The last stretch of pregnancy can be anything but pleasant when you’re uncomfortable and so ready to meet your little one. As your due date approaches, or worse, comes and goes, you might find yourself searching for some way — any way — to get things going. You’ll probably find yourself googling things like, “ways to induce labor,” “foods that induce labor,” and “exercises to help induce labor.” I know I did. My second son was a week late and I tried everything short of castor oil to get him out. It didn’t work (they had to break my water), but then I was only in labor for 90 minutes, so it must have helped!
These natural induction methods are gentle and pleasant, so while they may not do the trick, they certainly can’t hurt.
Eat Fresh Pineapple
Eating fresh pineapple is thought to soften the cervix. Pineapple contains enzymes that might help kick-start labor. Also, it tastes delicious! Eat as much as you can—add it to smoothies, top it with whipped cream—and get ready to meet your baby! At the very least, it will help you avoid constipation and that’s always a good thing, especially when birth is around the corner.
Get a Foot Massage
Interested in using pressure points to induce labor? Go get a pedicure. Have your partner rub your feet and your lower legs at least once a day. There are pressure points on your feet and ankles that can cause contractions. Plus, a foot rub feels amazing, especially at the end of pregnancy. Adding a little clary sage essential oil to your favorite massage oil or lotion makes the rubdown even more effective. I’m pretty sure getting regular foot massages will be one of the most pleasant induction methods you try.
Have Dance Parties
Pump up the jams and get ready to party like you aren’t 40+ weeks pregnant. A good old-fashioned dance party could be just what your body needs to get into the groove of labor. If nothing else, you are sure to have fun. If you’re really brave, you can video your rad big-belly dance moves and entertain your family and friends for days. If the dance moves don’t work, the laughter might.
Take Long Walks
Walk that baby out. Some women swear by this one and, if you are experiencing pre-labor symptoms, a long walk could definitely tip you over the edge. Grab a friend and pick a scenic spot, then walk as far as your swollen feet will take you. Even if it doesn’t make baby come, you will get a chance to chat with a good friend, enjoy some beautiful scenery, and get in great shape for labor.
Bounce on an Exercise Ball
Remember that Hippity-Hop you had as a kid? Get ready to relive your childhood. Bouncing on an exercise or birthing ball can help bring baby down and into position. It also feels really good on your sore hips. Place your feet wide on the floor and bounce gently. This calming movement can also put baby to sleep, so it’s a great thing to try before bedtime as it might help you both get better rest. If you’re using an exercise ball to induce labor, you should also try doing figure 8 motions with your hips to open your pelvis.
Spice It Up!
When you’re overdue, many people offer advice on getting labor started. I’m pretty sure the number-one suggestion I heard was to eat spicy food. I happen to like spicy food, so it was an easy thing to try. This is likely more of an old wives’ tale than hard science, but a couple of delicious tacos never hurt anybody, so it’s worth a shot.
Have Sex
OK, this one might not be considered pleasant by everyone. However, what got you into your current state might just be what gets you out of it. If you’re up for a romp in the sack, it could be just what your body needs to start labor. Sperm helps ripen the cervix and an orgasm might actually jump-start contractions. Not feeling it? Even cuddling can help release the hormones you need for labor to get going. Plus, a little extra intimacy before your family grows by one is a special treat for you and your husband.
Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea
This mild-tasting tea is thought to help tone the uterus and support a healthy labor. It can help get those Braxton-Hicks organized and regular, otherwise known as full-on labor. If nothing else, it tastes great iced, and drinking it will help you stay hydrated, an important thing to be before giving birth.
Laugh
Put on the funniest movie you can find and laugh until you shake that baby out. Laughing will help relax you. If the movie is funny enough, you might actually forget about all those nerves, let go of any anxiety about labor, and open yourself up to bringing your baby into the world. It’s worth a shot, and even if baby decides to stay put, you will have spent a couple of hours with a smile on your face.
Eat Eggplant Parmigiana
This is my personal favorite. The night before my scheduled induction, my husband and I went out on a date and I ate the world’s largest, most delicious plate of eggplant parmigiana. It was cheesy and spicy, tender and rich, full of basil and garlic and the hope of new life. And while it didn’t bring baby any earlier, it did give me a wonderful memory of the night before he was born.
When it comes to the last weeks of pregnancy, waiting can be the hardest part. Hopefully these natural induction methods will make the whole experience tastier and more fun. And even if baby doesn’t arrive on cue, the wait is most certainly worth the reward.
