Natural Ways to Start Labor (and Which Ones Are Just Myths)
As your due date gets closer, the advice will start pouring in from every corner, your mum, aunties, friends, and even neighbours.
One person will tell you to eat plenty of pepper soup, another will say you should take long evening walks, and someone else will suggest a special herbal drink.
These tips have been passed down for generations, but not all of them actually help, and some can even be unsafe.
It’s best to know which ones have some medical backing before trying anything.
Keep reading to find out more!
Evidence-Based Natural Methods
While there’s no guaranteed way to “make labor start” if your body isn’t ready, a few natural methods have been studied and may help in some cases.
These should only be tried after talking to your healthcare provider, especially if you have any pregnancy complications.
This is not something you can do on your own.
Your doctor or midwife gently separates the membranes of the amniotic sac from the cervix during a vaginal examination. It can help release natural hormones (prostaglandins) that may trigger contractions.
2. Walking and Staying Upright
Gentle walking or simply staying on your feet lets gravity help your baby settle deeper into the pelvis, which can encourage the cervix to soften.
It’s not a magic trigger, but it may support your body if you’re already close to labor. You can read more about this in this study.
3. Nipple or Breast Stimulation
Rubbing or rolling the nipples can release oxytocin, the same hormone that causes contractions.
Research suggests it may help start labor or shorten the time until it begins in low-risk pregnancies.
It should be done gently and stopped if contractions become too strong or too frequent.
Semen contains prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix, while orgasm can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions.
It’s safe in most uncomplicated pregnancies, but avoid it if your doctor has advised against sex.
Cultural & Popular Practices and the Evidence
1. Spicy Foods
Many women are told to eat very spicy food, such as pepper soup, to “wake up” the uterus. The idea is that it stimulates the gut, which in turn triggers contractions.
However, research hasn’t shown any solid link between spicy food and the start of labor. At best, it might cause heartburn or diarrhea if your body isn’t used to it.
2. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a traditional remedy believed to stimulate the bowels and indirectly cause contractions.
While some studies have found it may help start labor in some instances, it often comes with unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
There’s also a risk of dehydration and stress to the baby.
Studies to date are small and inconsistent, with no strong evidence that it reliably initiates labor.
It’s generally safe when done by a trained professional, but you shouldn’t rely on it alone.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, and the story goes that bromelain softens the cervix.
In reality, the amounts you’d need to eat to have any theoretical effect aren’t practical and can upset your stomach. There’s no strong clinical evidence that pineapple reliably induces labor.
4. Herbal Remedies (e.g., hibiscus, “agbo”)
Herbal mixtures are popular in many communities, but their safety during pregnancy remains poorly studied.
Some can cause strong, unsafe contractions or affect the baby’s heart rate. Always speak to your doctor before taking any herbs during pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Help
Even when a method seems “natural” or harmless, pregnancy is not the time to take chances.
If you decide to try any of these tips, always be aware of warning signs that indicate you should stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
Seek medical attention right away if you notice:
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Heavy vaginal bleeding
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Severe or unusual abdominal pain
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Reduced or no baby movements
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Sudden gush or leaking of fluid from the vagina (possible water breaking)
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Strong contractions that come too close together or feel overwhelming
These signs may indicate that labor has begun or that a complication requires urgent attention. When in doubt, it’s always safer to get checked.
Final Thoughts
Every pregnancy unfolds in its own time, and sometimes the waiting can feel longer than the entire journey.
The most important thing is finding what keeps you safe, comfortable, and supported as you prepare to meet your baby.
If you’ve tried any natural methods before, or heard some unique ones from friends or family, your experience could be valuable to someone else who’s curious or feeling anxious about the wait.
Please share in the comment section.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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