You are at the last lap of your pregnancy. While the entire pregnancy has been smooth sailing – you are in good health, the baby has grown well and all your vital parameters are ticking along just fine – you are now impatient for your baby to be born. As each day passes, you feel the urge to urinate more and more, your baby’s weight is pressing in on you, and your back keeps hurting. Plus, you are often too uncomfortable to get a good night’s sleep.

Soon, you start looking for ways to induce labour. However, your doctor might warn you not to try to induce natural labour on your own – listen to your doctor and keep him or her posted about anything you might wish to try. If you would rather not take medication to induce labour, there are a few natural ways you can explore: but ask your doctor first!

* Have sexual intercourse

We’ve all heard about this measure, but does it really work? Doctors believe that having sex promotes the secretion of the prostaglandin hormone, which is the same substance used to induce labour in hospital. This hormone prompts uterine contractions and is released when the male ejaculates inside the vagina. However, care must be taken to see that the water has not broken and that the couple uses the side-to-side position for intercourse.

* Walking

This is simple physics at work – walking is said to push the baby further down towards your pelvis as gravity works its way. Women who start experiencing contractions but are not dilated enough for labour are also advised to take walks around the room or on non-slippery surfaces till they can feel more pressure on their cervix. However, brisk walking is not permitted because you might be too tired to push during labour, and you might also experience leg cramps.

* Acupuncture

An ancient Chinese method to induce natural labour, this process helps in the release of oxytocin that prompts contractions. However, at least three to four sessions of acupuncture are required to see any result. It is not recommended for women with elevated blood pressure or gestational diabetes.

* Relax

Stress can prolong labour and make you uncomfortable. Stress also induces other aches and pains that can deepen your misery. Instead, relax and try to alleviate your anxiety. Have a warm water bath just before bed and drink a cup of warm milk to ease your nerves. Both measures also induce calmness and will help you sleep better. Besides, try and rest during the day, watch a relaxing film or read a funny book to take the edge off your stress.

Besides these, many women try spicy food, herbs like blue cohosh or even drinking several cups of white tea, but these must be tried only on the advice of the doctor. At this stage, you are already quite heavy and you are making frequent trips to the bathroom – eating food or consuming drinks that do not agree with you might induce vomiting and create complications. Instead, tell yourself that it will take only some more time for your baby to be born, and waiting for natural labour is safer for both of you.

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The most beautiful thing is about to happen to you: you’re going to become a father! Your partner is elated – and terrified – at the prospect of going through nine months of pregnancy, followed by painful labour. She may not admit it, but she is afraid of many things: losing her figure, suffering morning sickness, not being able to handle the rigours of childbirth, not being a good mother.

Your role is a crucial one in the nine long months to follow. You will be your partner’s primary confidante and caregiver, so make sure you are equipped with adequate information for every contingency. Here’s some pregnancy advice for you:

* Go with her for doctor’s visits. You will have a lot of questions, so don’t hesitate to get answers from the doctor. Ask for literature to read, and ask specific questions about cooking meals, following an exercise plan and what to do in a medical emergency. Make sure to list yourself with the doctor as your partner’s emergency contact.

* Deal with her fears calmly. If she is frightened, it is up to you to calm her nerves. Talk to her in soothing tones, call up the doctor at once and describe what your partner is experiencing and what you can do, and do whatever it takes to calm your partner down. Do not dismiss her fears about what you think are minor matters – nothing is minor about a pregnancy.

* Rush her to the doctor if there is bleeding. Heavy vaginal bleeding with abdominal cramps is a dangerous sign – usually that of miscarriage or preeclampsia. Hold her hand throughout the time it takes to reach the hospital, talk to her calmly all the while and call your doctor to meet you at the hospital at once.

* Let her grieve if the baby is lost. Losing an unborn child is one of the most shattering episodes in a woman’s life. She will never forget the trauma of losing the baby even after having more babies later. During this unfortunate time, you must temporarily put your own grief aside to hold and comfort her. Do not tell her to stop crying or give superfluous advice. Let her grieve in her own way. Just be around her to offer comfort without hovering.

* Take care of her nutrition and other needs. You can be a big help if you help her organise her meals or clean up the house. It is important for her to rest and be cheerful during this time. Do the weekly grocery shopping and any of her regular chores if she is tired or feeling too heavy. Sharing the workload around the house will also enhance your bond. If she has a craving for ice cream at night or wants to eat something spicy, indulge her lovingly.

* Do not insist on sex if she does not want it. This is crucial. It is normal to have sexual intercourse from the second trimester onward, but do talk to the doctor about it. If your partner is in frail health or if she has been advised bed rest during her pregnancy, it is best to stay away from sex. However, refrain from insisting on sex if she is uncomfortable about it or is too tired for it.

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