Benefits of Using Natural Methods to Dilate Your Cervix

By Julie Ingham

There are some tried and true natural methods to dilate my cervix, but others that, although natural, are not recommended. In almost every type of cervix dilation technique, the advice of a health care professional or alternative treatment specialist is recommended. Much has been written about some techniques when in fact they are poor choices and could actually harm the baby or at least make the mother very uncomfortable.

No matter which methods are used to induce labor, it's important not to begin the process before the 38th week of pregnancy. If you start labor too early in the baby's development, you risk a child with lung problems or other health issues. Even though, mild to serious discomfort is present in most women by this stage of pregnancy, inducing labor should only be done if the cervix is already starting to efface or thin and is dilated.

Acupressure is the best way to assist the body in preparing for labor and delivery. Stimulus points are found in several locations throughout the body, most notably on the inside of the hand, between the thumb and forefinger, just below the index joint. The second commonly used acupressure spot is found about three inches above the sharp point of the ankle bone on the inside of the leg. To find this spot, come up to the right height on the leg and then move toward the shin. The sensation is very different when the right spot is located.

There are other natural methods, such as evening primrose oil rubbed directly on the cervix. While it will help to thin the cervix and thus get labor started, it's not a good idea to introduce anything into the cervix because of the danger of infection in the mother and baby.

Castor oil is perhaps the best known method for inducing labor, but it is only a laxative. It can cause prolonged diarrhea if taken when the mother has not yet reached the stage where labor is eminent. It will irritate the bowel rather than ripen the cervix.

Black cohosh and blue cohosh are herbal remedies that are sometimes used to initiate contractions or to strengthen contractions. These herbs should only be used by a knowledgeable herbalist since they can lead to heart irregularities in the baby and hemorrhaging in the mother. In fact, if you are wondering, "what are natural methods to dilate my cervix?". Your best overall method might be to relax with a massage or acupressure treatment. Even if contractions don't start immediately, you will feel better overall.

Research has been conducted and is showing that over eighty percent of pregnant women who use acupressure to induce labor experience a normal labor with less complications than other women that do not use the techniques. Did you know that it can also shorten the amount of time one is in labor?

Want to learn how to use acupressure? It's easy and anyone can learn it. Check out these easy to learn acupressure techniques: http://www.squidoo.com/acupressure-to-inducelabor

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