Care providers might suggest methods you can try yourself at home or you could explore alternative or complementary practices that have been thought to start labour. There is limited evidence to support any of these practices
***Key Points***
Physiological onset of labour is different to a labour that is started using methods of induction.
Some midwives or doctors might say there are ‘natural methods of induction’ however there is limited evidence to support any of these methods.
***Key Points***
***Natural methods of induction***
In the weeks before you go into labour your body is producing hormones in preparation for labour. Spontaneous labour means that your baby has sent signals to your body and brain that you are ready to go into labour. Your brain then produces oxytocin to begin and continue the labour process.
An induced labour involves medical interventions to start and keep the labour going, when your body or baby are not ready to go into labour.
On or around the due date some women may try some things to try and go into labour, or some care providers may suggest some things to try. Women will usually try these methods to avoid a medical induction of labour.
You may have heard of eating spicy food or certain fruits to help go into labour, there is no evidence to support this. However, maintaining a nutritious diet is beneficial to you and your baby. There is limited evidence to support the consumption of raspberry leaf either in tea or capsule form but research has found no harm in having it.
Having sex, and especially having an orgasm releases oxytocin and semen has prostaglandins in it which are present naturally when the cervix is softening. It is not known whether having sex has any influence on the start of labour. However avoid having sex if your waters have released.
Sometimes gentle nipple or breast stimulation is recommended to try to start labour. Limited research shows that an increased number of women might go into labour within three days as this method stimulates the body’s release of oxytocin.
Walking or gentle exercise can be good for maintaining fitness near the end of your pregnancy but there have been no studies to explore whether or not it can influence the start of labour.
Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology and massage are often suggested as ways to ‘naturally’ influence the start of labour, limited studies have not demonstrated the effectiveness in starting labour. However, if you see a therapist trained in pregnancy you may find it a relaxing thing to do as you get closer to the time of birth.
***Natural methods of induction***
Sara Wickham – let’s be clear labour onset is spontaneous or induced
Pregnancy, birth & beyond – interview Rachel Reed
Induction of labour – what are the risks of being induced?
Cochrane – acupuncture or acupressure for induction of labour
