Hi! Kristie here. 39.3 weeks pregnant and searching all the ways to naturally encourage labor and give this babe a boost to exit utero. The days are long and uncomfortable and bending to pick up after my toddlers seems like the most impossible task. So on the blog today, I have some insight about encouraging your babe to make their grand entrance. Remember to speak to your care provider before trying these methods at home.

1. Sex– Yep. I said it. This is something any full-term pregnant person may cringe at the sound of, but I firmly believe it worked with my other two pregnancies. But why? Human semen is a biological source that has the
highest concentration of prostaglandins that can occur naturally. Prostaglandins are known to ripen the cervix and get it ready for labor. Also, an orgasm has been to shown to increase uterine activity in healthy pregnant people.

2. Acupuncture– This ancient Chinese practice has many benefits. One of the many is induction. Certain points are avoided during pregnancy when receiving acupuncture treatment because of this very reason. Pushing the
body into induction mode too early is an unwanted outcome. However, when a pregnancy has reached between 39-41 weeks, these particular points are treated. This treatment has been used to help soften and dilate the cervix
with the onset of labor contractions. It may provide a way of reducing labor pain and avoiding a medical induction.

3. Massage– Studies show that a massage can raise your body’s level of oxytocin, that hormone that can bring on labor contractions. Some massage therapists swear by their ability to help jump-start labor when a parent-to-be
is overdue. Many may even focus on certain pressure points to move labor along. Not a fan of massages? Meditation and even just cuddling with your partner can help relax you, which might get your oxytocin levels pumping.
So if you’re anxious about that baby who doesn’t want to leave their cozy bed, try a stress-relieving activity like one of these discussed above. What’s the harm anyway in being in a fully relaxed state of mind for when labor
does decide to begin?

**While 40ish weeks may seem close to an infinite amount of time, it truly is just a blip in your and your babe’s life. Try your best (speaking to the choir here) to enjoy and bask in the miracle of pregnancy. Easier said than done, I know, in those final weeks. Baby will be in your arms soon enough. Trek on, you got this!