How to Induce Labor at Home: Natural Ways, Safety, Risks
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Many people try to induce labor at home with natural methods. There’s little research evidence, though, to support the use of herbal remedies, exercise, or foods. Induction often relies on medications to jump-start the birthing process and stimulate uterine contractions.
Some research suggests inducing labor in certain people who are 39 weeks pregnant could lower the chances of needing a cesarean section (C-section). However, induction has some risks. It’s essential to check with a healthcare provider before trying to induce labor at home.
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Exercise
Regularly getting your heart rate up during pregnancy is safe for many healthy pregnant people, and walking or swimming may also be a way to prompt labor.
Some studies found that exercising more in the last days of pregnancy is a potentially effective way to trigger the labor process. While scientific research hasn’t proven this as a surefire technique, as long as it’s safe to exercise while pregnant, it may be an activity worth trying.
Sex
Prostaglandins (hormones) help ready the cervix for pregnancy and are also involved in sexual intercourse. Some studies suggest that hormones released during sex and orgasm could help initiate labor, but others have found no effect on low-risk pregnancies that have reached term.
Acupuncture
Research is still limited on whether acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points throughout the body, could induce labor. More evidence is needed, but some experts hypothesize that this process might stimulate oxytocin release or the uterus.
While acupuncture is considered safe for healthy adults, there are some concerns about preterm contractions when using specific acupuncture points in pregnant people. Check with a healthcare provider before trying it during pregnancy.
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but involves using hand pressure on specific body points instead of needles.
Research is underway regarding whether acupressure is effective at inducing labor, but some study results have been promising. However, questions about this method’s exact timing and number of acupressure sessions still need to be answered.
Massage
Massage techniques may offer benefits in terms of relaxation or improved comfort, but there’s no peer-reviewed evidence that massage can be used to induce labor.
Neither is there evidence that reflexology points such as the uterus, used in a type of massage, can offer benefits when inducing labor. Reflexology is generally considered safe for healthy adults, but talk to your healthcare provider if considering these techniques.
Eating Certain Foods
Eating spicy foods has been floated anecdotally as a potential way to induce labor, but there are also other herbs that experts are studying for their effectiveness:
- Some believe evening primrose oil (as a capsule) helps soften the cervix for labor. Study results are mixed, though, with at least one showing it may prolong active labor or increase the risk of labor complications.
- Chamomile, blue and black cohosh, and raspberry leaf tea may prompt the relaxing release of oxytocin and have a uterine-stimulating effect, particularly in post-term pregnancy.
Always consult with a medical professional before taking any herbs or supplements while pregnant.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Methods to Avoid
Some methods of inducing labor are not recommended by the medical community due to the possible effects on the fetus. These include:
- Nipple stimulation: This may play a role in speeding up labor and for most healthy pregnant people, it could be considered a safe method to try in moderation. However, there are some concerns about this method and the fetal heart rate may need to be monitored during this technique.
- Aromatherapy: There is no evidence to support claims that aromatherapy can help induce labor, and there is concern about potential adverse effects from essential oil use.
- Castor oil: Some smaller studies have found ingesting castor oil may increase the likelihood of going into labor soon after use, but more research is needed on its safety and effectiveness. Castor oil in large amounts can be poisonous and have serious side effects, including fetal heart rate changes.
Benefits of Waiting for Labor to Start on Its Own
Some people may need labor induced for medical reasons. That said, if waiting for labor to start on its own is right for you and approved by your healthcare provider, this option has some benefits.
Recovery times tend to be quicker for people who are not induced than those who are. In addition, babies born after a full-term pregnancy can experience other health benefits, such as:
- Ample time for the brain, lungs, liver, and other organs to fully develop
- Reduced risk for breathing, vision, or hearing issues post-birth
- Opportunity to gain additional weight before birth
- Developed abilities to suck, swallow, and stay awake for a feeding
- Lower likelihood of learning issues and health issues later in life
When Is It Safe to Induce Labor at Home?
Inducing labor may be an option if you’re at least 39 weeks pregnant or you’re past your due date. Healthcare providers use a tool known as the Bishop score to help make the judgment call on induction. After checking to see if the cervix has started to soften and open (a sign that labor can begin), your healthcare provider may give a score of 0 to 13 to rate the condition of the cervix. A Bishop score of less than 6 means the cervix may not be ready for labor.
Reasons Not to Induce
For some people, inducing labor is not recommended. That’s because it could make the delivery process unsafe for the health of the pregnant person and the baby. A healthcare provider may advise against carrying out any labor induction methods in the following circumstances:
- Previous C-sections or other types of uterine surgeries
- Baby in breech position (feet first) in the womb
- Placenta previa (the placenta blocks all or part of the vagina)
- Prolapsed umbilical cord (when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby is delivered)
- Active genital herpes infection
Potential Risks of Inducing Labor
Know that there are potential risks with delivery and recovery when labor is induced, whether medically or naturally. These risks include:
- Change in the baby’s heart rate
- Infection for a pregnant person or baby
- Uterine rupture (when the uterus tears during labor)
- Contractions that are too strong
- Labor induction may not work and need to be repeated
- Increased use of epidural anesthesia
Summary
Inducing labor often happens in medical settings. But some pregnant people may also look into complementary and alternative medicine techniques to help jump-start the labor process at home.
More scientific evidence is needed to back certain methods, like exercising, having sex, trying acupuncture, and eating certain herbs, but research shows there may be some benefits to their use. Always check with a healthcare provider to discuss whether at-home labor-inducing options are safe before trying them out.
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