If you are full term and don’t want to be medically induced you may like to try some natural methods to trigger an overdue birth. Check with your obstetrician before attempting any natural methods listed below.

1.  Nipple stimulation – twiddling the nipples for 15 minutes or more stimulates the release of oxytocin the hormone responsible for uterine contractions.

2. Sex – followed by lying on your back with a pillow under your bottom for at least 30 minutes. Semen is rich in prostaglandin which ripens the cervix. Midwives often use a prostin pessery containing prostaglandin to medically induce labour. Also if you’re lucky enough to have an orgasm as well this will often start labour spontaneously.

3. Spicy curry – This is a purgative and will stimulate the digestive system. Have as hot a curry as you can stand.

4. Curb walking – I know it sounds funny, but I’ve women who swear by it! Walk along a curb, one leg up on the curb and one in the gutter, then turn around and go the other way.

5. Release emotions – Watch a weepy film and have a good cry

6. Eat dates – 6-8 per day (if eating fruit is within your dietary allowance) ripens the cervix

7. Blowing up balloons – builds up intra-abdominal pressure and can move things along.

8. Eat pineapple – There seems to be general agreement that pineapple and its bromelain components do have a fibrolytic action, perhaps helping to soften the connective tissue of the cervix

9. Exercise – try walking, running, bouncing on a birthing ball, yoga, swimming and climbing stairs, but don’t wear yourself out!

10. Evening primrose oil or caster oil – ask pharmacist or midwives for instructions

Professional treatments

1. Acupressure massage – Call Heather on 0405 821 880 to book

2. Raspberry leaf tablets – can tone and strengthen the uterus to help it to work better during labour. The idea is not so much to speed up your labour, but to help it to progress at a nice, steady pace.  $29 for 90 at Lotus Centre

3. Homeopathy- – Caulophyllum may be helpful speak to a homeopath for dosage.

4. Herbalist – Call Linda Krick PH: 0412 208 982

5. Hypnotherapy -Call Heather on 0405 821 880 to book