[Note of caution: Banner Health doesn’t support starting labor before 37 weeks. Your baby’s brain and body are still growing and developing. Talk to your health care provider or midwife before trying any method.]
By the time you reach the final weeks of pregnancy, you may feel tired, sore and more than ready to meet your baby. Maybe you’re trying to plan for childcare or work leave or maybe you want to sleep comfortably again. No matter the reason, it’s normal to wonder if there’s a safe and natural way to bring on labor.
Some pregnant women turn to old tricks or advice they find online. But just because something is called “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe — or that it works.
“Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of good techniques to induce labor naturally,” said Samantha Zimmer, a certified nurse-midwife with Banner Health. “Many of the most popular techniques may even make you more uncomfortable.”
We asked Zimmer to share what’s safe to try, what isn’t and what’s best left to time.
First things first: Talk to your provider
Before trying anything to bring on labor, talk to your health care provider or midwife. Even natural methods can have risks, especially if your pregnancy has complications.
Some medical conditions, like placenta previa or vasa previa, can make it dangerous to start contractions.
“The number one thing to discuss is whether it’s safe for you and your baby to try to start labor,” Zimmer said. “It should never be attempted before 37 weeks. In most cases, we recommend waiting until at least 39 weeks.”
Natural ways to prepare for labor (that might help)
While there’s no guaranteed way to bring on labor at home, some natural methods may gently encourage your body to get ready. These won’t force labor to start, but they could help your cervix prepare or encourage your baby to settle into position.
1. Sex
Sex may be the last thing on your mind right now. But sexual intercourse could help get your body ready. If your provider hasn’t told you to avoid it, sex is usually safe late in pregnancy.
“Semen has prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix,” Zimmer said. “It won’t guarantee labor starts, but it may make your cervix ready when labor begins.”
Also, having an orgasm can cause the uterus to contract, which might help things along.
2. Walking or curb walking
Staying active during pregnancy is good for you and your baby. While walking won’t start labor by itself, being upright may help your baby move into a better position.
“Some people believe curb walking – where you walk with one foot on the curb and the other on the ground – can help shift the baby into place,” Zimmer said. “The exertion of both curb and standard walking can encourage contractions, but it’s hit or miss whether this will put you into labor or cause uncomfortable contractions.”
If you do walk, make sure to stay hydrated and rest if you feel worn out.
3. Eating dates
Eating dates is one of the few natural methods backed by research.
“In one study, women who ate six dates a day starting at 36 weeks were more likely to go into labor on their own and make the beginning stages of labor quicker,” Zimmer said.
4. Nipple stimulation
Stimulating the nipples, by hand or using a breast pump, can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions.
“Nipple stimulation should only be done with your provider’s guidance,” Zimmer said. “It can lead to strong or frequent contractions, which could be unsafe if not monitored.”
5. Red raspberry leaf tea
This herbal tea is believed to tone the uterus and may cause light contractions. Some people drink it after 37 weeks to support their body’s natural process.
“The evidence is mixed on red raspberry leaf tea,” Zimmer said. “It might cause contractions, but like with walking, it’s hard to say if those contractions will lead to labor.”
Natural methods that don’t work – or aren’t worth it
Not every method you hear about is helpful or safe. Some can lead to unnecessary discomfort or even harm.
1. Castor oil
Castor oil is a laxative that some people use to trigger contractions. But it works by upsetting your digestive system. That can lead to diarrhea, dehydration and other problems.
“This one is the worst,” Zimmer said. “It can cause the baby to pass meconium before birth, which can lead to breathing problems. Plus, it makes you feel miserable.”
2. Spicy food
While some swear spicy food kick-starts their labor, there’s no real science to support it.
“If you like spicy food, go ahead and enjoy it,” Zimmer said. “But don’t force yourself. It’s not likely to do much other than give you heartburn.”
3. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that is sometimes said to soften the cervix. But there’s no solid evidence it works. And you’d have to eat a lot of pineapple even to come close to the amount of bromelain some people think is helpful.
4. Overexertion
While light movement is helpful, too much intense exercise can make you feel worse or cause contractions that don’t progress labor.
“You don’t need to push your body to exhaustion,” Zimmer said. “Rest is just as important as movement in these final weeks.”
5. Membrane stripping (not for home use)
This is a method done in your provider’s office during a vaginal exam. If your cervix is already soft and slightly open, your provider may gently sweep a finger between your cervix and the amniotic sac.
“This can cause your body to release hormones that may help start labor,” Zimmer said. “But it can also cause cramping, bleeding or water breaking.”
It’s not something you should ever try on your own.
Why doesn’t labor start on command?
If we can do heart surgery and deliver babies via C-section, why can’t we make labor start naturally when we want?
“The truth is, we don’t fully understand what triggers labor,” Zimmer said. “The most common theory is that once the baby is fully developed – especially the lungs – they release a hormone that starts a chain reaction in the mother’s body.”
That’s why it’s so important not to rush the process. Your baby may still be doing important work behind the scenes to get ready for the world.
When to call your provider
If you’re near or past your due date, call your provider if:
- You feel strong or frequent contractions
- You notice bleeding or leaking fluid
- You feel dizzy, faint or very dehydrated
- Your baby isn’t moving as much as usual
Your provider can help you understand what’s normal and when it might be time to come in.
Takeaway
Some natural methods may help your body get ready for labor, but very few can actually start it. And some can be unsafe. Your safest path is to check with your provider, stay active and try to enjoy your final days of pregnancy. Your baby will be here soon enough!
If you have questions about labor or want to prepare for your baby’s arrival, check out Banner Health’s classes on childbirth, CPR and more. Or make an appointment with your provider or a Banner Health specialist.
