Complementary and alternative methods

Many non-traditional medications and methods for labour induc­tion exist. For example, herbal medicines, acupuncture, enemas, castor oil, and homeopathic remedies have all been used. There are Cochrane reviews of all these interventions, but all find insufficient scientific research to recommend their use. Sexual intercourse has been subjected to two randomized trials but neither has shown any benefit in clinical outcome. There is some evidence to support the use of nipple stimulation as a method of induction, but not enough data to support its regular use.