Natural Ways to Induce Labor

As your due date approaches, it is normal to feel excited and nervous. However, when your birth timeline does not go as expected, it is natural to feel worried and look for natural ways to induce labor. Labor can take longer than expected, leaving some women looking for safe and natural ways to induce labor. While you should always consult your healthcare provider before attempting any method, certain techniques may help prepare your body for labor.

Safe methods to induce labor

• Walk and move around
  • Gravity and movement can cause your baby to descend into the pelvis, putting pressure on the cervix and stimulating the release of oxytocin, a hormone that aids in contractions.
  • How to do it
  • Walk for 30 minutes daily, preferably uphill, or just on a slight incline. Walking helps to engage your baby's head in the pelvis, which may cause the cervix to dilate.
  • Gentle squats or using a birthing ball to bounce or rotate your hips can also help your baby move into the best birthing position.
  • Walking and movement are gentle ways to get your body ready for labor without forcing it.
• Sexual intercourse
  • Semen contains prostaglandins, which can soften the cervix, and orgasms can cause uterine contractions.
  • If your pregnancy is healthy and uncomplicated, having sex can naturally induce labor—certain positions, such as spooning, may be more comfortable later in pregnancy.
  • Relax after the orgasm and allow your body to respond. You may experience mild contractions following intercourse, which could indicate that your body is preparing for labor.
  • Intercourse is generally considered safe and effective as long as your water has not broken, there are no medical issues, such as placenta previa, and your medical provider has not advised you for pelvic rest.
• Nipple stimulation
  • Stimulating your nipples causes the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for contractions.
  • How to do it
  • Gently massage or roll your nipples between your fingers for a few minutes at a time, pausing between sessions. You could also use a breast pump for this.
  • Aim for 10-15 minutes of stimulation on each side, done 2-3 times per day. The goal is to mimic a baby's suckling motion, which increases oxytocin production.
  • Nipple stimulation mimics natural breastfeeding and is unlikely to cause any harm as long as it’s done gently.
• Eating dates
  • Even though there is little to no evidence on how this may work. It has been said that eating dates in the last few weeks of pregnancy may promote cervical ripening and shorten labor.
• How to do it
  • Eat six dates per day beginning at 36 weeks. This is known to increase the likelihood of spontaneous labor, potentially reducing the need for medical induction.
  • Dates are a natural food source high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them useful for labor preparation and overall health.
• Relaxation and visualization techniques
  • Stress can sometimes delay labor, so creating a peaceful environment with relaxation techniques can help your body go into labor naturally.
• How to do it
  • Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce anxiety and relax the body.
  • Visualization techniques, such as imagining your cervix opening and your baby entering the birth canal, can help you mentally prepare for labor and release oxytocin.
  • Relaxation techniques can reduce stress and anxiety, which may aid in natural labor initiation.

Myths on natural labour inducers

While some natural remedies may be appealing to try, they are not all safe or effective. Here's what to avoid:

• Herbal teas 
  • Herbal teas such as blue cohosh, black cohosh, and other "labor-inducing" blends may cause severe or irregular uterine contractions, which can lead to complications such as fetal distress.
• Avoid castor oil
  • It can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea and dehydration, making it unsafe during pregnancy. Although it is thought to stimulate the uterus, the risks far outweigh the possible benefits.
• Potential risks:
  • Diarrhea and nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Intestinal cramping rather than uterine contractions
• Avoid primrose oil
  • While some believe evening primrose oil softens the cervix, its safety during pregnancy has not been established. There is some evidence that it may increase the risk of prolonged labor or complications, such as premature membrane rupture.
• Potential risks:
  • Increased chance of bleeding during labor
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Spicy food
  • Eating spicy foods to induce labor is a common myth, but it frequently causes heartburn or digestive discomfort rather than labor. There is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in inducing contractions.
• Potential risks:
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • An upset stomach
• Acupuncture
  • Acupuncture is occasionally marketed as a labor-inducing technique, not all practitioners are trained specifically in prenatal acupuncture. Incorrectly placed needles can cause harm or provide ineffective results.
• Potential risks:
  • Improper application could harm you or your baby
  • If not done correctly, there is a risk of infection and pain

While it may be tempting to try to induce labor at home, remember that your body knows when it's time to give birth. Trying safe, gentle methods can help induce labor, but it's critical to avoid anything that could endanger you or your baby.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before attempting any method to ensure it is safe for your specific pregnancy. Sometimes waiting is the best option, and your baby will arrive when both your body and your baby are prepared!