Once you have reached 39 weeks of pregnancy, you can begin talking to your midwife or OB-GYN about how to induce labor naturally if you’d like to avoid a medical induction! In this post, we’ll talk about ways to induce labor and how to induce labor at home, castor oil to induce labor, cotton root bark, herbs to induce labor, herbs for inducing labor, nipple stimulation to induce labor, and more!
Why Induce Labor Naturally?
There are various reasons some mamas may try to induce labor naturally. Recent data found almost half (47%) of mothers had providers who wanted to medically induce their labor, and more than a third of these attempts (37%) were elective [1].
This study also found that cesarean birth is more likely in the case of induction [1].
Even natural induction is still induction and an intervention straying from the normal labor and birth process, which can have adverse effects. But there are times and places for these tools!
If you genuinely feel a need to induce your labor, I’m excited to share options backed with research for you to take to your midwife or OB. However, if inducing your labor doesn’t feel right to you and you are not at peace with it, do not let your provider pressure you into an induction.
Things To Consider Before You Induce Labor:
How certain are you of baby’s gestational age? The last things to continue developing more before a baby is born are their lungs and their brains. We do not want babies to be born any earlier than they naturally come unless it’s to protect you or your baby’s life.
Is your midwife or OB providing information to help you make a truly informed decision? Unfortunately, some providers use scare tactics to make women do things they want to align with their non-evidence-based opinions or make their jobs/schedules easier.
If your practitioner is:
- Using phrases such as “the risk doubles or triples at this gestational age”
- Talking about your placenta aging (a myth already debunked by evidence)
- Saying you need induction or to go into labor by 40 weeks for a VBAC (vaginal birth after a cesarean)
- Saying you should be induced because your baby is measuring big
- Or more things that aren’t sitting right with you as evidence-based or a significant risk to you or your baby
🚩 These are RED FLAGS, and you should get a second opinion.
How Does Labor Start Naturally?
When a baby is healthy, full-term (at least 37 weeks), and ready to be born, the baby’s lungs reach a point of maturation before releasing hormone signals into the amniotic fluid, which contributes to the initiation of labor at term [1].
In preparation for this, the mother’s uterus has grown oxytocin and melatonin receptors. Melatonin works synergistically with oxytocin and makes contractions effective. Yes, this means one factor of having the safest and most effective labor possible includes being in darkness in addition to the other 4 key components of an optimal birth space which I go into in this post: The 5 Things You Need to Create a Calm Birth Space.
So, even with a natural labor induction method such as using herbs for inducing labor, I do not recommend it unless the baby needs help to be born sooner for medical reasons. If this is the case, I am all for trying natural induction methods before medical tools if desired. But at that point of needing medical care, an induction is an induction.
However, another time women might use natural induction methods is when a mother cannot have her planned homebirth with a midwife if she goes past 41 weeks, which is, unfortunately, a regulation in some states in the U.S.
The Truth About Going Past 40 Weeks Pregnant:
It is also noteworthy to add some babies just come a little earlier, and some come a little later. It’s easy to know if there is a danger regarding your baby’s health going past their estimated “guess date” by starting the use of kick counting around 20 weeks of pregnancy and/or getting a non-stress test (NST) whenever you might be concerned or even if you want to do it routinely as you continue passed that estimated “guess date.”
If a complication needs to be prevented, you can catch this with the NST and move on to making more medicalized decisions if you desire. Otherwise, with the guessed age of the baby alone with healthy activity and no signs of stillbirth, there isn’t an evidence-based reason to introduce pharmaceuticals and interventions that come with their own hosts of risks to a baby whose tests are coming back just as healthy as they were 1 or 2, or 3 weeks ago.
How to Induce Labor with Herbs, Foods, and Other Methods:
Now let’s get into how you can naturally induce your labor with herbs to induce labor, other substances, and a few things you may want to avoid trying!
Remember: Discuss each option with your midwife or OB before trying it.
Do Things that Calm and Relax You
Try to avoid anything that may cause you fear or anxiety, as these are killers of the natural labor hormone oxytocin. In the weeks before labor, oxytocin will be increasing to help ripen your cervix before labor, and you’ll want to try not to put a halt to this!
Some calming activities you can try include taking a warm bubble bath (not too hot), yoga, meditation, reading, or anything else that’s safe and effective for relaxing during pregnancy!
