As you near the end of your pregnancy, or if your baby is already past his due date, you may start trying to think of ways to induce your labor. It is possible to get your own labor started, but it is wise to follow a couple of guidelines.

You're done. Maybe you're close to your due date, or just a little past. But the joys of pregnancy are waning and you wish to see your little one, or perhaps just your feet. It's not clear what actually triggers labor, but there are some tried-and-true approaches that may have you winging your way to the hospital.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, essential oils are "highly concentrated aromatic extracts which are distilled from a variety of aromatic plant material including grasses, leaves, flowers, needles and twigs, peel of fruit, wood and roots."

Lightening is the medical term used to describe the baby settling deeper into a woman's pelvis. The American Pregnancy Association points out that although this does indicate the body is preparing for labor, it might occur several weeks or only a few hours before actual labor begins.