If you’ve reached the final stretch of pregnancy—also known as the “get this baby out of me” phase—you might be looking for natural labor induction methods. You’re not alone! Many moms search for ways to get contractions going, especially when their due date has come and gone.
Feeling impatient, exhausted, and just so over it? Check out How to Cope When You’re SO OVER Being Pregnant for tips on surviving these last few days!
Now, let’s dive into labor induction, what actually works, and what’s just wishful thinking. Whether you’re trying to avoid a medical induction or simply ready to meet your baby, this guide covers evidence-based methods and popular labor-inducing tricks to help get things moving.
What is Labor Induction?
Labor induction is the process of stimulating contractions to start labor, either naturally or with medical intervention. While most babies arrive when they’re ready, some situations call for a little encouragement.
Reasons for Induction:
- Past Your Due Date – If you’re approaching 41-42 weeks, doctors may suggest induction to prevent complications.
Fun fact: Only 4% of babies actually arrive on their due date! Most babies are born within two weeks before or after, so don’t stress if you’re still waiting. Want to know why due dates aren’t as reliable as they seem? Check out The Truth About Due Dates: Why Babies Rarely Arrive on Schedule for a deep dive into how they’re calculated.
- Your Water Broke But No Contractions – If labor doesn’t start within a certain time frame, there’s a risk of infection.
- Medical Conditions – Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or oligohydramnios may require an earlier delivery.
- Baby’s Size or Position – If the baby is measuring large or not in an ideal position, your provider may recommend induction.
But if you’re healthy and just tired of waiting, here are some natural ways to induce labor that might help.
10 Natural Ways to Induce Labor (Backed by Science & Moms Everywhere!)
These methods have been used by moms for generations—some with scientific support, others more anecdotal. But hey, at this point, anything is worth a try, right?
1. Have Sex (Yes, Really!)
We know—by this stage, sex might feel about as appealing as running a marathon. But hear us out! Sex is one of the few science-backed ways to naturally induce labor. That’s because semen contains prostaglandins, which help soften and ripen the cervix (just like the meds used in hospital inductions). Plus, orgasms release oxytocin, the same hormone that fuels contractions.
Pro Tip: Some research suggests having sex three times a day is the magic number to get things rolling. (But let’s be honest—just putting on socks at 40 weeks is a workout!)
Not sure how to make sex work with a baby belly in the way? Check out Pregnancy Sex: Myths & Best Positions to Spice Things Up! for the most comfortable (and actually doable) positions to try in late pregnancy!
2️. Nipple Stimulation (Breast Massage)
Rolling, massaging, or using a breast pump on your nipples releases oxytocin, the same hormone that triggers contractions.
How to Do It: Focus on one breast at a time for about 15 minutes, switching sides.
Warning: Overdoing it can cause strong contractions, so proceed with caution!
3️. Eat Dates for a Softer Cervix
Studies show that eating 6 dates per day from 36 weeks onward can help ripen the cervix and lead to shorter labors.
Mom Hack: If plain dates aren’t your thing, blend them into a smoothie with nut butter and milk. Yum!
4️. Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
This tea is known for toning the uterus and can help encourage labor when your body is ready.
Labor Day Tea: Make a stronger brew with 2-3 tea bags for an extra push. (Just stay near a bathroom—it works on your bowels too!)
Try our BEST-SELLING Pregnancy Power Tea! We here from moms all over the country that this is the BEST TASTING pregnancy tea on the market and we coudln’t be happier! Drink this labor prep blend to to support your body in the final weeks of pregnancy.
5️. Try the Miles Circuit & Curb Walking
These movements help the baby drop into the pelvis and put pressure on the cervix.
- Miles Circuit – A series of positions to encourage baby’s best position for birth.
- Curb Walking – Walking with one foot on the curb and one on the street can encourage labor. (Yes, it looks funny, but it works!)
6️. Get a Prenatal Massage or Acupressure
Certain pressure points (like the webbing between your thumb and forefinger or near the ankles) may help trigger contractions. A certified prenatal massage therapist can work on these points to help get things going naturally to avoid an induction. And heck, it just feels good to relax
Need referrals for the Vancouver, Wa and Portland area? Here are some of our trusted local massage therapists in the Portland metro area!
7️. Acupuncture & Chiropractic Adjustments
- Acupuncture – Some moms swear by acupuncture sessions for labor induction and as Doulas in the the Vancouver, Wa area….we do too!
