Some of the ways to induce labor at 36 weeks include stimulating nipples, walking, use of birthing balls, intercourse, acupressure,eating pineapple, doing squats and relaxing.

36 weeks is just a week under term, but if you have decided to induce labor during this time period, there may be a reason to it. Now that you have decided to do a natural labor stimulant, you must have confirmed the same with your doctor as it is extremely vital for you to do so. In this article, we have listed a few ways that can help induce labor after 36 weeks. While taking a walk, intercourse, stimulation and relaxation are a few ways, we will discuss them in detail and a few more in addition to these, below:

Safe Ways to Help Induce Labor at 36 Weeks

Stimulate the nipples

With light pinching or rubbing, your body releases oxytocin which is a chemical that starts the contractions in your body. For this, you will have to stimulate your nipples from two to three hours on a regular basis. You can also reduce them by half an hour in case the contractions come up too strong.

Walk

You can set a regular time to take a walk every day. This will help to bring the baby into position by placing the baby’s head over the cervix.  A walk for even 15 to 30 minutes will be fine, as long as you can tolerate.

Birthing balls

Birthing balls are an effective way to move the baby into position for labor. In order to trigger labor contractions in the last weeks of pregnancy, bouncing gently and even doing pregnancy exercises can prove to be a lot effective.

Intercourse

Intercourse helps to soften the cervix because of the enzymes in your partner’s sperm called as prostaglandins that helps to ripen the cervix. Thus, intercourse can help with the labor in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Acupressure

You can consult a massage therapist, one who is specially trained for pregnancy massage. There are also certain pressure points that help to induce labor. Also, placing pressure between the fingers or by the ankles can help with uterus contraction.

Licorice root

Licorice root majorly helps in stimulating bowel movements and can thus, also help with muscle contractions in the uterus. However, you should not use this in case you suffer from high blood pressure. Steep 2 tablespoons of licorice root in a cup of boiling water and drink. You may also add honey for taste if you like.

Pineapple

Pineapple consists of an enzyme called Bromelain that helps to ripe the cervix and leads to muscle contractions in the abdominal area. Eat at least 2 pineapples regularly to get labor going.

Sweeping the membranes

The doctor will insert a gloved finger into the cervix so that the membranes can sweep away from the cervical opening. In addition to this, it also releases labor inducing chemicals which further leads to the contractions that may start within a few days.

Relaxation

For this, you can try some relaxation exercises or join a meditation class. Remember, you have to be stress-free as any sort of worries or tension will work against your labor goal. So, lie back and enjoy some music.

Squats

Apart from the great body benefits, squats are a great way to bring your baby into position.  You can try a few of these each day that will help to push the baby downwards.

Black and blue cohosh

Although, these are two different herbs but these can help to induce the labor when taken together as a tincture. These are also used to strengthen the uterine contractions but because of the risks associated with it, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before relying on this.

Tips and cautions

There are a few tips and precautions that need to be considered before you make your decision. Read these:

• Induction is generally not recommended before 39 to 40 weeks. But if you have decided to get into one, then remember that you do not have to force your body unless it is ready for it. Don’t go too harsh!
• It is extremely important for you to consult your doctor before you decide to induce labor at 36 weeks as he/she is likely to give you the best advice.
• Even if you have extended your due date, don’t stress because there are 80% chances of pregnancy extending beyond the due date. Wait until it has been 42 weeks.
• You have to make sure you know the risks associated with it and are taking correct precautions to avoid them.

Finally, keep it gentle and don’t overstrain your body. If you suffer from any sort of discomfort or pain, call your doctor. And more importantly, if you have tried all the methods to induce labor and they have all failed to work, it is recommended that you wait for a few more days.