7 Natural Ways To Induce Labor, Their Efficacy And Safety

A 2005 national representative survey in the US involving 1,382 women indicated that 30% of women use natural ways to induce labor (without medical support or instruction) (1). Some non-medical or natural methods of inducing labor are through exercise, nipple stimulation, and old wives’ tales, such as consuming spicy food or using evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaves. However, these methods are under-researched and not backed up by scientific proof.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that labor be induced only under two general conditions: If a woman has completed her 41 weeks of gestation or the mother’s or baby’s health is at risk and emergency action is required to save their lives (2).

Although women have used the natural ways of inducing labor for many generations, there is no specific research to prove their effectiveness and safety. Hence, this post provides you with complete information on the different natural methods used for labor as well as their efficacy and safety.

Natural Ways Of Inducing Labor

Most of the methods shared below are common beliefs and not recommendations of a doctor. Some of them lack scientific validation and may even be risky for the mother and the baby. Please consult an obstetrician/gynecologist before trying any labor induction methods.

1. Exercises

A systematic review of prenatal exercise and labor outcome suggests that there is no relationship between prenatal exercise and preterm/prelabor rupture of membranes (3). Exercise, in general, can be good for the body. You may consult your doctor/ physiotherapist or lamaze instructor to know about the exercises that are safe for you to perform during pregnancy.

2. Sexual intercourse

There is a belief that sexual intercourse can induce labor, but the process is scientifically not well-understood. The basic reasoning behind the belief comes from the suggestion that human semen is a source of high prostaglandin concentrations. Prostaglandins are compounds that stimulate uterine contractions, which may induce labor. Further, during intercourse, there may be an endogenous release of oxytocin that may stimulate uterine contractions (4).

3. Nipple stimulation

Breast stimulation results in the production of endogenous oxytocin, causing uterine contractions. It has shown to be effective in labor induction in some cases. But the review studies supporting the mechanism are few. It requires more research to establish the efficacy of nipple stimulation in labor induction (4).

4. Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure have been gaining popularity as stimulants for labor. Limited observational studies mark acupuncture and acupressure as safe for the induction of labor with no known adverse effects on the fetus. However, the evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of both techniques is limited (5)(6).

5. Membrane sweeping

Membrane sweeping or membrane stripping is a process in which a doctor places fingers inside the cervix, making a sweeping movement. This causes the release of prostaglandins that can then stimulate labor. This would separate the cervix from its membranes, starting the labor in about 24 to 48 hours (7).

A systematic review and meta-analysis research published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests that membrane stripping, a surgical method, is effective in promoting spontaneous labor. However, there is no evidence supporting its safety (8). Thus, opting for membrane sweeping is a decision that you need to make in consultation with your doctor.

6. Spicy foods

It is an old belief that the ingestion of spicy food can increase intestinal motility, thus placing indirect pressure on the uterus leading to contraction and labor (9). But no scientific backing is present for the reasoning. Moreover, some pregnant women may find eating spicy foods uncomfortable.

7. Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies for inducing labor include food items from your kitchen. A few of the common food items used are:

• Castor oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Red raspberry leaf tea
• Pineapple
• Cohosh

These substances are considered safe for the mother and the fetus, although there is limited research backing it. However, the use of these herbal remedies to induce labor is not backed by clinical or medical organizations (10)(11).

The use of any natural way to induce labor is not recommended without consulting a doctor. Moreover, during your consultation session, the doctor may ask you to wait until labor begins on its own.

Why Is Spontaneous Labor Preferred?

Spontaneous labor has the following benefits for both the mother and the baby (12)(13).

1. It allows the birth hormones to regulate labor and birth, breastfeeding, and attachment as nature intends.
2. Avoids potential risk and unexpected complications to the uterus and the baby.
3. Prevents complications associated with the use of non-medical methods of labor induction.

Cesarean rates have increased to nearly one-third of all births in the US alone. Thus, spontaneous natural labor is identified as one of the important strategies for reducing the primary cesarean rate.

NOTE: Elective induction done in consultation with a doctor in a clinical setting is not the same as adopting any natural way of labor induction without any prior consultation with the doctor.

Are Natural Ways Of Labor Induction Safe?

The use of natural ways of labor induction may hold risks owing to the sparse evidence on their efficacy (1).  As per the WHO recommendations, labor should be induced with caution. Procedures to induce labor carry risk of uterine hyperstimulation and rupture, and fetal distress when not planned and managed as per medical directions (14). It is good to know what medical professionals say about natural labor induction.

Natural Ways To Induce Labor: Medical Perspective

Labor induction should only be under medical guidance and through an approved medical procedure. The Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India does not recommend the use of any non-medical method for labor induction. Instead, it strongly recommends against the use of natural methods, like nipple stimulation, for the induction (15).

Some women may prefer natural ways of labor because they believe medical inductions might have side effects (6). However, claims on the efficacy of natural ways are mostly anecdotal.

Most healthcare professionals and organizations recommend induction of labor only for medical reasons. When there is a need to induce labor for medical reasons, then it is important to do so under medical supervision and with methods that have been proven effective. The natural methods are used only when there is no pressing reason for induction, the fetus is at term, and there is no risk anticipated with the method for the baby and the mother.

References

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Reviewer

Dr. Sangeeta AgrawalFRCOG, MD, DNB, DGO

   

Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal is an obstetrician and gynecologist with around 29 years of experience in the field. She worked in Royal London, St. Bartholomew’s, North Middlesex, and Barnet General hospitals in London and currently runs her clinic in Mumbai.

Read full bio of Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal