Your due date has passed, and no end is in sight. Is there anything you can do to give your baby an extra push toward birth? You’ve heard about how to induce labor naturally, but do these methods really work?
From old wives’ tales to supposed scientific findings, many myths persist about how a woman can induce labor naturally.
Our medical experts have carefully considered the most popular, the most controversial, and the most effective natural induction methods. We’ll share our insights to help you find some peace of mind as you finish out the last days of your pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Due dates are often inaccurate, with only 4% of women giving birth on their exact due date, so don’t panic if your baby hasn’t arrived yet.
- Sexual intercourse, exercise, and nipple stimulation are natural methods to induce labor with some scientific backing, but they’re not guaranteed to work for everyone.
- Castor oil and evening primrose oil are controversial methods and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, if at all.
- Spicy foods, red raspberry leaf tea, and membrane sweeping have limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, but they might be worth a try with appropriate caution.
Understanding Your Due Date
Before we can talk about how to induce labor naturally, we need to discuss why some women are looking to jump-start labor in the first place.
Outside of the weariness that comes with your third trimester and feeling as if you’ve been pregnant forever, the most common reason women try to induce labor is that their due date has passed, and they want to prevent medical intervention.
A due date is your health practitioner’s best guess for when your baby will be born. Throughout pregnancy, women use their due date as a goal to reach a joyous occasion they can’t wait to celebrate.
But Keep In Mind
For women who view their due date as a deadline, panic can set in when their baby does not arrive, and they often begin searching for ways to induce labor as quickly as possible.
But in most cases, everything is fine! Most women give birth between 37 and 42 weeks.
We advise that you avoid looking at your due date as a hard deadline. Instead, view it as a rough measurement used for your medical care throughout your pregnancy. When a provider knows how long you have been pregnant, they can offer the appropriate tests and levels of care to ensure both you and your baby are healthy.
Is it OK to Induce Labor?
As hard as it is to wait, most doctors and midwives will not suggest inducing labor until at least two weeks have passed from your due date. Two weeks past your due date, or beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of complications increases. At this point, you will most likely have the option of a medical induction.
For mamas who are past their due date and want to help their little one join the outside world sooner, it’s usually OK to try natural labor induction techniques — as long as your baby is confirmed to have reached at least 39 weeks of gestation (1).
The exception to this is using the more potent methods, which we will talk about shortly, without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Ways to Induce Labor Naturally
We want all mothers to feel empowered! As we review the ten most popular natural labor induction methods, we will evaluate the science, give tips on how to implement these methods safely, and give our final verdict on their efficacy.
1. Sexual Intercourse
Let’s start with the most talked-about method for inducing labor naturally — sexual intercourse.
You may be wondering if sex is even possible. Well, the answer is yes, and it may be just the thing you need to try to encourage your baby out into the world.
What Does the Science Say?
People believe sexual intercourse induces labor for several reasons (2).
. Outside of the anecdotal evidence, these theories exist:
- Ejaculate: Sperm and other biological components in ejaculate contain prostaglandins. Prostaglandins stimulate the cervix and may cause contractions.
- Orgasm: The uterus is stimulated during an orgasm, which some believe can help jump-start contractions.
- Oxytocin: During sex, the chemical oxytocin is at an all-time high. Oxytocin is known to help contractions.
On paper, these theories make a lot of sense, and many women swear that sex was how they induced labor naturally. You may benefit from encouraging your partner to make a deposit near your cervix and help you reach orgasm. However, there is little solid evidence that proves sexual intercourse will induce labor with any regularity.
Does this mean you shouldn’t try sex as a natural induction method? Not at all! Most experts say you might as well go for it.
How to Use Sex to Induce Labor Naturally
Sex is generally safe throughout pregnancy until your water breaks, and couples should work together to determine how to be intimate in a way that is both pleasurable and comfortable.
It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open. It’s also important for you to know your limitations, even if you hope sexual intercourse will help bring your pregnancy to its long-awaited end.
The Final Verdict
While there is minimal evidence to prove that sex works as a natural labor induction method, most doctors and midwives agree there is no harm in trying. Plus, the good hormones released during sex can relax stressed-out moms facing a rough last trimester.
2. Exercise
Out of all the methods on this list, exercise may be the best one to implement — regardless of your due date. After all, exercise can help keep you healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond!
What Does the Science Say?
Some scientific evidence supports exercise as a labor induction method. In one study, 32% of women reported physical activity as the trigger for their labor (3). Women who exercise consistently during pregnancy were also shown to begin labor earlier and have shorter labors overall (4).
