This how to induce labor page lists many of the folk remedies that are said to induce labor and provides an overview of what a physician will do in order to induce labor. Being pregnant beyond your due date can be quite uncomfortable. If you don't go into labor naturally by 42 weeks, your doctor may have to induce. There are a variety of tips, tricks and folk-remedies that are believed to induce labor, although some have not been medically proven to work.http://www.webmd.com/baby/inducing-labor-naturally-can-it-be-done?page=2

The decision to induce labor is based on a variety of factors. In some cases, induction may be medically necessary and your doctor will advise you whether or not you may need to be induced. If you are beyond your due date and you want to speed up mother nature on your own, there are a few things you can try.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/inducing-labor?page=2 http://www.webmd.com/baby/inducing-labor-naturally-can-it-be-done?page=2 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inducing-labor/PR00117/NSECTIONGROUP=2

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Your doctor may suggest a induce labor for a variety of reasons. After your due date, the placenta may weaken and your baby may grow too large and complicate a vaginal delivery. Babies who are overdue can be at an increased risk for inhaling meconium, which could cause a lung infection.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inducing-labor/PR00117 Other reasons for medically inducing labor include:

1. If you post-term (after 42 weeks)
2. Medical conditions including high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
3. A uterine infection
4. An aging placenta does not work efficiently
5. Lack of amniotic fluid, or if your water has broken but you are not having steady contractions

1. A Long Walk to Induce Labor
   • Some believe that by taking a long walk, gravity will lower the baby deep into the pelvis, putting pressure on the cervix to help it dilate. This is unproven to work, but it can help get the baby in the correct position for childbirth.http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/babys-coming-when?page=2http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Labor/what-can-and-cant-induce-labor
2. Eat Spicy Foods
   • Many people insist that eating a particular dish or food will induce labor. One of the persistent myths is that eating spicy foods can trigger labor. This has not been proven to work.http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Labor/what-can-and-cant-induce-labor
3. Try Castor Oil
   • Castor oil may induce labor because it acts as a laxative and the intestinal activity can trigger contractions. Castor oil has an unpleasant taste so you will have to mix it with juice. This technique is often recommended by midwives, but be aware that this will cause diarrhea.http://www.parenting.com/article/Pregnancy/Labor/what-can-and-cant-induce-laborhttp://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5329,00.html
4. Nipple Stimulation
   • Massaging the breasts and nipples can release oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions. A synthetic version of oxytocin, known as Pitocin, is used by doctors to induce labor.http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/inducinglabor.htmlhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inducing-labor/PR00117/NSECTIONGROUP=2
5. Have Sex
   • Although this is likely the last thing on your mind when you are past your due date, sex is said to induce labor. Semen contains prostaglandins, a hormone that helps in inducing labor. Doctors use a synthetic prostaglandin gel in a hospital setting to 'ripen' the cervix.http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/babys-coming-when In addition, having an orgasm releases another labor inducing hormone, oxytocin.http://www.babycenter.com/0_inducing-labor_173.bc?page=4
6. Herbs to Induce Labor
   • Some herbs, especially Blue Cohosh and Black Cohosh, are believed to induce labor by causing strong contractions. Be very careful when trying herbal remedies because they can be unsafe or dangerous. Check with your doctor or midwife before trying an herbal remedy to bring about labor.http://www.babycenter.com/0_inducing-labor_173.bc?page=4

In a medical setting, there are a number of techniques doctors use to induce labor.

1. Pitocin: This drug, given through an IV, can induce contractions. Pitocin is a synthetic form of the natural hormone oxytocin.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/inducing-labor?page=2
2. Breaking your water: The doctor will use a small plastic hook to tear a hole in the amniotic sac causing your water to break.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/inducing-labor?page=2
3. Prostaglandin gel: This gel is a synthetic hormone that is applied in the vagina. The chemicals trigger the cervix to dilate.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/inducing-labor?page=2
4. Stripping membranes: Using a gloved finger, the doctor will manually take away the membrane that attaches the uterus to the amniotic sac. When the membranes are stripped, prostaglandins will be released, which will cause contractions.http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/inducing-labor?page=2