There are a few simple things you can do to try to get your labour started naturally.
One of the ways is to have sex. Sex may be the last thing on your mind at this stage and you're probably feeling not feeling very 'sexy' at all but it really can work.
When the neck of the womb is ready for labour to start, it feels similar to your lips and it is described as being ripe. A cervix, which is unripe, is long and feels hard, kind of like the end of your nose. Prostaglandins can help to ripen the cervix and semen is a natural source of prostaglandins! So if you are more than 40 weeks pregnant and have sex two or three times over a few days, it could start your labour off. However, sexual intercourse can only put you in labour, if labour is nearly ready to start anyway. The only time it may not be safe to have sex in pregnancy is if you have a low lying placenta or a similar medical condition.
If you don't feel in the mood for sex then it's worth trying a nice, relaxing massage. Ask your other half to concentrate on your nipples and clitoris. Having an orgasm may help your body to go into labour and most women don't need penetration to have an orgasm. Even if it doesn't work at least you'll have a bit of fun trying!
Nipple stimulation can also cause the body to release oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone which causes contractions. If your labour is imminent and you stimulate your nipples, the oxytocin released could help to get your womb contracting.
October 2011 | 
Home Birth or Hospital Birth?
