Premature Labor

Author: Sandra Wilson

Expectant mothers all over the world, find themselves reading about the process of pregnancy. There are a lot of helpful materials available that can help a pregnant woman anticipate problems during pregnancy. One of these problems is when you notice signs of premature labor. Although some of these signs may prove to be harmless, while other should be watched with caution.

Vaginal bleeding or amniotic fluid discharge, are two occurrences to pay attention to. There are various vaginal bleeding causes, many of which have nothing to do with premature labor. But in extreme cases, this could be a valid consideration. It is always important to note when you are experiencing an amniotic fluid discharge.

If you are having an amniotic fluid discharge this is something to monitor. Since leaking of this fluid tends to signal the arrival of labor, this is especially important. So, amniotic fluid discharge can mean a premature labor for women who are well away from being full term. Your doctor will want to know all about your experiences in this situation. Remember that this is important for the safety of your unborn child.

Some vaginal bleeding causes that are quite normal are infections. A pregnant woman may experience an infection of any of the pelvic organs. Once one of these has been detected, vaginal bleeding causes become more apparent. Fortunately for these sufferers, infections can typically be treated without much trouble.

Amniotic fluid discharge gets a bit more attention in pregnant women, than does light to ordinary bleeding. There is a mucous plug, or consistency lining the cervix. When this mucous begins to thin or wear down, it tends to trigger the beginning of labor. At this point, amniotic fluid is known to leak out of the vaginal area.

A discharge can mean that the process of labor is being caused. So just like with any type of discharge, pregnant women need to be aware of their changes. Discharges, that are odorless, tend to be harmless. But those that smell usually exemplify other problems. A discharge of amniotic fluid can be particularly serious.

This can mean that there has been a premature rupturing of the membranes, and the start of labor. Depending on the time during the pregnancy this occurs, it could risk the life of the unborn child. Doctors often put women in this situation, on complete bed rest. This often requires being monition inside of the hospital.

After premature labor has been triggered, it is important that the pregnant woman’s vitals are watched. If she’s dilating, she must be watched even more closely. In instances where amniotic fluid is leaking steadily, labor is expected soon, as well. If this doesn’t occur within 1-2 days after leakage begins, there could be problems

Infection is one of these problems, as well as, any damage or risk to the baby. It is, many times necessary to induce labor, if it has not progressed sufficiently. At these times the woman is given a drug to speed up the process. This is done to protect both her and the baby.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/could-it-be-premature-labor-1102956.html

About the Author:You can find helpful information bleeding causes and everything you need to know about amniotic fluid discharge at Aha! Baby.

Ways to Induce Labor in Pregnant Women

Author: Carol Swift

Being pregnant is one of most cherished time in any woman's life. Though everyone knows that it takes nine months to reach that stage, but everyone loses patience in last stage of pregnancy as much pain and discomfort prevails. After completing full term and crossing the due date given by a doctor, one can become more impatient. Looking for ways to induce labor is done due to these reasons.

There are many physical activities which help in inducing labor. These activities can be done at home at your convenience. Dancing is one activity which induces labor especially belly dancing and hula dancing quite effective. You can put on loud music and dance so that your uterus is stimulated and the contractions start. Even if it is not very successful, you will have some fun exercise which will be good for you and your baby.

Walking is one of the most common and natural ways to induce labor at home only. Many times labor can be sped up if you walk and it induces labor as well. You can walk indoor if you have the facility of indoor walking track. However, if the weather is good there is nothing like taking a fresh air walk. You have to be careful if going outdoors and have some companion with you so that in case of emergency there is someone with you.

Relaxing is also another one of the ways to induce labor. This can be done through meditating. Meditation if done properly helps in bringing the pain, you have to sit in a quiet spot and let your mind go blank. Not enough can be said about how important it is to relax if you want to speed along the birth of your child. Being tense won't help. In fact, meditation is quite an effective way of inducing labor at home. If you do not know how to meditate than sit at one place and relax while trying. Taking the mind off the problems related to pregnancy will certainly help you.

