9 Natural Ways to Induce Labor: How to Start Labor Contractions

Are you ready to meet your little one? Are you at the end of your pregnancy and anxious to start the process? There are a few natural ways that you can try to induce labor. In this blog post, we will discuss nine methods you can use at home how to start labor contractions. Remember that only a tiny percentage of women require medical induction, so it is crucial to your doctor before trying any of these methods. If everything is okay with your baby and you are simply overdue, these techniques may help get the ball rolling!

Inducing Labor for Pregnant Women

For most women, labor begins on its sometime between the 38th and 42nd week of pregnancy. But sometimes, for various reasons, labor needs to be induced. Labor induction is the process of artificially stimulating uterine contractions to bring on labor. It can be done manually, with medication, or with a combination of both.

There are several reasons why a doctor might induce labor. For example, if the mother is past her due date or if she has a health condition that makes continuing the pregnancy risky. In some cases, inducing labor may even be necessary to save the baby’s life.

The induction process typically begins with the doctor breaking the water around the baby ( rupturing the membranes ). This can be done manually or with medication. Once the membranes are ruptured, contractions usually start within a few hours. If they don’t, the doctor may give the mother a Pitocin drip, which is a medication that helps to stimulate contractions. 

In some cases, labor induction may not be successful. In these cases, resorting to a C-section (cesarean delivery) may be necessary. However, most inductions result in a healthy baby being born vaginally.

Make sure to check what a contraction feels like post.

Labor Inducing Ways

There are a number of ways to induce labor, though it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider first. Membrane stripping around the baby during a vaginal exam can sometimes start contractions. This is usually done near your due date if you have a vaginal delivery. If your due date has passed, your healthcare provider may give you a drug called Pitocin to induce labor. Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, which helps to stimulate contractions.

Another method of inducing labor is called membrane sweeping. This involves gently sweeping the membranes around the baby with a gloved finger during a body exam. Membrane sweeping can sometimes start contractions or make them stronger. Finally, your healthcare provider may recommend induction if you’re nearing your due date and haven’t gone into labor on your own. This involves breaking the water around the baby or giving you Pitocin to help start contractions.

Read below to find all details.

The top 9 natural ways to induce labor:

1. Walking

Walking is a great way to get things moving and can help to start labor contractions. The movement allows the baby to descend into the pelvis, which can help to stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. Additionally, walking helps to move the hips and loosen the joints, which can also help to start the labor and delivery. Having moderate exercise, such as walking, during pregnancy can even lower your risk of having a premature delivery. Check out our article about how to time contractions.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This can help to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in starting contractions. One study found that women who received acupuncture were more likely to go into labor within 24 hours than those who did not receive acupuncture.

3. Eating Spicy Foods

Eating spicy foods is another popular method for inducing labor. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, many women believe that eating spicy foods can help to stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. Spicy food can also help speed up digestion, which may help the baby descend into the pelvis.

4. Breast Stimulation

Nipple stimulation is another popular method for inducing labor. This involves gently rubbing or rolling the nipples in order to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in inducing labor. One study found that nipple and breast stimulation was associated with a significantly higher rate of spontaneous labor than no nipple stimulation.

5. Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal tea that is sometimes consumed during pregnancy in order to prepare for childbirth. Some believe that raspberry leaf tea can help to tone the uterus and make labor contractions more efficient. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.

6. Castor Oil

Castor oil is a type of oil that is sometimes used as a natural method of laxative. Some believe that taking castor oil can help to stimulate the bowels, which may also help to stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, and castor oil can have side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

7. Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse is another popular method for inducing labor contractions. This is because sexual activity can help to stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in contractions. Additionally, sexual activity can also help to move the baby down into the pelvis, which may help to start labor contractions. However, it’s important to note that having an intimate relationship should only be attempted if both partners are comfortable and there are no medical contraindications. 

8. Membrane Sweeping

Membrane sweeping contraction-inducing technique that involves your doctor or midwife inserting their finger into your cervix to separate the membranes of your amniotic sac from your uterine wall. This releases prostaglandins, hormones that soften the cervix and help to move the baby down into the pelvis, which may stimulate the start of labor and delivery. 

9. Herbal Remedies

Several herbal remedies are thought to maybe effective in inducing labor, though there is some debate as to whether or not they work. These remedies include evening primrose oil, black cohosh, blue cohosh, and red raspberry tea. Speaking with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies is important, as some may not be safe for pregnant women.

The Takeaways

If you are full-term and ready to meet your baby, some tips may help bring on labor naturally. Please talk with your doctor before trying any of them, as some may not be ideal for your individual situation. From walking and herbal supplements to sexual activity and nipple stimulation, there are various ways to start those labor contractions. Do you have other natural methods that have worked for you in the past? We’d love to hear about them!