Labor Promotion
by Cynthia Flynn, CNM, Ph.D.

Q. I'm due in 5 days and was wondering if there is any safe method of inducing labor? I have heard stuff about driving over bumpy roads or having sex. Are these safe to do and will they actually help promote labor?

A. First, I would suggest that you consider letting your baby have his/her birthday when they are really ready. Your baby does have a "real" birthday, and it's great to let them have it--it's a great gift to your child, and definitely the safest plan.

That said, anything that produces oxytocin, prostaglandin or cervical pressure is a help. So ejacualtion, female orgasm by any method, nipple stimulation (try to get out colostrum, 15 minutes a side, three times a day), walking, a birth ball--these all seem to help.

Good luck!