Many women have found out that if they have spicy meal labor is induced. However, if you are not too fond of spicy food, then you will get indigestion so it will be better not to try this method. These are a few of the safe simple ways to induce labor at home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/ways-to-induce-labor-in-pregnant-women-1122275.html

About the Author: For mothers more than 40 weeks pregnant, there are several ways to induce labor available to you.

How to Induce Labor When Pregnant

Author: Carol Swift

During a full term of pregnancy, many women start feeling very uncomfortable. Things such as discomforts or constant urination, varicose veins, sleeping problems and back pain arise. So when all these problems make the woman feel to give birth to the baby soon. The most common method of how to induce labor is through intake of medicines. But natural medicines being in vogue today many women prefer to use natural methods to induce pregnancy. However, there is a downside to using natural medicines and it is advisable to consult your doctor before trying out any method for inducing pain.

Black and blue Cohosh is common ways to induce labor. Black Cohosh causes bleeding, but the downside of this method is that many times there is heavy bleeding and the woman may need a C-section. Blue Cohosh can have bad effect on your baby's heart. So be careful before using any herbal product as there are many side effects, so be under supervision of your doctor if taking these herbal medicines.

Eating fresh pineapple helps in inducing labor, it has an enzyme called bromelain, which helps in digestion of proteins. It leads to stimulation of the connective tissues of the cervix to induce labor. Eating tinned pineapple won't do and you have to eat fresh pineapple only. Mango and papaya have same properties so you can choose a fruit of your choice if you want to use this method on how to induce labor.

There are many natural exercises available which induce labor. The safest is the walking it is a simple and effective technique to help cervix dilation to keep into a straight position. So you can use any of these methods of how to induce labor, but keep in mind that you have to be completely relaxed and stress free. None of the methods will work if you are tense. Also, consult your doctor before trying any such method for your safety.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/how-to-induce-labor-when-pregnant-1122307.html

About the Author: For mothers more than 40 weeks pregnant, there are several things to understand about how to induce labor.

Self Induce Labor Naturally

Author: Joshua Mintz

Its called "Maternity Acupressure" - and it is being used by Pregnant Women EVERYWHERE. You would think that it was some new method, that some Hollywood Guru came up with.

That is, unless you have already heard of this completely natural and safe method to self induce labor.

I think that 1 of the main reasons that the Acupressure Method has found such popularity is definitely because of societys new found interest in avoiding all the chemicals and by-products that have flooded are daily lives. I mean - it seems like everything has been spiked with some funny sounding additive or drug.

Think about it - we even have to BUY water.

The Acupressure Method isnt just popular because there are no drugs or needles involved. First of all, it actually works. As a matter of fact, Acupressure works faster all most all of the time. At least it does when compared to the average time that it normally takes for a pregnant women to be induced. And the reason why we know this, is because there have been plenty of tests done.

Well known Health agencies have dome there research and they are agencvies that you may have heard of:

• WHO - World Health Organization
• NIH - National Institute of Health
• And many others as well.

And what they have found is great news for women everywhere. Being pregnant in ofitself can be pretty tough on a woman. There are so many things that can weigh on our minds, like lack of sleep, continuous discomfort and what about your Maternity Leave? Many times - when pregnancy takes longer than expected - we lose precious days of the maternity leave.

And if there is one thing a woman needs after having a baby -its Maternity Leave.

So when things like our maternity leave is threatened or when we begin to feel like the pregnancy will NEVER end - we can tend to feel a little edgy - how about a lot edgy.

Just knowing that you have a safe and natural method to self induce labor when the time comes -(or when you decide its time) can really take a huge load off of your mind.

You know, most times its enough that the Acupressure Inducing method will ensure the safety of your child AND you by avoiding all the drugs and the creams that are used to prepare our cervix -not to mention this method to induce labor can be done at home. But there are some excellent benefits of using this method that will make you glad you read this article.

Benefits for you when using the Acupressure Self Induce Labor Method:

• Completely safe for You and the baby
• Avoid major stimulation in the mother
• Keeps the baby from feeling ANY distress
• Shortens delivery time -( REALLY AWESOME!)
• Some women have been induced in under 30 minutes

These are really, some of the best benefits you could ever imagine when inducing your labor. We all put the health of our baby at the VERY TOP of the list when pregnant. Evene before we see our child, there is a bond so strong that just the thought of anything abnormal happening can hurt our soul - and its definitely enough to take all precautions when giving birth.

