Can You Naturally Induce Labour? What the Evidence Says
As your due date approaches, it's completely understandable to wonder whether there is anything you can do to encourage labour to begin.
Advice is everywhere — walking, spicy food, pineapple, acupuncture, sex, herbal remedies and countless other suggestions are regularly recommended by friends, family and social media.
But what actually works?
According to the NHS, there are no proven ways to safely start labour yourself at home. If you're considering trying something intended to bring on labour, speak to your midwife or doctor first.
Why Doesn't Labour Always Start on Your Due Date?
A due date is an estimate rather than an appointment with your baby.
Pregnancy usually lasts between 37 and 42 weeks, and it is common to give birth before or after the estimated due date.
Waiting can nevertheless feel frustrating, particularly when you're uncomfortable and eager to meet your baby.
Understanding the difference between things that may help you feel comfortable while waiting and methods that have actually been shown to induce labour is important.
What About Walking and Staying Active?
Gentle movement can be an enjoyable way to remain active in late pregnancy if you feel comfortable doing so and your maternity team has not advised otherwise.
Walking and changing position can also be useful during labour. However, that is different from saying that walking will reliably start labour.
So walk because it feels good — not because you've failed if your contractions haven't started by the time you get home.
Do Certain Foods Bring on Labour?
Spicy curries, pineapple, dates and other foods frequently appear on lists of natural ways to induce labour.
You may enjoy them as part of your normal diet if they are appropriate for you, but don't rely on a particular food to start labour.
The NHS advises that there are no proven home methods for bringing labour on.
What About Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is another frequently discussed approach.
However, NICE does not recommend relying on acupuncture as a method of inducing labour because the evidence does not establish it as an effective method.
If you are considering acupuncture or another complementary therapy during pregnancy, discuss it with your midwife or doctor and use an appropriately qualified practitioner with experience of pregnancy.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Be particularly careful with herbal remedies or supplements promoted as ways to start labour.
“Natural” does not automatically mean safe during pregnancy.
The NHS specifically warns that there is insufficient information about the safety of herbal supplements used for this purpose and that they could be harmful to you or your baby.
Speak to your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements or herbal products during pregnancy.
What About Sex?
Sex is another commonly suggested way to start labour, but there is no evidence that it reliably brings labour on.
The NHS advises avoiding sex if your waters have broken because of the increased risk of infection.
If you have been advised to avoid sex during pregnancy for another medical reason, follow the guidance given by your maternity team.
Rest and Relaxation While You Wait
Relaxation isn't a proven method of inducing labour either.
But waiting for labour can be physically and emotionally tiring, so doing things that help you feel comfortable can still be worthwhile.
You might enjoy:
- gentle movement if comfortable
- rest
- breathing or relaxation exercises
- listening to music
- preparing your hospital bag
- spending quiet time with your partner
- doing something enjoyable that takes your mind off waiting
Think of these as ways to look after yourself while you wait, rather than techniques that promise to start labour.
What Is a Membrane Sweep?
Unlike the home remedies frequently discussed online, a membrane sweep is an established option that may be offered by your maternity team.
The NHS says a membrane sweep would usually be offered after 39 weeks. It is performed by a midwife or doctor during an internal examination and may help labour to begin.
Your midwife can explain what it involves, its possible benefits and what you might experience afterwards.
When Might Labour Be Medically Induced?
There are circumstances in which your maternity team may recommend induction.
These can include when:
- your pregnancy is overdue
- your waters have broken but labour has not started
- you or your baby have a health concern that makes earlier birth advisable
The NHS says induction is generally offered if labour has not started naturally by 41 weeks, because risks to the baby increase as pregnancy continues.
Your doctor or midwife should discuss the reasons, benefits, risks and available options with you so that you can make an informed decision.
If You're Anxious About Waiting
The final days of pregnancy can feel very long.
If you're worried that labour hasn't started, are unsure about symptoms you're experiencing or are considering trying something to bring labour on, speak to your midwife or maternity unit.
They know your individual pregnancy and are best placed to advise you.
And remember: reaching your estimated due date without going into labour doesn't mean that your body has somehow got things wrong.
Our Final Thoughts
There are plenty of traditional suggestions for bringing labour on, but there is currently no proven way to safely induce labour yourself at home.
Rather than feeling pressure to try every remedy you hear about, use these final days to look after yourself and keep in contact with your maternity team.
Your midwife or doctor can explain your options if your pregnancy continues beyond your due date or if induction becomes appropriate.
And once your baby arrives, another important stage begins. Our guide to the fourth trimester explores the first months after birth and the support mothers may need during postpartum recovery.
Written by Primrose + Ginger