How to Induce Labor

Only about 5% of babies are born on their due date, meaning the date determined based on first-trimester screening. Most babies are born between 38+0 and 42+0. As the due date (40+0) approaches or has already passed, most expectant mothers start to feel nervous and try to induce labor in all sorts of ways. What are the most common old wives’ tips for inducing labor, and how can you prepare for birth?

Preparation for birth

From the 36th week of pregnancy (35+1), mothers begin preparing for birth not only mentally, but also physically. Preparation can include:

• raspberry leaf - relaxes the pelvic floor muscles;
• flaxseed - helps relax the birth canal, works against constipation, ideally in blended form or as a decoction, take 2 teaspoons a day;
• dates - increase the production of oxytocin, which is needed to start labor, eat 6 pieces a day;
• perineal massage - prevention of perineal tearing during birth.

Ways to induce labor

There are many ways to induce labor. There is no need to try them all at once; instead, choose a combination that feels pleasant for the mother. The most common ones are:

• sexual intercourse - semen contains substances that help open the birth canal;
• spiced tea - some people also call it an overdue pregnancy tea, and it is made from verbena, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon; it can be drunk from the 39th week;
• vaginal steaming - from the 38th week, the mother can relax with vaginal steaming, just 15-20 minutes every other day, light a candle and play some pleasant music;
• warming spices - add to food or drinks - cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, chili, cloves (mulled wine);
• walks, dancing (ideally belly dancing);
• physical exertion - e.g. cleaning, lighter gardening work;
• nipple massage - during massage, the hormone oxytocin is released, which triggers contractions;
• acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion - there are specific points on the body that can start labor once activated;
• warm bath with geranium essential oil - has a positive effect on the mother's mood, and warm water may support contractions;
• evening primrose oil - contains prostaglandins that help ripen the cervix (only from the 41st week);
• pineapple - eat pineapple, especially the core, which contains the enzyme bromelain that can shorten the cervix;
• crawling on all fours and walking up stairs - helps the baby get into the correct position for birth;
• massage with a rebozo scarf;
• Hamilton maneuver - this can only be performed by a gynecologist if the cervix is passable; the success rate of starting labor after the procedure is 50/50.

Many mothers try all kinds of methods, but still nothing happens, especially when the due date is already behind them. In this case, less is more. It is better to do nothing, rest, watch a nice movie, and have a glass of red wine, which by itself will not start labor, but will relax the body and mind, which is desirable for labor to begin. 

We wish you a quick onset of labor, a smooth delivery, and beautiful first moments with your baby.