BUT- There is something else that makes the Acupressure Method so special. After all the fantastic and natural benefits of using it, it will even HELP TO PREVENT LABOR PAINS!

By using the acupressure method to Self Induce Labor, you will save yourself from feeling the normal effects of Labor Pains. The actual action of performing Acupressure labor inducement,you will eliminate many of the causes of pain during labor. I promise and many of us know -from experience.

But in the end -no matter what anyone else says or how many health agencies have tested this method for inducing labor, it all boils down to science. The female body has the ability to receive the effects of the Acupressure method from beginning to end.

You can begin to learn this Method RIGHT NOW -and I hope you do. There is no reason to go through the agony and the headache associated with an overdue pregnancy or any other reason's that have brought you to the conclusion that you need a better method to self induce labor.

Methods to Self Induce Labor

So I wish you the best and Good Luck and God Bless

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/methods-to-induce-labor-1125596.html

About the Author: For any questions pertaining to "Methods to Self Induce Labor", just email me at admin@methodstoselfinducelabor.com -Again, Thanks for visiting and I wish you the absolute safest and most blessed Pregnancy.

The End of the Pregnancy - Labour

Author: Ling Tong

Towards the end of the third trimester women begin to worry about the labour and when it will happen, some women worry about this throughout their entire pregnancy. Labour is different for all women but there are some general commonalities between all pregnancies that give doctors the knowledge to know what to look for. The one thing that confuses most women is the false labour, which will be discussed briefly below.

All women want to know what the signs of labour are, what do they need to look for and how will it feel when they are ready to deliver the baby. Once again this is different for all women, in that it happens at different rates but all women will experience the same thing when going into labour. In the days before your labour really begins you will notice some changes in your body. It is during this time that women notice that the baby feels lower and some report that they are able to breathe again because the baby is no longer sitting up under their ribs. This stage of the labour is called lightening and engagement and is when the baby begins to descend into the pelvis. The baby is getting into position. It is during these days that women will experience an increase in back pain and even groin pain. There is a thickening of vaginal discharge and there may even be diarrheal.

During the days leading up to the real labour most women report that they started feeling the false labour pains. This is also referred to as Braxton Hicks contractions. The difference between these contractions and the real contractions is that these are not regular and they differ in severity. The contractions are lower in the abdomen rather than in the lower groin. Also, false labour contractions can be eased within the increase of water intake, real contractions cannot.

Real labour pains are characterized by forceful contractions; these contractions get progressively stronger and increase in intensity. It is during the actual labour that women begin to release what is called the loody show? which is really blood streaked mucus from the vagina. It is during this time that you should consult your doctor. Even if you believe that you are not in labour you should consult a doctor to make sure that you are not having the baby. During labour women will find that the back pain and the increase in pressure in your groin will cause you to want to push and this is not a good idea unless you are being observed by a medical professional.

During the labour a number of things can happen. The labour may be quick and short with a few simple pushes or it may drag on for hours. In most cases where the labour drags on for a considerable amount of time the women will opt to take drugs to reduce the amount of pain and discomfort. The doctors and nurses will monitor your contractions, heart rate and the baby’s heart rate to ensure that everything is fine. There is a chance that the baby cannot be delivered naturally and a caesarean section must be done. If this case the doctor will talk to you about everything and explain what will happen. No matter how the baby is delivered it is important that the baby be delivered in the safest manner to ensure it is healthy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/the-end-of-the-pregnancy-labour-585424.html

About the Author: For more information on pregnancy labour,early labor pains and the different stages of pregnancy visit http://www.Pregnancy-Articles.com

Is it Labor "8 Signs of Labor"

Author: angela martinez

It's amazing that even with my 5th baby, I still got anxiety when thinking about labor. When will I go into labor? How do I know it's the real thing? What if my water breaks in a public place? Having more than one baby doesn't make you an expert. It's almost as if you forget between pregnancies. I find myself asking the doctors things I should already know. So here are 8 signs of labor for people like me who need to have something on paper to refresh their memory and for those first time moms.