How to Induce Labor with Cotton Root Bark
Historically, cotton root bark has been used as an emmenagogue (a substance that increases menstrual flow) and an abortifacient. This is because cotton root bark contains oxytocin.
Cotton root bark was even marketed by Lloyd Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly as an oxytocic and emmenagogic agent in 1860-1880. Now, other pharmaceutical uterotonic agents, such as Pitocin, have replaced cotton root bark for pharmaceutical companies.
Still, when it comes to herbs to induce labor, cotton root bark is an herb popular amongst midwives to stimulate labor. The Birth Institute shares that cotton root bark contains active ingredients that increase the number of receptor sites for oxytocin, the hormone responsible for uterine contractions.
Therefore, in practice, cotton root bark has been used as an effective herb to increase uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage!
Cotton root bark is typically in the form of alcohol extracts and taken in repeated doses of 2-3 mL every 2 hours will often result in contractions after 4-6 doses. However, if you think you need more cotton root bark, ensure you’re working with the guidance of your midwife!
Additionally, your midwife may also offer you to take cotton root bark in combination with other uterine stimulants, and often antispasmodic herbs.
Cotton root bark may also be used as an alternative or adjunct to blue cohosh as a uterine stimulant in post-date pregnancies, for premature rupture of membranes (PROM), or for stalled labor.
what are the risks of cotton root bark?
However, while cotton root bark is highly effective, we don’t have any research on the safety and efficacy of this herb as a labor stimulant. For that reason, if you’re interested in using cotton root bark for your labor, ask your midwife about their experience with the herb.
Notably, some studies in animals have found cardiotoxic and hepatoxic effects with gossypol, which is a substance present in cotton root seed. However, gossypol is not present in the cotton root bark extract! Just be mindful of which tincture you buy!
Herb Pharm is a popular and trusted brand for high-quality, organic, and effective herbs. Check out this Herb Pharm Certified Organic Cotton Root Tincture!
Furthermore, cotton root bark may have teratogenic effects if used in early pregnancy, so it should not be used earlier than the intended onset of labor.
Black or Blue Cohosh
Blue Cohosh Root is one of the herbs for inducing labor that effectively puts you into labor, but it is now deemed unsafe.
Potential risks for babies include perinatal stroke, heart attack, brain damage, and multi-organ injury. Midwives have also reported an increased risk of meconium in the baby and the need for resuscitation.
Severe outcomes have been reported for mamas, such as a severe drop in sodium in the blood (known as hyponatremia). Hyponatremia can lead to brain damage, seizures, coma, respiratory arrest, and sometimes even death.
It is best to stay safe and avoid black and blue cohosh during pregnancy altogether.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaf tea is commonly discussed as one of the herbs for inducing labor, and women have been using it to induce labor for centuries! But, there is very little research on how it impacts pregnancy or childbirth at all.
This double-blind, randomized controlled trial published in 2001 looked at red raspberry leaf tea’s effect on labor outcomes for women and found no difference. The good news is that these studies also didn’t find any adverse side effects of taking raspberry leaf tea! Therefore, we can assume that even if it doesn’t help put you into labor, it’s still safe to drink while pregnant.
Anecdotally, some women do believe that this tea helps strengthen and tone the uterus, which would, therefore, reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging after birth!
Still, according to a study published in 2021, there aren’t any statistically significant effects [3].
Read more findings and what other research has found on red raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy in, Make Your Own Labor Induction Tea Now!
How to Induce Labor with Membrane Sweeping (or Membrane Stripping)
Stripping the membranes is when an OB-GYN or midwife sweeps their (gloved) finger between the thin membranes of your amniotic sac in your uterus (with your informed consent!). This motion helps separate the sac and stimulates prostaglandins, a hormone-like compound that can stimulate labor.
And in some cases, your provider may gently stretch or massage your cervix to help it start to soften and dilate.
A high-quality research method (a review of studies, also known as a meta-analysis), concluded that the efficiency of membrane sweeping to induce labor depends on how far along the woman is and whether or not she uses other induction methods [19]. This method is most effective if you don’t use another method first, actually!
Additionally, the Journal of Clinical Gynecology and Obstetrics (JCGO) reported that after a membrane sweep, 90 percent of women delivered by 41 weeks compared to women who didn’t receive a membrane sweep. Of the women who didn’t receive one, only 75 percent delivered by 41 weeks [21].
Furthermore, another study found that membrane sweeping increases the likelihood of spontaneous labor within 48 hours [20].
But, be aware that this is an uncomfortable procedure that technically induces labor, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Risks and Possible Side Effects of Membrane Sweeps Can Include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Unintended rupture of membranes
- Light bleeding
- Cramps
- Irregular contractions
Check out my post on The Early Labor Signs You Need to Know to avoid getting ‘irregular contractions’ confused with true labor contractions!
How to Induce Labor with Nipple Stimulation
Nipple stimulation helps the body release oxytocin.
Oxytocin also plays a role in arousal, inducing labor, and the bonding between mother and child. Plus, oxytocin makes the uterus contract after childbirth, helping it return to its pre-pregnancy size.
During labor, stimulating the nipples and breasts can help bring on more substantial and longer contractions, which doctors and nurses try to do when some women receive Pitocin (a synthetic form of oxytocin) during an induction or augmentation of labor.
The Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing published a study with 390 women randomly assigned to one of three groups during labor: nipple stimulation, uterine stimulation, or the control group [22].
And the results were very convincing! The women in the nipple stimulation group resulted in the shortest duration of each phase of labor and childbirth!
The average duration for these women was 3.8 hours for the first phase (consisting of dilation), 16 minutes for the second phase (the pushing stage and birth), and five minutes for the third phase (which consists of delivering the placenta)!
Plus, none of the women in the nipple stimulation or the uterine stimulation groups needed to have a cesarean delivery, but in the control group that had neither, over 8 percent of women had a cesarean delivery.
Overall this seems like a great way to start labor and keep it going! For more information, check out Nipple Stimulation for Labor Induction!
Evening Primrose Oil
Another one of the herbs to induce labor is evening primrose oil! However, We don’t have enough studies to prove that evening primrose oil does induce labor.
Although, one study shows that EPO might improve cervical ripeness and increase the likelihood of vaginal delivery [7].
However, other studies did not see any difference in taking EPO. And it didn’t seem to affect how quickly women went into labor or the length of their pregnancies [8, 9].
Minor side effects of EPO may include gastrointestinal issues, constipation and diarrhea, and headaches. However, these could also be symptoms of pregnancy in general.
How to Induce Labor with Castor Oil
Castor oil is another method that has been used for centuries to induce labor. This is said to be because the active component in castor oil helps release a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins (also in semen) which helps ripen the cervix and prepare it for labor. Sounds fantastic! But what does the evidence say?
A Cochrane review looked at three different studies on pregnant women who took castor oil to induce labor [23]. Two of the three studies found that more than 50% of women who took castor oil went into labor within 24 hours [24]. And the third study found that going into labor was 3 times more likely for women who took castor oil [25].
These studies show that castor oil is an effective labor-inducing method. Still, the authors suggest that these studies are interpreted with caution as they are of low quality and contain small sample sizes.
It’s also crucial to note that ingesting castor oil can have some unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea, which could put you at risk for dehydration. While this is another one of the effective herbs to induce labor, take this into consideration!
Midwives Brew Recipe:
If you’re interested in working with your midwife on inducing your labor with castor oil, here’s one popular recipe:
- 10 oz apricot or mango juice
- 8 oz of pure lemon verbena tea
- 2 Tbs of castor oil
- 2 Tbs of almond butter
- First, brew the tea and steep it for 10 minutes
- Next, mix in the other ingredients
- Drink the brew at room temperature on an empty stomach
- And be near a bathroom in case of vomiting or diarrhea
How to Induce Labor with Clary Sage Essential Oil
When it comes to herbs for inducing labor, I find the research and use of clary sage essential oil to be fascinating!
While the research is limited on clary sage essential oil use for helping induce labor. However, one study found that 3 out of 5 women who inhaled clary sage for 30 minutes had a higher amount of oxytocin in their saliva, and it was unmeasurable in the other 2 women [18].
Additionally, in a small survey of 28 people, three-quarters believed that the clary sage had made contractions stronger and more frequent [17].