How to Use Exercise to Induce Labor Naturally
There are a number of exercises you can try to help start labor. Here are our three favorites:
- Walking: This low-impact, low-risk exercise not only increases your heart rate (which can support contractions) but it also uses the force of gravity to help your baby drop lower into your pelvis.
- Squats: Squats not only help your baby drop, but they also strengthen your legs, thighs, and pelvic muscles. This can help you throughout the entire labor and delivery experience.
- Birthing ball: Stretch using a birthing ball to open up your pelvis and increase blood flow to the lower half of your body. This is an excellent option for moms struggling to move due to pain or discomfort.
The Final Verdict
Exercise is not a guaranteed way to start labor, but it has some scientific backing and so many other benefits for you and your baby. We definitely suggest incorporating exercise throughout your entire pregnancy.
Warning
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the most controversial labor induction methods on this list. It is also one of the most popular, non-medical ways used to induce labor naturally (5).
Castor oil is a pale yellow liquid created by pressing castor beans. While it has many uses, most suggest castor oil induces labor because of its strong laxative properties. As your bowel becomes active and leans on the uterus, it is believed to stimulate contractions indirectly.
What Does the Science Say?
Reviews are mixed when it comes to using castor oil. Some studies found castor oil has no real effect, especially since its activity is in the bowel, not the uterus (6). However, others found the opposite, showing an increase in the possibility of labor within 24 hours of ingesting castor oil.
What all the science agrees on is that castor oil can be dangerous if not used properly. Even in proper doses applied by a professional, castor oil leads to nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration.
How to Use Castor Oil to Induce Labor Naturally
Do not use castor oil to induce labor until you have exhausted all other options and have been given clearance by a medical professional.
To use castor oil, simply drink it. You can take it straight as a shot or mix it in with a juice or other drink. Do not ingest more than two tablespoons in a 24-hour period. Others swear by scrambling eggs in 2 tablespoons of castor oil and scooping up every last drop with toast.
Make sure to drink lots of water, and be prepared for the powerful effect it will have on your bowels.
The Final Verdict
We only suggest using castor oil under the supervision of a medical professional. Though the science is mixed, castor oil definitely seems to have a powerful effect and a high rate of success for those brave enough to try it.
Warning
4. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is extracted from a bright yellow flower known as the evening primrose (7). It is rich in a number of fatty acids used to treat a variety of conditions.
What Does the Science Say?
According to the American Family Physician, it is unclear if evening primrose oil induces labor (8).
However, because of evening primrose oil’s ability to metabolize prostaglandins, scientists haven’t ruled it out completely. More studies need to be done.
How to Use Evening Primrose Oil to Induce Labor Naturally
Evening primrose oil comes in supplement capsules. You can begin taking them orally or insert them directly into your vagina. You should not take it any earlier than your 38th week.
The Final Verdict
Evening primrose oil has fewer risks than castor oil. However, it may cause your water to break early without labor starting (9). Like many other herbal supplements, it has little scientific proof that it’s an effective method to induce labor. In fact, it may be harmful.
5. Spicy Foods
Could inducing labor be as simple as visiting your favorite Indian or Mexican restaurant? Many women claim they went into labor after eating spicy foods.
What Does the Science Say?
It’s a myth that eating spicy food can induce labor. Sadly, scientists haven’t discovered a food that will help your baby enter this world any faster. When you look at some of the digestive changes caused by spicy foods, it’s easy to understand why the myth persists.
Spicy food can heat up your digestive tract — literally! As your digestive tract and bowels become agitated, some people believe the cervix and uterus can also be impacted.
Spicy foods can also cause dehydration, which can lead to uterine muscle contractions. However, going into labor in a dehydrated state can lead to complications.
The Final Verdict
Spicy food has an extremely low chance of inducing labor. Unless you have an irresistible craving, you might also want to watch out for the heartburn and stomach problems spicy food can cause.
6. Nipple Stimulation
Just as with sexual intercourse, nipple stimulation may sound like an extremely fun way to induce labor. However, if you are not careful, it may be dangerous.
What Does the Science Say?
Nipple stimulation involves rubbing or touching your nipples in a way that releases oxytocin in your body (10). Oxytocin is a formidable hormone responsible for causing the powerful contractions of childbirth. The drugs used to induce labor are synthetic forms of oxytocin.
The release of oxytocin through nipple stimulation is supported by scientific evidence. What’s more, one study showed that women who used nipple stimulation experienced the shortest labor and delivery times compared to women who didn’t (11).
How to Use Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labor Naturally
Nipple stimulation is simple. It involves gently massaging your areola and nipple with your hands. Place your fingers on the edge of your areola, and massage inward using a rolling motion (12).