1. "Wow, you have dropped." As you near the end of your pregnancy, you might notice that your baby has moved down lower in your abdomen. On your first pregnancy will usually drop within two weeks to delivery, but it could be as much as four weeks out. On your second pregnancy, usually babies do not drop until labor begins. When the baby's head settles into the pelvis, it is called lightening. You may notice that the baby seems lighter. People will most likely comment about how low you look at this point, because it is a noticeable difference. You should be able to breathe a little easier, because the baby won't be in your ribs as much anymore.

2. "I live in the bathroom." Make sure you stay close to a bathroom. Because your baby's head lies closer to your bladder, you will need to go to the bathroom more often.

3. "My back is killing me." When your baby drops lower, you will have some aches and pains in your lower back and pelvis. You have pelvic ligaments that get stretched at this point. Some people explain it feeling like they are sitting on their baby.

4. "Are these contractions false labor?" Your contractions start to get a little stronger than the usual Braxton-Hicks. Some people explain them as feeling like menstrual cramps. These may not be as strong as full labor contractions, but they will start to thin your cervix. These contractions will get stronger just prior to labor. Keep in mind these could go on for weeks before you actually are in labor. Drink water and change positions to see if they go away. If they do, it's probably false labor.

5. "Am I getting sick?" It is common to have abdominal cramps and loose, frequent bowel movements. It is natures way of emptying your intestines to make room for your baby to be born. These same hormones can make you nauseated.

6. "Should I be concerned?" Generally you will have an increase of vaginal discharge. It is pink tinged in color. This is not the same as "bloody show."

7. "What is that?" Contractions and the baby's head dropping down can cause you to lose your mucus plug. The mucus plug seals the cervix to protect anything from entering the vagina. It is usually thick and gooey. Some women will lose it all at once and some will lose a little bit at a time. It is normal for there to be some blood, but if you have more blood than mucus (equal to a menstrual period or a lot of bright red blood) call your doctor. Once you lose your mucus plug, you are likely to start labor within 3 days.

8. "My water just broke." In every "Hollywood" movie, the pregnant ladies water breaks before any signs of labor. You can feel pretty safe that this will not happen to you while you are standing in line at the grocery store. Most mothers do not have their water break until they are well into labor. If your water does break before labor has started, your labor will start with pretty intense contractions within the next few minutes or hours. It is definitely time to call your doctor.

It is hard to say what is normal when it comes to pregnancy, labor and delivery, because everyone is different. This is just a guideline of the most common signs. If you are ever concerned or not sure about something, consult with your doctor, that's why they get paid the big bucks!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/is-it-labor-quot8-signs-of-laborquot-603107.html

About the Author: She is the mother of 5 children ranging from 18 yrs. down to 14 months. She is also the author of a variety of articles about family life with children. From babies to teens, she enjoys sharing ideas about what works for her. If you are pregnant and would like to read more about your pregnancy and others, then visit her websites. http://pregnancymomanddad.blogspot.com/
http://babybottomsandbuttonnoses.blogspot.com/

Labor Signs

Author: Jay Wilson

It is important to know the labor signs before they occur. To avoid stress and panic, if a woman knows exactly what is happening with her body then she will be comfortable with these labor signs when they occur. You should be aware that you do not have to be aware of every labor sign, there are plenty, so once you notice one you can begin to prepare your self for the stages of labor.

There are various signs of labor. Such signs of labor include mucus blood spotting, nausea and diarrhea, lightening, Braxton Hicks contractions and/ or a nesting instinct. You will learn about these different labor signs in the following.

Mucus blood spotting occurs because the cervix has begun to dilate and therefore breaks tiny capillaries. The color should be more of a brown to pinkish color rather than red. If it is red, then there may be a problem with the placenta and you should contact your doctor. Otherwise this type of discharge can occur hours to weeks before the birth.

Nausea and diarrhea are also onsets of labor signs. Due to the change in hormones, preparing for the birth, the woman’s body will incur changes which may make her react with these labor signs. Lightening is another frequent labor sign. A woman will notice that she has more air as the lungs have more room to work because the baby has dropped into delivery position. Besides the additional air you will notice much more pressure in the pelvic area. For first time deliverers, this can happen weeks before while second to multiple deliverers may experience lightening hours before.