There is definitely no definitive research to say that clary sage essential oil can help induce labor, but it is something that you can try, and it is still used by some midwives today that I would add to my “herbs for inducing labor” toolbox!
How to Induce Labor with Acupressure
While acupressure and acupuncture are considered controversial, many studies have shown their effectiveness in reducing labor pain, and some believe they can also help induce labor.
The first acupressure point is a four-finger distance above your inner ankle bone.
-Use your index finger or thumb to apply firm pressure on this point for a few seconds. Take a 1-minute break, then repeat.
The second point is on the back of your hand, deep between the webbing of your thumb and pointer finger.
Apply just enough pressure without any pain and massage for 1 minute. Then take a 1-minute break and repeat.
For these acupressure points to induce your labor, you should do them at least every 30 minutes throughout the day. And I know this is a lot, but I know if you’re desperate to try to go into labor spontaneously, it’s worth it!
Another similar option would be to see a licensed acupuncturist to help you induce your labor.
Can Sex Help Induce Labor?
Having sex is a known and excellent method to help induce labor when you’re feeling in the mood.
Sex helps release more oxytocin, especially when the mother reaches orgasm. Plus, an orgasm is basically a mini feel-good contraction that may trigger uterine contractions and bring on labor.
Another way sex can help induce labor is when a man ejaculates semen into a woman because semen contains a ton of prostaglandins which help ripen and prepare the cervix for dilation and childbirth!
Spicy Foods
Eating spicy food is a popular theory for inducing labor, but this theory has yet to be explored by research yet.
Some side effects of spicy food can include heartburn and diarrhea for some people. So if you’d like to try eating a spicy meal to see if your labor starts, just make sure to have some tums on hand just in case!
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple and pineapple juice is a traditional method used to help induce labor. However, this hasn’t been tested on pregnant women yet. Our only research includes animal studies and studies on human uterine tissue [4, 5].
The studies show that pineapple juice does cause contractions in non-pregnant rat uteruses and pregnant uterine tissue from humans. This could be because of an enzyme in pineapple called bromelain, which researchers believe might help cervical ripening. However, this has not been proven yet.
Early Signs of Labor:
Are you in early labor? Check out: The Early Labor Signs You Need to Know
I know it can be difficult when you’re feeling so ready to be done with your pregnancy and meet your baby but take a deep breath and remember your baby will come when they need to!
Additionally, the more you relax, the more likely it is that your baby will arrive sooner!
If one of these methods helped induce your labor, please let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story!
Good luck, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
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Sources:
[1] Declercq, E., Belanoff, C. & Iverson, R. Maternal perceptions of the experience of attempted labor induction and medically elective inductions: analysis of survey results from listening to mothers in California. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 20, 458 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03137-x
[2] Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor
[4] Oxytocic effect of Ananas comosus fruit juice on isolated pregnant rats uteri
[5] Investigation of uterotonic properties of Ananas comosus extracts
[7] Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine: Evening Primrose Oil
[8] The effect of oral evening primrose oil on bishop score and cervical length among term gravidas
[10] Women’s Use of Nonprescribed Methods to Induce Labor: A Brief Report
[11] Foods Inducing Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Korea
[12] Consumption of spicy foods and the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome
More Sources:
[14] Black Cohosh and Perinatal Stroke
[17] Clary sage (salvia sclarea) essential oil use during childbirth: A small survey. Aromatherapy For Childbirth. (2022, September 17). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.aromatherapyforchildbirth.org/clary-sage-salvia-sclarea-essential-oil-use-childbirth-small-survey/
more sources:
[22] Demirel, G., & Guler, H. (n.d.). The effect of uterine and nipple stimulation on … – Wiley Online Library. Sigma: Global Nursing Excellence. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/wvn.12116
[23] Kelly, A. J., Kavanagh, J., & Thomas, J. (2013). Castor oil, bath and/or enema for cervical priming and induction of labour. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2013(7), CD003099. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003099.pub2
[24] Garry, D., Figueroa, R., Guillaume, J., & Cucco, V. (2000). Use of castor oil in pregnancies at term. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 6(1), 77–79.
[25] Gilad, R., Hochner, H., Vinograd, O., Saam, R., Hochner-Celnikier, D., & Porat, S. (2012). 148: The CIC trial–castor oil for induction of contractions in post-term pregnancies. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 206(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2011.10.166
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