Best ways to bring on labour
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From having sex to eating pineapple or drinking raspberry leaf tea, we look into what really works when it comes to triggering labour – and what's nothing more than an old wives' tale. Plus, we look into the myths that actually do more harm than good!
If you're heading towards your due date without so much as a twinge, let alone a contraction, then you may be wondering what'll happen if NOTHING happens. What if your baby just doesn't want to budge?
Firstly, don't worry. If you go overdue there are medical procedures in place to help kickstart those contractions and get your baby out into the big, wide world.
However, if you'd rather get things moving before the need to have an induction, you've most likely Googled 'how to get labour started' and found everything from eating curries to having sex.
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Here's a list you've probably come across:
- Having sex.
- Eating spicy food.
- Drinking raspberry leaf tea.
- Eating pineapple.
- Bouncing on a birthing ball.
- Doing some exercise.
- Cleaning the floors.
- Trying reflexology or acupuncture.
- Eating dates.
While some have a little bit of science behind them, the NHS categorically states that 'there are no proven ways of starting your labour yourself at home'.
However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence linked to the above ideas.
In other words, they may have worked for some mums-to-be or may be plain coincidence.
However, if you're at that 'I'll try anything to get this baby out' stage then there's also no harm in giving them a go. That's if you're midwife agrees and if they appeal, of course.
Just be sure to avoid anything that could harm you or your baby (see below).
The best ways to start labour – what really helps?
As mentioned above, some of these suggestions have some evidence that they may help get things started, some are purely old wives' tales.
We look into some of the most commonly discussed ways to kickstart labour, including where they may have come from in the first place.
1. Having sex
Although having a snooze is probably more appealing at 40+ weeks than having sex with your husband or partner -there is evidence to suggest that this one really works.
Not only does sex enable the release of oxytocin, which can stimulate the uterus, but semen also contains prostaglandins, which help soften the uterus. A double whammy!
And, nipple stimulation is thought to release oxytocin, which in turn can bring on the start of labour.
But the NHS offers this advice:
'Having sex won't cause harm, but you should avoid having sex if your waters have broken as there's an increased risk of infection.'
If it's safe to proceed get inspiration here!
2. Eating spicy food
It's been said that a spicy dish like curry can stimulate the uterus and get things moving. Sadly there's no scientific evidence this will work, but if you fancy it, go for it.
Be warned, if your digestion's already a little delicate, you might want to avoid super-hot dishes like Vindaloo. Stick to a Passanda, perhaps?
3. Drinking raspberry leaf tea
Ok, so although drinking raspberry leaf tea doesn't strictly get things moving, there is some evidence that it softens the cervix (helping tone the muscles of your womb, encouraging it to work more effectively).
Women are advised to drink it from 37 weeks only, and no more than three times daily.
4. Eating pineapple
This tropical treat is rich in bromelain, an enzyme said to increase the production of prostaglandins.
However, experts say that you would probably have to eat it by the truckload for it to make any impact and that could give you a sore tummy, which you could do without at this stage of your pregnancy.
5. Bouncing on a birthing ball
Lots of women and midwives recommend spending as much time as possible bouncing and rocking gently on a birthing ball in the weeks leading up to labour.
Apparently it helps start things moving and can help to get the baby in the right position, if he/she isn’t there already.
It’s worth investing in a proper birthing ball, too – as opposed to using your kids’ space hopper – to make sure it doesn’t burst under your pregnancy weight, ahem!
6. Doing some exercise
Exercise releases oxytocin, which can help get things moving.
While we're not suggesting a full on Zumba class at 40 weeks pregnant, a long walk is often recommended by midwives to help encourage your baby's head to drop further down into the cervix and release oxytocin.
What better excuse for taking the dog for a walk?
Of course, you'll need plenty of energy for labour so don't exhaust yourself – only do what feels right for you.
7. Cleaning the floors
Getting down on your hands and knees to clean the floor reportedly works for lots of women in terms of triggering labour.
So, if you have the energy (and can get up once you get down there, of course), it's worth a go – at least you'll have nice clean floors when you get back from the hospital!
8. Try reflexology or acupuncture
Although there's no scientific research to back it up, alternative therapies such as reflexology or acupuncture will at least relax you, which could be just what's needed to kickstart labour.
Reflexologists recommend booking in a couple of treatments around or after your due date.
There are plenty of mums out there who reckon it worked for them. But hey if it doesn't help things for you, at least you'll have enjoyed a bit of pamper time and a nice lie-down!
9. Eating dates
Recent trials have found that eating date fruit in late pregnancy, around 60-80 grams a day of fruit, may increase cervical ripening and naturally quicken natural labour.
Dates contains a high percentage of carbohydrates and fats, and also include 15 different types of salts and minerals, proteins and vitamins. Even if it doesn't work for you, you'll at least be getting your fair share of vitamins!
What NOT to do to bring on labour
Unfortunately, there are some commonly discussed ways of starting labour (naturally) that not only have no scientific evidence attached but could also be harmful to your pregnancy.
Therefore it's always important to check anything you may have heard or read out with your midwife before trying it.
And never do any of the following methods ...
Don't take Evening Primrose Oil – you may have heard or read that Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), a plant extract, can naturally induce labour or even reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. However, studies and trials have found no evidence of either link.
Not only this but Evening Primrose Oil is also not recommended during pregnancy.
Don't try the Coffee Potty method – some of the Netmums once discussed using the 'coffee potty' method - sitting over a steaming bowl of coffee – to get labour started.
Not only is steaming or douching NOT recommended in pregnancy, health experts even say it could harm you and your baby.
Don't drink castor oil – definitely don't do this one. All it'll give you is a nasty bout of sickness and diarrhoea.
Don't try any herbal remedies – as with Evening Primrose Oil, herbal remedies are generally not considered safe during pregnancy and can sometimes cause complications. Check with your midwife before taking or using anything herbal.
What worked for our Netmums
Dishing up an aubergine parmigiana
There's an old wives' tale we came across via our chat forum that eating aubergines can help induce labour. Though some say it's the combination of the herbs in the parmigiana dish, not the actual aubergine, that may help induce labour.
There's even a restaurant in the US, called Scallini's Italian, that's been cooking a recipe for aubergine parmigiana that the owners say brings on labour within 48 hours.
Even if it doesn't work, it's a tasty dinner!
Blowing up a balloon
One of our Netmums' members was given the advice to blow up balloons to speed up labour. The theory is the build-up of abdominal pressure gets labour going. There's no evidence that this works, but worth a try, maybe?
Using a breast pump
Another Netmum practised using her breast pump (ready for expressing), which led to some early signs of labour.
Let us know what YOU found to be the best way to start your labour in our chat thread below ...
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