As the delivery approaches many women experience false contractions known as Braxton Hicks Contractions. These can start to occur weeks before the arrival of your newborn. As the delivery date approaches these contractions often become much more painful and intense leading many mothers to believe that they are going into labor. The final labor sign is the nesting instinct where the woman has the natural feeling that the birth will be taking place at any moment. Many times she will be full of energy just days before the delivery.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/labor-signs-630163.html

About the Author:
Babypartner.com offers pregnancy information including pregnancy signs, pregnancy stages, pregnancy symptoms, and information on Labor Signs

Inducing Labor at Home

Author: Jay Wilson

Many women want to induce labor at home for many reasons. Some people want their child born on a particular day and therefore try home remedies to induce labor at home. Nevertheless there are multiple risks associated with labor induction so many doctors advise against inducing labor at home.

Some risks that a woman may be incurring by practicing labor induction at home include a uterine rupture, fetal distress, an increased likelihood of having a C- section, continuous fetal monitoring, use of pain relief medicines, a premature birth and placental abruption. Some of these risks may not be life threatening yet it is always better to be on the safe side of pregnancy. Therefore one should try to avoid at home labor induction so that none of these risks purposely occur.

Nevertheless there are many people who want to induce labor at home. Doctors do recommend against while others do not actually believe that the birth can be induced by such home and natural remedies such as having sexual intercourse, nipple stimulation, blue cohosh, black cohosh, stripping membranes, castor oil, raspberry tea, relaxation methods and primrose oil. Many doctors believe that these methods may only work if the body is ready to give birth and has already started to show labor signs. Otherwise, trying to induce labor at home will not work.

Nonetheless, one should take into the consideration that if these methods do work they could lead to risks with the pregnancy. Labor induction at home should not be practiced unless under the supervision of a doctor. You should try to let the birth process be as natural as possible in order to avoid all associated risks with labor induction at home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/inducing-labor-at-home-630457.html

About the Author: Babypartner.com offers pregnancy information including pregnancy signs, pregnancy stages, pregnancy symptoms, and much more.

Initiating Labor Naturally

Author: Anna Barrington

If a baby is overdue, doctors may attempt to initiate pregnancy by Prostaglandin E gel on the cervix to ripen the cervix, then attaching the mother to a Pitocin I.V. drip. This can be a painful and traumatic to the mother and can cause the increased need for labour drugs (such as epidural), raise the need to use a caesarian delivery and can cause technology related heath problems including death. Many more pregnant mothers today are preferring to have a more natural birth, avoiding the use of chemical painkillers and using more natural methods such as water birthing.

There are many things that can naturally induce pregnancy such as...

Sexual intercourse - It may feel like it would be the last thing you’d want to do, but sex can help encourage your pregnancy. Male sperm contains prostaglandin (the chemical we mentioned earlier), this ripens the cervix stimulating the uterus to contract. You don’t need to have full penetrative sex, masturbation (for the woman) can also help induce pregnancy as the female orgasm releases oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions.

Visualising an opening rosebud - This can help in between each contraction as it allows your mind to relate to the opening of the cervix.

Hypnotherapy - It is deeply relaxing and effective, and allows your mind and your body to work in harmony, the way nature intended. Hypnotherapy allows you to be able to control and completely relaxed at the same time.

Kinesiology - This involves a method of analysis that uses muscle tension to evaluate nerve function.

Walking - Easy exercise like this can be ideal for pregnant women to be able to keep active. Walking uses the forces of gravity to encourage to baby and swing hips side to side may help to bring the baby to the right position for birth. But, ensure you don’t over exercise as this can cause body chemicals which are bad for the foetus.

Hot and spicy foods - Foods such as curries and chillies can stimulate and can irritate the digestive system. This causes dehydration, which has been known to causes contractions within pregnant women. Spicy foods also may encourage prostaglandin production, which ripens the cervix.

Raspberry leaf tea - This can strengthen the uterus and is a uterine tonic. Doctors recommend this in not drunk until week 34 (or later) of pregnancy.

