Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsExerciseSexAcupunctureAcupressureMassageEating Certain FoodsMethods to AvoidBenefits of WaitingReasons Not to InducePotential Risks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Exercise
Sex
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Massage
Eating Certain Foods
Methods to Avoid
Benefits of Waiting
Reasons Not to Induce
Potential Risks
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 uterinecontractions.
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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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.
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.
Research is still limited on whetheracupuncture, 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.
Acupressureis 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 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 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:
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. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Benefits of Waiting for Labor to Start on Its Own
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:
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 theBishop scoreto help make the judgment call on induction. After checking to see if thecervixhas 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.
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 theBishop scoreto help make the judgment call on induction. After checking to see if thecervixhas 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.
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:
Summary
Inducing labor often happens in medical settings. But some pregnant people may also lookinto 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.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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