Natural Ways to Induce Labor: Safe Methods Explained

The last few weeks of pregnancy might seem like forever. As your due date gets closer or passes, you may want to look into natural ways to start labor since you are uncomfortable, anxious, and tired. Many parents-to-be would rather use softer, body-led methods than medical ones like Pitocin. This article looks at natural techniques to assist start labor based on research and stress safety, scientific support, and reasonable expectations.

These strategies put you and your baby’s health first, whether you’re 38 weeks pregnant and looking for relief or 39 weeks pregnant and ready to receive your baby. Before using any approach, you should always talk to your healthcare professional. Your health is a big determinant in how safe it is.

Your body gets ready for labor by going through a lot of changes in hormones. Oxytocin, sometimes known as the “love hormone,” causes contractions; prostaglandins make the cervix softer; and moving around can assist the baby in getting into the pelvis. Natural techniques to start labor try to help these processes without using medicines. Studies demonstrate that acupuncture, walking, and certain activities may help people avoid needing medical help.

But timing is really important: natural approaches to start labor at 38 weeks are not the same as those at 40 weeks or more. Before 39 weeks, doctors usually don’t recommend induction (even if it’s natural) unless it’s medically necessary, because infants do better when they are full-term. Put safety ahead of speed at all times.

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Talk to your midwife or OB-GYN before using any natural methods to help start labor. Certain procedures may not be safe because of things like the baby’s position, the volume of amniotic fluid, blood pressure, or previous C-sections. For example, natural approaches to start labor at 39 weeks could be suggested for low-risk pregnancies, but trying them earlier could be dangerous. Your provider can provide you guidance that is specific to your case, keep an eye on your progress, and step in if necessary. If your water has burst, you are bleeding from your vagina, or the baby is moving less, don’t utilize natural remedies; get medical help right once.

Gentle exercise is one of the safest natural ways to start labor. Walking can help the baby’s head push on the cervix, which may release prostaglandins. Try to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day on level ground. Deep squats with a chair for support loosen up the pelvis and stretch the muscles in the pelvic floor. Pelvic tilts while on your hands and knees might help the baby go into the best position. Research from 2020 revealed that moving about and standing up decreased early labor by 1.5 hours. Don’t push yourself too hard; stop if you feel discomfort or dizzy.

Certain yoga positions, such as “Cat-Cow” and “Butterfly,” stretch the ligaments in the hips and promote blood flow. Using a birthing ball to do circular hip rotations could help the baby go into the delivery canal. These natural strategies to assist start labor also lower stress, which can keep cortisol levels in check and stop labor hormones from working.

Acupressure (using pressure with your fingers) and acupuncture (using tiny needles by a professional) both focus on sites that are associated with uterine function. People often utilize the SP6 point (above the ankle) and the LI4 point (between the thumb and index finger). A Cochrane analysis found that acupuncture could cut down on the requirement for medicinal induction by 35%. To do acupressure at home, put firm circular pressure on SP6 for 1–2 minutes, three times a day. Always hire a professional acupuncturist who specializes in prenatal care.

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Gentle rolling of the nipples or using a breast pump for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours might cause the release of oxytocin, which is similar to medical syntocinon. Studies reveal that it may make contractions more likely within 72 hours. Limit sessions to avoid hyperstimulation (contractions that last longer than 60 seconds or happen more than 4–5 times per 10 minutes). Don’t take this if you are pregnant and at high risk or have had surgery on your uterus before.

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Semen has prostaglandins that help the cervix get ready for birth, while orgasms produce oxytocin, which makes the uterus cramp. If you feel comfortable, try to be intimate 2–3 times a day. If your water has burst or you have placenta previa, don’t do this. This is the best technique to naturally start labor at 39 weeks, when the body is already ready.

Research from 2020 found that eating 6 to 8 dates per day from 36 weeks may soften the cervix and lower the need for induction. Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme that may help the cervix ripen, but you would need to eat a lot of it for it to work. If you have heartburn, stay away from spicy meals since they might irritate the intestines and indirectly stimulate the uterus.

Drinking 1 to 3 cups of red raspberry leaf tea every day starting at 32 weeks, tones the muscles in the uterus but doesn’t cause contractions. Evening primrose oil (500–1000 mg taken by mouth or put in the vagina) has fatty acids that are supposed to help the cervix stay flexible. Don’t utilize herbs that haven’t been tested, such as black/blue cohosh. They might cause too much stimulation in the uterus.

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A membrane sweep is done by a physician who sweeps a finger between the amniotic sac and the cervix to release prostaglandins. It works 40–50% of the time within 48 hours and is usually given after 39 weeks. It’s typical to have light cramps or spotting. Talk about this possibility during your weekly checks.

• Castor Oil: Can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, which could harm the baby.
• Essential Oils: Oils that aren’t mixed with anything else, like clary sage, might cause dangerous contractions.
• Herbal Supplements: Unregulated items like pennyroyal or high-dose black cohosh might be harmful.
• Excessive Exercise: Can lead to exhaustion or injury.

Cortisol is released when you are stressed or anxious, and it works against oxytocin. Meditation, hypnobirthing recordings, or warm baths might help relax the nervous system. Imagining your cervix opening or holding your baby might help your body get ready for labor. Be with people who care about you; emotional safety is really important.

Stop using the procedures and call your provider if you have:

• Contractions that are less than 5 minutes apart for more than an hour
• Less movement of the fetus
• Fluid leaking or bleeding
• Severe headache or changes in vision

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Natural approaches to start labor at 38 or 39 weeks may be less harsh, but they aren’t always successful. Believe in your body’s wisdom. Only 5% of kids are born on time! Get help from your provider to combine things like walking, acupressure, and dating. Write down your plan in your birth preferences, but be ready to change it. In the end, the safest natural techniques to assist start labor respect your baby’s timetable while also giving you the physical and mental fortitude you need for the journey ahead.