Contents
Introduction.
Have you been patiently waiting for your baby to make an appearance? While science doesn’t have a way to force labor, some things might help you feel ready sooner. Here are eight ways—both safe and natural—to induce labor at 37 weeks:
Nipple Stimulation.
It’s effective to start labor through nipple stimulation. The contraction of the uterus brought on by the release of oxytocin during nipple stimulation can be highly helpful in initiating labor. It’s critical to remember that your body may need some time to react and that this is not a surefire method of starting labor.
Exercise.
If you’re ready to be done with pregnancy, exercise may be just what you need to get things moving. It can enhance your overall health and make you feel less stressed and ready for labor.
There are many different exercise methods during pregnancy, but walking is one of the best. Walking helps avoid excess weight gain and back pain during pregnancy and improves circulation throughout your body. Choose other activities such as swimming or running if they suit your needs at 37 weeks pregnant.
Eat Dates.
Another way to induce labor naturally is by eating dates. This fruit is packed with iron, which can help you eliminate the last bit of blood left in your uterus after your baby’s birth. Dates are also high in carbohydrates and can be eaten as a snack.
You can make smoothies out of dates or add them to other foods like oatmeal or yogurt. If you’re not a fan of dates, try drinking their juice instead! They’re an excellent source of vitamins and minerals too!
Sex.
Sex is a natural way of inducing labor. Since the cervix needs to be softened and stretched out before you can push your baby out during birth, having sex helps increase the chances that your body will start pushing on its own at 37 weeks.
Despite conflicting scientific findings, several instances of induced labor come up quickly after a passionate exchange.
Penis-in-vagina sex, on the other hand, can bring semen to the vagina, which contains prostaglandins and cervix-softening lipids commonly utilized in medical induction.
Additionally, an orgasm can cause intense uterine contractions; thus, penetrative or coupled sex isn’t the only benefit that can induce labor.
Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is another natural method to induce labor. This treatment involves the insertion of tiny needles into specific points on your body, stimulating the energy flow within you and helping to bring about contractions.
It’s a safe and effective way to induce labor naturally—and its effects are noticeable after only one session!
If you’re interested in trying acupuncture to induce labor, discuss scheduling an appointment today with your practitioner.
Acupressure.
Acupressure is a form of alternative medical procedure in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands or needles.
Acupressure may be used for pain relief, to improve blood circulation and lymphatic activities, and to promote overall health. It is believed that acupressure can also help induce labor when a woman is past her due date.
Homeopathic Herbs
Homeopathic herbs are a natural way to end your pregnancy. Homeopathic remedies are safe, easy to use, and proven to work. They can be used at any point in pregnancy, with or without medical supervision.
Cimicifuga (homeopathic black cohosh) and Caulophyllum (homeopathic blue cohosh), which are thought to act directly on the uterus and cervix, are the two most popular homeopathic remedies used for labor induction.
These herbs have been used for centuries to induce labor naturally and safely while reducing the risk of c-sections or other interventions.
Conclusion
Ideally, this guide has provided insight into how to induce labor at 37 weeks. Although it can be scary and overwhelming, there are many things you can do to make sure your baby is born healthy and on time.
Do what works best for you and remember that everyone’s body is different, so don’t worry if something doesn’t work!
References.
Atrian, M. K., et al. (2015). The association of sexual intercourse during pregnancy with labor onset. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4341500/
Labor and birth. (2018). https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth
Labor induction. (2017).
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Labor-Induction
Omar, N. S., et al. (2012). Coitus to expedite the onset of labor: A randomised trial.
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1471-0528.12054