- Chiropractic Care (Webster Technique) – This method helps align the pelvis and encourage the baby into an optimal position.
Check out our trusted providers in the Portland and Vancouver, WA metro areas!
8️. Try Spicy Foods (or Eggplant Parmesan!)
Ever heard of the Eggplant Parmesan Baby Myth? Some moms claim that eating spicy foods, pineapple, or eggplant parmesan triggered labor.
Does It Work? Probably not… but hey, worst case? You get a delicious meal.
9️. Castor Oil (Proceed with Caution!)
Castor oil stimulates the bowels, which can sometimes trigger uterine contractions.
Warning: It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, so talk to your provider first! Our doula team at Baby Nest
10. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO contains prostaglandins that may help soften the cervix. It can be taken orally or inserted vaginally (yes, really!). Many studies have shown that taking Evening Primrose Oil in the last weeks of pregnancy can ripen your cervix and reduce the need for an induction.
Of course, talk with your provider about specific amounts and administration.
When Natural Methods Don’t Work: Medical Induction Options
There are so many myths about pregnancy and labor floating around—like whether baths can really help with relaxation or if they’re totally off-limits in pregnancy. (Spoiler: They’re safe when done right!) Pregnancy Myth Debunked: Are Baths Off-Limits? dives into the facts!
If baby is still hanging tight, and there is cause for concern, your provider may suggest medical induction.
Types of Medical Induction Methods
- Membrane Sweep – A doctor or midwife gently separates the amniotic sac from the cervix during a cervical check.
- Cervical Ripening Meds – Cervidil is a medicine that help soften the cervix
- Foley Catheter – A Foley Bulb is a form of induction where the provider inserts a small balloon into the cervix to help dilate and start the labor process
- Cytotec – A medicine given orally or vaginally to soften the cervix and start contractions.
- Pitocin (Synthetic Oxytocin) – This IV medication triggers your uterus to contract.
Did you know? Medical inductions can sometimes lead to stronger contractions, which may increase the chances of needing a C-section. But don’t worry—there are ways to reduce that risk! Check out How To Lower Your Cesarean Risk for practical tips on increasing your chances of a vaginal birth. - Breaking Your Water (Amniotomy) – If you’re already dilated, your provider might manually break your water to jumpstart labor.
Pro Tip: Consider Hiring a Doula for Support. Navigating an induction can feel overwhelming and it’s important to have a strong birth team so you feel heard and supported. Schedule a FREE DOULA CONSULT here!
Medical inductions can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support throughout the process, helping you stay informed, comfortable, and confident. Your Portland, OR Doula can suggest positioning techniques, advocate for your birth preferences, and offer comfort measures to ease labor intensity.
If you’re facing an induction, having a doula by your side can make a big difference in how you experience birth. Schedule a FREE DOULA CONSULT now!
Want to feel more prepared for a birth that might be induced? Our Birth Dates birth class covers everything from pain management to what to expect during induction, so you can go into labor with confidence and have a positive birth experience no matter what! Take our Self-Paced Birth Dates Class here!
FAQs About Labor Induction
“How Long Does Induction Take?”
Labor induction can take a few hours to a few days, depending on how ready your body is. Slow and patient inductions are best! This allows your body to get on board and increases your chance for a vaginal birth.
“Does Induction Make Labor More Painful?”
Induced labor can be more intense since contractions start suddenly instead of building gradually. It’s important to have a strong birth team to support you since it can be a more difficult labor. Schedule a FREE DOULA CONSULT HERE.
“Will I have to be induced?”
That all depends on your medical situation and who you have chosen to be your provider. Some OBGYN’s are very quick to induce, and they are not always medically indicated. Take your time to interview midwives and doctors in the Portland area to find the right fit for you. Hiring a midwife or doctor who only induces when medically necessary is one of the best choices you can make to reduce your risk of an unnecessary induction.
Final Thoughts: Baby Will Come When It’s Time!
We know the waiting game is brutal, but trust that your body and baby know what to do. If you’re trying to induce labor, start with gentle, natural methods, stay hydrated, and most importantly—give yourself grace.
Your baby WILL COME, and soon, you’ll be snuggled up with that sweet little bundle of love.
SHOP our Birth Boutique, with our doula created products to prepare for birth, heal in your postpartum and thrive in breastfeeding!
Want your partner to do MORE than just give you ice chips?!