Here you are at 40 weeks, and nothing is happening. You are frustrated, and want labor to start. You are tired of waiting for your baby. There are natural ways to induce labor, which have been handed down through the generations.

One of the most commonly recommended, and most effective ways to induce labor is walking. You probably don’t really feel like spending a lot of time walking, but if you want to speed along the arrival of your baby it is one thing you can safely do. The combination of the movement and gravity puts added downward pressure on the cervix, which can aid in getting labor underway.

Another of the natural ways to induce labor is nipple stimulation. Nipple stimulation in pregnant women has been shown to increase the release of oxytocin, which stimulates the onset of contractions, and can lead to inducing labor. Keep this in mind prior to the 40 weeks, also. If you are not near your date of delivery, and you have been experiencing any excess labor pains, you would want to avoid any kind of nipple stimulation.

We have all heard the claims of women going into labor by riding around in their husband’s pickup trucks going over railroad tracks, or down bumpy roads. While there is no proof to the effectiveness of this method, the claims do make some sense. You are stimulating downward pressure against the cervix, which could accelerate the start of labor. There is no reason not to include this in one of your natural ways to induce labor, at least you can have the enjoyment of getting out of the house, and seeing a little scenery bouncing down a bumpy country road.

There are many herbs and foods which many women claim as methods to induce labor. Among the herbs you will find black and blue cohosh. Caution should be used when using herbs to induce labor. While it is likely safe, you should discuss the idea with your Doctor. Foods which some women claim induce labor include Pineapple, Spicy Mexican dishes, and Licorice. When considering food as one of your methods, you must think about the effects these foods may have when you are in labor. It is unlikely you want a stomach full of Mexican food while you are feeling the intense muscular contractions of labor.

One other item some women have tried as one of the natural ways to induce labor is Castor Oil. This is going to induce cramping, and emptying of your bowels. It is possible the muscular actions of the cramping may induce labor. Do you wish to put yourself through the ordeal of intestinal cramping just prior to starting into labor?

The safest and most reliable of the natural ways to induce labor is walking. While it will require you making extra effort, you will not have the risks of using herbs, the discomfort from spicy foods, or the cramping caused by Castor oil. It is one method your Doctor will agree is safe, and effective for many women.