7 ways to kickstart labour

Towards the end of pregnancy most women are tired, your body might ache from the extra weight you are carrying around and you are generally just ready to meet your baby after 9 months of pregnancy.  

There are plenty of ways you can try to induce pregnancy, however most of these methods are anecdotal as they lack solid evidence that they work. While they shouldn’t cause any harm, you should always talk to your healthcare provider and remember that your baby will come when he or she is ready! 

Exercise 

Exercising may encourage your baby into position and improve alignment of your body for labour. Make sure you are exercising using low impact movement and not pushing yourself too hard. Here are 6 exercises that you can do: 

• Climbing stairs 
• Squats 
• Birth ball 
• Pelvic tilts 
• Lunges 
• Walking 

Pineapple 

Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain breaks down the proteins in tissue so it makes its way to your cervix and causes the breakdown of tissue there, causing the cervix to soften and stimulating labor.   

Dates 

Dates are known to increase cervical ripening and cervical dilation at the start of labor. Eating dates may help shorten labor, but it won't necessarily kick-start it.

Raspberry leaf tea 

Raspberry leaf tea is thought to be a uterine tonic that boosts blood flow to the uterus and strengthens the uterine muscle fibers. Which gets the birthing process started by triggering contractions. 

Sex 

Sexual activity, especially having an orgasm, can release oxytocin, which may help jumpstart contractions. Prostaglandin hormones in semen might help ripen the cervix.   

Nipple stimulation  

Nipple stimulations stimulate oxytocin production. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the uterus to contract and the breast to eject milk.  Stimulating your nipples can cause your uterus to contract and may bring about labor.   

You or your partner may manually stimulate your nipples, or you can try using a breast pump. 

Evening primrose oil 

Evening primrose oil contains an omega-3 fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, a precursor to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that help soften the cervix in preparation for birth