During your last week or two of pregnancy the anticipation of baby coming really starts to run high. You've probably been told by your doctor or midwife to try to do things that will keep your mind off it. We all know that's easier said than done. Through online searches and wealth of advice from friends and family, you know that there are numerous techniques women have been using to help induce labor at home. So what does work and what just seems to be a waste of time?

Time and time again as I neared the end of my recent pregnancy, I was told of the magic labor inducing wonders of castor oil. As my midwife put it, those who use it and it works swear by it. Those that use it and it doesn't, just swear. Castor oil induces bowel movements. This can cause you to go into labor but if not you'll just be stuck in the bathroom for quite a while. The other thing that you should be aware of that not only will it make you BM, but there is also the possibility of the baby doing the same before delivery causing complications at birth. Make sure to talk to your doctor or midwife before trying this or any other technique that requires you to consume medicine or herbs of any kind for you and your baby's safety.

Next on the list is sex. Lovin' got you in this mess and can get you out as well. Sex works in a couple different ways to get the contractions going. First, you having an orgasm can cause your body to start contracting and will continue if your cervix is ripe and ready to go. Secondly, sperm has been found to naturally ripen the cervix so the two combined makes this the safest and most natural way to induce labor at home. Also keep in mind that nipple stimulation should be included in your "activities" as yet another method that can help you get on the road to delivery.

Another method that doesn't require you to ingest anything that will send you running for the toilet is a body/exercise ball. If you don't already have one at home you can find them cheap just about anywhere in stores like Walmart and Target. Put that baby in the living room, turn on your latest DVR recordings of Desperate Housewives and Baby Stories and get to bouncing and rocking. In the hospital, the same ball is used but called a birthing ball. Using the ball helps to open your cervix.

After trying all of the above in combination with lots walking and raspberry tea, what put me into hard labor the same day was help from my midwife. If you are close enough to your due date and your cervix is ripe, they can use a technique on you called a stretch and sweep. I won't lie, it can be very uncomfortable, but IT WORKS! This technique is done by having your midwife insert her fingers into your cervix and stretching it and moving her fingers side to side. Have someone drive you to this appointment because it doesn't take long for the contractions to start. I ended up back at the hospital that evening to deliver my son.

Inducing labor at home can be a very trying process. The methods don't always work and when they do it's usually because your body is ready for baby to come. After asking my midwife, she told me that taking actions at home to induce labor will only make you deliver a couple days sooner than when your body would have made you deliver naturally. So don't get too upset if things don't get going for you. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!