Warning
The Final Verdict
Nipple stimulation is an effective and natural method to induce labor. If you are worried about overstimulation, talk with a doctor or midwife about what techniques may work best for you.
7. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Of all the things you can ingest on this list, red raspberry leaf tea is the most delicious! Could sipping a cup of warm tea really be the trick to getting your baby one step closer?
What Does the Science Say?
Red raspberry leaves contain high levels of iron. Iron is essential to pregnancy because it supports healthy hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin transports oxygen throughout your body and to your baby (13).
The theory is that all the rich nutrients in red raspberry leaf tea help soften the cervix and prepare it for birth.
While red raspberry leaf tea is undeniably great for your iron levels, it does not mean it will help with labor. Unfortunately, most of the science linking this herbal tea to labor induction is weak at best.
How to Use Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is safe to consume while pregnant. Simply boil water and prepare the tea as directed, but stop using it if you notice any unpleasant side effects.
The Final Verdict
Sipping some red raspberry leaf tea will promote healthy iron levels and help you relax, but it probably won’t help you jump-start labor.
8. Membrane Sweeping
Membrane sweeping doesn’t sound like the most glamorous of methods, but it is effective for inducing labor.
Inside your uterus, the amniotic sac is attached by thin membranes. By sweeping a gloved finger around the amniotic sac, the membranes are swept away from your cervix and may release hormones, encouraging labor to begin (14).
What Does the Science Say?
Membrane sweeping is most effective for women past their due date and is commonly used in a hospital setting. There are no significant risks associated with membrane stripping, though the experience can be quite uncomfortable.
How to Use Membrane Sweeping to Induce Labor Naturally
Doctors or trained midwives should be the only ones to attempt membrane sweeping. If you are past your due date, set up an appointment, and bring up membrane sweeping as a possible option.
The Final Verdict
Membrane sweeping is effective and safe. However, it must be performed by a professional in a sterile environment, making it a more labor-intensive natural option.
9. Massage
Start your labor off right with a massage! Sustained pressure on the right spots can stimulate your nerves and release hormones needed for labor to begin.
What Does the Science Say?
Massage therapy has proven effective for many pregnancy woes and can help women feel more comfortable — not to mention more pampered! But does it help start labor?
While studies show that massage or acupressure can help shorten labor and reduce pain, the amount of information about massage and labor induction is minimal (15).
How to Use Massage or Acupressure to Induce Labor
Visit a licensed massage specialist, or have your partner learn how to apply pressure at home carefully.
The Final Verdict
Because massage has so many benefits for women in their last few weeks of pregnancy, we wholeheartedly suggest trying it! Nothing soothes stress away like a massage, and what woman doesn’t feel better after some TLC?
However, if you are specifically hoping to use massage to induce labor naturally, check with your doctor or midwife first.
A Word of Caution
Every woman and pregnancy is different. Never start something new when it comes to your health without talking with your health care provider first.
They know you, and they have been monitoring every step of your pregnancy, so include them in your discussion before trying any of the methods on this list. Even if they are skeptical, they can assure you that what you try will not be dangerous to you or your baby.
FAQs
How Much Walking to Induce Labor?
A lot. Walking can help the baby descend and put pressure on the cervix. But, as with all things labor-related, results vary. You might end up just having a really nice, long walk!
Does Stretching Induce Labor?
Some gentle stretches can help with positioning the baby and relieving discomfort, but don’t expect a downward dog to lead straight to the delivery room.
Can Pineapple Induce Labor?
Pineapple contains bromelain, which some believe can help soften the cervix. However, you’d need to eat a LOT for any effect. So, if you’re craving it, enjoy, but maybe not the whole fruit in one sitting.
Can a Hot Bath Cause Early Labor?
Hot baths can be relaxing but won’t necessarily induce labor. Just ensure the water isn’t too hot, as extremely high temperatures aren’t recommended during pregnancy.
Can a Foot Massage Induce Labor?
Some believe applying pressure to specific points in the foot can help induce labor. Worst case scenario, you get a relaxing foot massage. Best case? Labor! Win-win.
Can Pumping Induce Labor?
Nipple stimulation, including pumping, can release oxytocin, which might lead to contractions. If you’re considering this, always discuss it with your healthcare provider first.
The Bottom Line
The last few weeks and days of pregnancy can be upsetting and seriously uncomfortable. It’s natural for moms to want to do all they can to give their babies a good push into the world, especially if they’re a little “late.” While there are some effective natural ways to move things along, other methods are nothing more than myths or can even be a little dangerous.
Take Note
