How to Start Labour Naturally

While the onset of labour is a natural process that typically begins when your baby is ready, there are some gentle methods you can try to encourage labour to start naturally when the time is right. In this article, we’ll explore some techniques that could be effective for jumpstarting labour, from enjoying raspberry leaf tea, engaging in intimate moments, using birthing balls, exercising and eating the right foods. Read on to find out about the most common techniques to encourage the onset of labour.

How to Get Labour Started

For many expectant parents awaiting the arrival of their little one, the question of how to kick-start labour naturally often arises. As the due date approaches an eagerness to meet their little one and the want to avoid induction of labour sets in. While there’s no guaranteed method to initiate labour, there are several ‘old wives’ tales’ techniques that may help encourage the process to begin when your baby is ready.

Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea has long been heralded for its potential benefits in preparing the uterus for labour. This herbal remedy does not induce labour, but is believed to tone the uterine muscles, potentially making contractions more effective when labour begins. It’s advisable to start drinking raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks of pregnancy starting with one cup per day, and gradually increasing your intake to three cups per day as your due date approaches. Not a fan of tea? Raspberry leaf tea is also available in tablet form.

Many people have tried raspberry leaf supplements towards the end of their pregnancies, however experts are still unsure whether it works, or how safe it is. For this reason, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any herbal supplements to your routine.

Raspberry leaf tea or tablets may not be safe, if you:

• Are going to have an elective caesarean, or have had a caesarean within the last 2 years.
• Have pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure.
• Are having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc).
• Have had any vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, or are known to have a low placenta.
• Have a breech, transverse or oblique positioned baby, or any unstable lie.
• Have a pre-existing medical conditions such as; fibroids, heart problems, epilepsy or breast or ovarian cancers.
• Are taking antidepressants.
• Have a history of preterm birth.

If you are thinking of trying raspberry leaf tea, please discuss this with your midwife or obstetrician first.

Get on Your Birthing Ball

A birthing ball, also known as an exercise ball, can be a valuable tool for encouraging labour to start naturally. Sitting and gently bouncing on a birthing ball can help relieve pressure on your pelvis and encourage your baby to move into an optimal position for birth. Additionally, rocking back and forth on the ball can stimulate the muscles of the pelvis and encourage the cervix to soften and dilate.

Eat the Right Foods

While there’s no specific food proven to induce labour, its common to hear family members and friends encourage spicy curries, pineapple or dates.

Curries: Spicy foods such as curries can stimulate the gut, which can prompt contractions. It may give you an upset tummy and increase your heartburn which may be something you would rather avoid at the onset of labour. There is no evidence that this works at bringing on labour.

Pineapple: Pineapples contain an enzyme (bromelain) which has been associated with causing labour to start. However, in order to consume enough bromelain to get labour going, it is thought that you would need to eat 8+ pineapples in one sitting, including the core. This is enough to give anyone an upset tummy and put you off pineapples for life!

Dates: There have been some supportive studies showing that eating dates at the end of pregnancy reduces the chance of going over your due date and can speed up labour. Dates are high in fibre and nutrients including prostaglandins which may be why they are thought to help. If this is something you would like to try, simply eat 6 dates per day from 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Certain nutrients may support the body’s natural processes as you prepare for childbirth. Incorporating foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can help boost collagen production. Additionally, consuming foods high in magnesium, such as leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, may help relax your muscles and support efficient contractions.

Have Sex

Intimacy between partners during pregnancy is not only safe but can also have potential benefits in kick-starting labour naturally. Semen contains prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that can help soften and ripen the cervix, potentially leading to the onset of labour. Additionally, orgasm can trigger the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for stimulating contractions. There is no evidence that this method works and it may be uncomfortable in late pregnancy. If your waters have broken, sex is not recommended as this can cause an infection.

Do Some Exercise

Engaging in gentle exercise can help promote circulation, reduce stress, and encourage your baby to descend into the pelvis, all of which may help labour begin naturally. Activities such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help keep your body in optimal condition for childbirth while also providing valuable opportunities for relaxation and mindfulness.

In conclusion, while there’s no guaranteed method for starting labour naturally, these gentle techniques may help encourage the process to begin when the time is right. Remember to listen to your body, stay well-hydrated, and consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new methods or supplements. Ultimately, trust in the wisdom of your body and the support of your healthcare team as you prepare to welcome your little one into the world.

Here, at Private Midwives we are very passionate about homebirth and labour and welcome discussing your options with you. If you would like to know more about your pregnancy and birth options feel free to call us on 0800 3800 579