If you’re eagerly awaiting your due date, you is likely to be inclined to do what you possibly can to kick-start your child’s departure from the house you’ve graciously supplied for the 40-or-so weeks. Whereas little analysis suggests you possibly can immediate spontaneous labor to start at residence, you can do issues to prepared and ripen your cervix (the place the cervix softens, thins out, and shortens in prep for labor), enhance oxytocin ranges (the hormone that causes contractions), after which work along with your physique to convey on higher contractions as soon as they begin. Along with the well-known outdated wives’ tales, like consuming spicy meals and sexual activity (hey, we’re nonetheless keen to strive), give these at-home strategies a whirl and see the place they take you—hopefully to the supply room!