Evening Primrose Oil - When used vaginally, this can help soften the cervix. The capsules can be inserted into the vagina and this can be done at bedtime. The usual dosage is two capsules per day, increasing to three or four after the 38th week.

Naturally initiating a pregnancy can avoid the need for harmful drugs, and can ensure the pregnancy goes smoothly. Although, Not all of these methods will work for everyone, and if the baby is not prepared to be born then even a labour induction will be ineffective. Unless there is a medical reason, you will both benefit from waiting until you are both ready.

The HypnoBirthing Centre

www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk

T: 0845 337 9149

http://hypnobirthing.blog.co.uk/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/initiating-labour-naturally-748697.html

About the Author:
Anna Barrington writes for The Hypnobirthing Centre. For more information about this please visit The Hypnobirthing Centre. Visit our Blog.

How Will I Know When I'M In Labor? Signs Of Labor

Author: Joy Wilkins

As you near the end of your pregnancy you may be wondering what the signs of labor are. "When is it the real thing?" "When do I go to the hospital" or "When do I call the midwife?"
While there are certainly variations among women, there are several signs you can look for to clue you in that labor and birth are near.

Now you have to keep in mind that pregnancy and birth run along a continuum. Pregnancy gradually flows into labor, and labor gradually flows into birth. There is not a line between where one ends and the other begins.

Keeping that in mind, these are some of the signs of labor.

The baby "dropping" in the pelvis--also known as lightening.

This is a very early sign of labor.This simply means that the baby moves down into the pelvis. The baby's head will be at zero station in obstetric speak--or "engaged" in the pelvis.

You will notice that your belly looks lower than before and/or that you have more room to breathe and the baby is not crowding your rib cage as much. You may also notice more pressure on your bladder than before and find that you are running to the bathroom more often.

Water breaking (amniotic sac breaking)

The bag of waters breaking can be an early sign of labor, although more frequently it occurs during the later stages of labor when contractions are well established or during the pushing phase.

Contractions

Contractions are the most reliable sign of labor.

Most women will notice Braxton-Hicks contractions throughout the latter part of their pregnancy. These "practice contractions" help to prepare your body for more intense contractions later on. Contractions will become more frequent towards the end of pregnancy. You will know labor has truly begun when the contractions are frequent, and keep increasing
in intensity and duration.

Emotional signs of labor

There can be emotional sign posts for some women that are early signs of labor. Feeling the urge to "nest"--to get the home in order and make sure final preparations are complete before baby arrives can be a sign.

Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy as much as you can--and rest assured

you won't be pregnant forever!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/how-will-i-know-when-im-in-labor-signs-of-labor-821495.html

About the Author:

For more information on the signs of labor, natural pregnancy, and natural childbirth visit http://www.daretogivebirthnaturally.com

Pregnancy Massage Therapy - Using Acupressure to Induce Labor

Author: Aurelia

Maternity acupressure techniques date back to ancient times, when reflexology for pregnancy consisted of Chinese methods. There were certain massage techniques marked as forbidden during pregnancy, because these pressure points proved to induce labor. Later on, people realized these acupressure pregnancy points could be used during the initial stages of childbirth for exactly that purpose - to help bring about labor naturally, safely, and easily. They also quickly learned that acupressure during labor could ease the painful symptoms associated with childbirth, relax the mother by reducing stress levels, and even help ease the baby downward by helping it descend into the birth canal.

Pregnant massage offers many benefits to women who are suffering from the back aches and pains associated with having to carry a child for nine months. But pregnancy reflexology goes one step further, using specific pressure points within the body to trigger certain releases that are associated with the very beginning stages of childbirth. Using acupressure to induce labor allows you to begin the process of labor from within the comfort of your home, triggering dilation of the cervix and starting the mild contractions that will lead up to having the baby. Because you begin this process early, you get to fully and safely control the initial stages of childbirth. By the time you get to the hospital, your actual time in labor will be enormously reduced - this is because the reflexology and pregnancy has already advanced your body through the beginning of the birthing process.

