Often by the time women reach full term (37 weeks gestation) they are keen to try various methods to induce labour.

If you are full term and would like to start prepping your body to begin labour keeping reading…

When should I begin actively trying to naturally induce labour?

When you are full term – 37 weeks.

This is the ideal time to start trying to encourage your body to naturally go into labour. Bare in mind that trying to kick-start this process will usually take more than a few days (if not weeks) to work, but that is ok- safety first.

How to naturally induce labour?  

 Exercise

This can be anything that gets the heart rate pumping faster than usual, such as a long walk, walking up and downstairs, bouncing on a birthing ball. Even if this method doesn’t work, it’s a great way to relieve stress and keep your body fit for the labour ahead. Exercise is goos because if upright, it will help draw the baby down into your pelvis. The pressure of the baby’s head/membranes on your cervix may help stimulate your cervix for labour. If in labour staying as upright as possible will help speed up the length of labour too, so if possible try to walk around during labour as much as possible. 

Nipple Stimulation

Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract. Nipple stimulations stimulate oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract and the breast to eject milk. You or your partner may manually stimulate your nipples by rubbing them gently in a circular motion. If you are keen to breastfeed this may be an excellent opportunity to try and harvest colostrum for baby’s arrival. 

A study done by Kavanagh et el (2005) shows that breast stimulation can be an effective way to:

• Induce and augment labor
• Avoid a medical induction
• Reduce rates of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)

Raspberry Leaf Tea

As Midwives we often recommend drinking raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks. This tea helps tone and strengthen the uterus in preparation for labour. Although evidence provided by NHS Medicines Information (2014) shows that there is no difference in length of labour or birth outcome for mums who had taken raspberry leaf tea compared to those who had not. 

Acupressure/Acupuncture

According to traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s believed that acupressure/ acupuncture work by balancing the chi or vital energy within the body. Acupuncture/ Acupressure should only be administered only by a licensed professional who is certified in pregnancy care. According to a study done by Schlaeger et al (2017), the main benefit of acupuncture is increased cervical ripening.

Sex

This is great as there are so many reasonssex can help induce labour. Having sex, especially if having an orgasm, can release oxytocin, which may help kick start uterine contractions. Another benefit is sperm carries the hormone prostaglandin- This is helpful in ripening the cervix. Please refrain from sex if your waters have broken as this will increase the risk of infection. 

Why should I try to naturally induce labour at full term?  

1. Avoid medical induction. 
2. Reduced risk of c/section.
3. Reduce risk of PPH
4. Increase labour satisfaction.

Safety first!

Naturally inducing labour is safe if done properly. Please speak to your Midwife or Obstetrician about any of these methods should you need more information. Always monitor your baby’s movements as this is a sign of fetal wellbeing. If you are concerned about your baby’s movements please go to your local maternity unit triage.