Ready Steady Go!

Many women find themselves still pregnant days or even a couple of weeks past their due date, as despite the opinion that a normal pregnancy should last for approximately forty weeks, your body will decide when it feels your baby is ready to make an arrival. This is unless medical intervention prior to natural labour is needed to protect the safety of the mother and/or baby. You should never try to induce your body into labour if it is simply not ready, as this may cause problems for you and your baby, yet if you find yourself stuck in a slow early labour, you may want to try the following ways to help your body along into the normal labour that you want.

A Membrane Sweep
When a midwife or doctor performs a membrane sweep, the purpose is to find the cervix with their two fingers at the top of your vagina, then, if the cervix can be found, it is examined, and if possible, one or two fingers are inserted into the opening of your cervix to stretch it a little bit (this opening is sometimes called the os). This then enables them to 'sweep' a small part of the lower part of the bag of water that surrounds your baby, and will cause the bag of membranes to separate slightly from the cervix. This causes a release of a natural hormone called prostaglandins, which send signals to your brain to stimulate labour. Ask your midwife about the possibility of having a sweep if you are way overdue your dates.

Sexual Intercourse
As long as your waters have not broken, and your placenta has remained in the right place throughout your pregnancy, your partner's sperm contains a high level of the natural prostaglandin hormone and may soften and stretch the cervix. Female orgasm also produces the natural hormone called oxytocin, which causes your womb to contract during labour. If you orgasm, you may find that you have strong braxton hicks contractions, which can stimulate stronger labour contractions if your body is ready for labour anyway.

Nipple Stimulation
Rolling both nipples through your thumb and forefinger over a period of time also releases oxytocin. To do nipple stimulation you need to be relaxed and sure that you will not be disturbed, as it takes patience! Some women find it comfortable to lie in the bath whilst doing this. You need to take one of your nipples in your thumb and forefinger and make it erect, then roll it back and forth between your fingers. Try to do this for 15 minutes, then have a rest period. Never do both nipples at the same time, or do it for more than an hour, as you may over stimulate your womb, causing distress to your baby.

Relaxation
Being overly anxious about not going into labour on or soon after your due date could actually hinder your chances of going into labour! Being anxious causes your body to produce adrenaline which can delay established labour. Many midwives have reported how mothers have made their way to the hospital after having regular contractions at home, only for them to fade away when they reach the hospital. This is all down to anxiety, apprehension and feeling frightened. Try to find a way to relax, whether it be a walk in the park, a warm luxurious bath, or watching your favourite DVD with a box of chocs.

Old Wives Tales?

• Raspberry Leaf Tea is a well reported substance for toning the uterus - however, you need to start drinking it at about 36 weeks for it to be most effective
• Some women report that by eating very spicy food brings labour on - this is probably because this kind of food stimulates your bowels, which causes a natural release of prostaglandins
• Anecdotally, bumpy car rides and long walks have been known to stimulate labour - remember that being upright and mobile during all stages of labour keeps gravity on your side, and helps you baby to move through the birth passages quicker.

Remember, you will not have much time to yourself after your baby is born, so unless you really are in the early stages of labour, you shouldn't try to use these techniques to induce labour. You should take this precious time to rest and nourish your body and mind for the labour ahead, in order for you to labour the best way you can.