Let's get things moving!
So you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy and ready to get that baby out into the world; we don’t blame you! The end of pregnancy can be an extremely trying and uncomfortable time and the anticipation of meeting your bundle of joy is like no other!
Below you will find a list of some simple techniques that have been known to encourage the start of labor. Please remember that most of these techniques should only be used when your baby is full term. Your “due date” is more of a guideline than the ACTUAL day baby will make his or her appearance. It is NOT uncommon for your baby to arrive after that date so try not to stress, and please know you have time to try these simple techniques before jumping to a medical induction!
We hope that you find these helpful! Drop your comments below if there are any techniques YOU used to induce labor that we haven’t recommended here!
Red Raspberry Tea
The potent herb in Red Raspberry Tea helps tone your uterus, which will result in more effective contractions when labor starts. Following this technique will not put you into labor, but will increase your likelihood of spontaneous labor. You can start drinking this tea months leading up to your due date, but if you don’t like the taste, try it cold! It can be such a refreshing beverage.
Pineapple
Fresh pineapple, the core in particular contains an enzyme called bromelain. The theory is that somehow the bromelain from the pineapple makes its way to your cervix and starts to breakdown the tissue there, causing the cervix to soften and stimulate labor.
Dates
These have long been known to help induce the start of labor. According to this study, women who ate 6 dates per day for the last month of their pregnancies were significantly more dilated and more likely to go into spontaneous labor, have intact membranes upon admission to the hospital, avoid pitocin, and have a shorter labor.
Spicy Food
Who doesn’t like a little flavor?? Try grabbing some of your favorite spicy take-out or whipping up a home cooked meal with different herbs to get the body moving. Spicy food is thought to help put you into labor primarily because it gets your GI tract moving.
Walking & Curb Walking
Movement of your body can help get things going in the right direction! Specifically, movement like walking and curb walking can encourage baby to add extra pressure to the cervix which will help that soften and dilate. Believe us, we know that this is easier said than done when you reach the final stages of pregnancy but it is one of the least invasive things you can do to possibly induce labor on your own and can be done in the safety of your own home or neighborhood.
Exercises-Squats, Lunges & Hip Circles
Just like walking, movement like squats, lunges and hip circles can encourage baby to add pressure to soften and dilate your cervix. We also encourage our clients to implement The Three Sisters from Spinning Babies. These techniques balance the pelvis and surrounding areas for comfort, birth preparation, and labor progress.
Oxytocin
Oxytoxin is the feel-good hormone. It is the hormone our body needs for uterine contractions aka to birth our babies. We have the ability to increase it naturally through hugs, kisses, snuggles, talking about our favorite memories, and loving those around us. The human body is an amazing thing, and so is this hormone. If you can bombard your body with enough Oxytocin, you CAN put yourself into labor! To hear a personal story, click here!
Intercourse
Yep. As they say, what puts the baby in, can help get the baby out!
Joking aside, being intimate can increase your oxytocin levels and create uterine activity which can bring on contractions. Also, semen is a natural source of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances responsible for helping to change your cervix during labor.
Nipple Stimulation
Again, Oxytocin! Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin. To do this, you can use your thumb and fore-finger or your breastpump. Do one breast at a time, 5 minute intervals with 15 minute breaks. If contractions begin, pause during the contraction itself.
Primrose Oil
The primrose herb can help the cervix thin and dilate and prepare for labor. You can take these capsules by mouth or insert them vaginally at night. Just know that whatever goes in, may come out. Don’t be alarmed if you notice oil leakage in your underwear when you get up.
Reflexology, Massage Therapy, Acupressure, Accupunture & Chiropractic Care
Alternative Medicine Professionals have been known to help assist mamas enter into labor. There are certain pressure points on your body that they focus on that can encourage the start of contractions! Although here at How 2 Mom we will always suggest seeking professionals who specialize in prenatal care, if you’d like to attempt some reflexology at home, click here to find the proper points to induce labor and press away!
You can find many of our favorite local providers we know and trust linked HERE on our Resource Directory!
Distraction & Rest
Another simple way to help the body relax and ease into labor is to distract your mind. Though this can be difficult towards the end of pregnancy and knowing your bundle of joy will soon be joining your family, it is another one of the least invasive things you can do!
Sometimes when we over obsess about something, it seems to never want to happen! Also, please prioritize rest at this time. Labor is a marathon, not a sprint, and we don’t want to enter labor exhausted. Please try to find a good balance.
Also, distraction is GREAT practice for clearing your mind when you DO go into labor and want to be able to rest and relax between contractions. Work on finding a peaceful place in your mind that you like to go and drift away 🙂
Sweeping Membranes
This is a procedure that can be performed by your provider closer to when your due date approaches in an attempt to get your labor started. During one of your final well-visits, your provider will insert a gloved finger through your cervix and manually sweep the edges of your amniotic sac, lifting the base of the sac of water away from the cervix. Although this procedure is pretty simple, it can be painful. You may experience cramping during and after the procedure, as well as bleeding after. Stripping your membranes will release prostaglandins, the same hormone-like substances we discussed under the intercourse technique, which can cause your uterus to contract and your body to begin labor naturally.
Essential Oils
Clary Sage and Jasmine are not recommended to use during pregnancy, but if you are past your due date and your provider is talking about induction, these oils could start and strengthen contractions naturally! You can rub them directly on your ankles or abdomen, diluted or pure. Many women enjoy the calming scent of them as well which can help the body ease into labor.
Castor Oil
Although this is the one suggestion I don’t usually give, I wanted to include it for those who are looking for a last ditch effort before facing a medical induction. The reason why I don’t suggest Castor Oil is because it’s best known as a laxative and can disrupt your GI tract and cause extreme nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can lead to contractions, but those are usually not productive. Being over due and pooping or vomiting uncontrollably sounds awful, especially if you do go into labor which is why I don’t suggest this technique.
However, if you have had NO luck with any other techniques and are open to trying castor oil, I have a concoction that could put you into labor without the negative side effects from castor oil. The almond butter in this concoction is what prevents the castor oil from just running through you.
Midwives Brew aka German Labor Cocktail
10oz Apricot Juice
8oz Pure Lemon Verbena Tea
2 Tbsp Castor Oil
2 Tbsp Almond Butter
1. Boil water and brew the tea. Let the bag sit for at least 10 minutes
2. Mix all ingredients into a blender, and blend until the almond butter is smooth
3. Pour into a glass and drink the entire concoction on an empty stomach.
Please only drink this concoction if you are past due and make sure to talk to your provider before doing so. Also note that although this concoction is extremely effective, it is not the tastiest beverage.
We hope that you mamas have found some of these tips to be helpful! Please know that we aren’t claiming that one of these techniques alone will put you into labor, but rather a combination of them may do the trick! We would also suggest that when you do decide to try some of these techniques, that you commit to doing so in the span of a day or two, not just sporadically in order to increase the chances of them working!
Personally I have experienced both spontaneous labor and a medical induction. I want to say that not all medical inductions are bad, and sometimes are medically necessary. With that being said, implementing these techniques, regardless if they actually put you into labor or not, will aid in your body preparing for your upcoming birth. I strongly believe that those who include these techniques in their preparations but still experience a medical induction, will notice a difference in their body’s readiness.
As always, we encourage you to discuss any concerns or questions with your provider and wish you the BEST of luck on your birth journey!
Love,
Medical Disclaimer: All content and information is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information.
Pin for later:
Any/all of the links in this blog may be affiliate links of which How 2 Mom, LLC receives a small commission, without any additional cost to you. Using affiliate links help us maintain our website, continue to provide for our community, and support our families, and we are forever grateful for your support!