Continued massage during labor has even more benefits. In learning how to do maternity acupressure, you are taught the pressure points that relieve pain associated with giving birth. You also learn the pregnancy massage therapy techniques needed to reduce and eliminate stress, relaxing mom and promoting dilation of the cervix. There are pregnancy reflexology pressure points that will help blood flow, and increase oxygen levels for both mother and baby during the delivery process. The combination of these acupressure pregnancy techniques result in a shorter, safer birth for your baby, offering greatly decreased chances for a cesarean section, episomity, or other type of unwanted medical procedures outside of an easy, natural birth.

Maternity acupressure techniques can be learned by anyone, regardless of experience. The reflexology points are easily accessible and they only need a gentle pressure with the thumb in order to activate them. Your partner can learn them quickly and easily, and you can begin enjoying the pain-relieving benefits of this type of massage during pregnancy right away. And acupressure during labor isn't the only way to enjoy the benefits of these reflexology methods. The massage during labor techniques you learn can also be used post-delivery, to help mom relax and enjoy reduced stress during the months and years afterward, while enjoying your baby.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/pregnancy-massage-therapy-using-acupressure-to-induce-labor-856865.html

About the Author:
For more information, check out these Pregnancy Massage Therapy techniques. They'll teach you how to use acupressure to induce labor, reduce stress, and eliminate anxiety leading up to childbirth. And for a complete how-to-guide on maternity acupressure, check out Baby Pregnancy Guide.

Five Things You Should Know Before Labor Begins

Author: Toni Rakestraw

You're crossing days off on the calendar now, waiting for your due date to arrive. You feel awkward and bulky. You can't see your toes. You are really ready for this baby to be born! Anyone who has had a full-term pregnancy knows what late pregnancy is like. After awhile, you're willing to do almost anything to get that baby to come out! There are a few things you need to know before labor begins, however.

1. Induction is not the answer 99% of the time. There are medical situations where induction is warranted and the best course of action, but impatience is not one of them. Many times, inductions will fail, leading you to the operating room for a cesarean section. If your doctor is pushing for an induction, ask them to see what your Bishop score is.

To determine your Bishop score, your doctor will do an exam to check the position of your cervix, its consistency, if it is effaced at all, what dilation you are at, and what station the baby is at. A score is assigned for each item on the checklist. The higher score you get, the more likely induction will be successful. The highest score possible is 13. A score of 9 or more shows that labor is likely to begin very soon on its own.

2. Your due date is just an estimate. I know it is hard to remember this in the throes of late pregnancy… I've been there! Babies don't read calendars, they come when they are ready. If you've been going through a lot of prodromal labor where it starts and stops, maybe the baby is not in the right position to keep things going. You can try wrapping your belly tightly to see if baby's head gets applied better to the cervix, or you can try sitting upright and doing activities on all fours to get baby to turn anterior (with his or her back to your belly button).

3. You need to rest. Labor is strenuous. You may be filled with nesting energy, and bustling all over trying to get everything ready for baby, but you need to remember to rest. Lie down with your feet up for awhile and read something fun. Eat foods that pack a nutritious punch to keep you going during labor. Be sure you drink enough water to remain hydrated. Dehydration causes contractions… but they are ineffective and just tire you out.

4. Follow your caregiver's instructions on when to contact them when labor begins. Some want to know as soon as you think you're in labor; others want to know when you're in established active labor with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Know who you want to be at your birth and keep a list of numbers handy so they can be contacted at the appropriate time.

5. Relax. Yes, it is exciting to be awaiting the birth of your baby. The more you can relax, the more ready you'll be to meet your new little one. Practice relaxing while listening to your favorite music. This music will then act as a trigger to help you relax even during your contractions. If you can relax, labor can be much more bearable and you'll be wondering afterwards what all the fuss is about.

Now you're ready to have your baby. Take a deep breath. Relax. Eat well. You and your baby are preparing for one of the most amazing times in both your lives… meeting face to face for the first time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/five-things-you-should-know-before-labor-begins-933495.html

About the Author:
Join us at http://organic-birth.com to learn more about homebirth. Please take a moment and subscribe to our free ezine. Toni Rakestraw is the mother of 8 children, 4 of whom were born at home.