Natural Labour Induction: Evidence-Informed Options
If you’re 38+ weeks and googling “how to induce labour naturally,” you’re not the only one. It’s normal to feel ready to meet your baby (or to just want your body back) and to wonder what might help things along.
As a doula, I don’t tell you what to do. I help you understand what’s out there, what the research actually says, and how to talk it through with your care provider. Some “natural” ideas have a bit of evidence. Some are more stories and tradition. Most sit somewhere in between.
Below is a clear overview of the most common approaches. My hope is that you feel informed without feeling pressured, and that you can choose what fits your body and your birth.
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What it is: An herbal tea often used late in pregnancy to “tone” the uterus.
What the evidence says: Research is limited. Some older studies hinted it might help labour progress a little more efficiently, but larger reviews haven’t confirmed this. Overall, it’s not a proven induction method — but it’s also not known to cause harm in moderate amounts.
Potential benefits: Hydrating, mineral-rich, and many people simply enjoy it as part of their nightly routine.
Risks / cautions: Some people experience mild cramping or stomach upset. Check with your provider before starting, and stop if it makes you uncomfortable.
Bottom line: Generally safe near term, but think of it as a nourishing ritual — not a switch that flips labour on.
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What it is: Eating whole dates daily in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
What the evidence says: Several studies have found that people who eat dates in late pregnancy often have more “favourable” cervixes (higher Bishop scores), shorter labours, and less need for induction or augmentation. It doesn’t guarantee spontaneous labour, but it may help your body prepare more efficiently.
Potential benefits: Sweet, energizing, and backed by some of the strongest evidence among food-based options.
Risks / cautions: Dates are naturally high in sugar, so check with your provider if you’re managing gestational diabetes.
How people use it: About six dates per day starting around 36–37 weeks.
Bottom line: The best-supported “natural” option for encouraging readiness.
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What it is: An oil used orally or vaginally to soften the cervix.
What the evidence says: Mixed. Older research found oral EPO might actually increase the chance of premature rupture of membranes, while newer studies suggest vaginal use near term could improve Bishop scores and shorten early labour when used with medical induction.
Potential benefits: Accessible and affordable; may support cervical ripening when used appropriately.
Risks / cautions: Only consider vaginal use with provider guidance, especially if your membranes are intact.
Bottom line: Promising but inconsistent. If you use it, keep your provider in the loop and start late in pregnancy.
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What it is: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme thought to soften the cervix.
What the evidence says: Eating pineapple hasn’t been shown to start labour. Studies on bromelain use lab-grade extracts, not fruit, so it doesn’t translate to a real-world effect.
Potential benefits: Refreshing, hydrating, and full of vitamin C.
Risks / cautions: Too much can irritate your mouth or stomach. Be mindful of sugars if you have gestational diabetes.
Bottom line: No harm in a slice of pineapple, just don’t expect it to move things along.
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What it is: A laxative made from ricinoleic acid that stimulates the intestines and may trigger uterine contractions.
What the evidence says: Research shows castor oil can increase the likelihood of labour beginning within about 24 hours, especially for those already full-term and low-risk. However, it often causes nausea, diarrhea, and cramping, so it’s not for everyone.
Potential benefits: May reduce the need for medical induction in certain cases.
Risks / cautions: Dehydration and GI upset are common. Avoid before term and only use under provider supervision.
Bottom line: One of the few “natural” methods with some evidence behind it — but it’s intense and best used with medical guidance.
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What it is: Targeting specific pressure points (like SP6 or LI4) to encourage relaxation and cervical ripening.
What the evidence says: Safe when done by trained practitioners, but research hasn’t proven that it induces labour. Some people find it supportive for sleep, stress, or pain management, which can indirectly help.
Potential benefits: Relaxation, improved sleep, and mental grounding.
Risks / cautions: Make sure your practitioner is licensed and experienced in pregnancy care.
Bottom line: Probably won’t start labour, but can help your body feel more ready for when it does.
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What it is: Gentle stimulation or pumping to release natural oxytocin.
What the evidence says: Studies show it can shorten the time to labour and may reduce postpartum bleeding in low-risk pregnancies. It’s not advised for high-risk pregnancies or those with complications.
Potential benefits: Evidence-backed, self-directed, and non-invasive.
Risks / cautions: Should only be done after term and with a favourable cervix; avoid if high-risk or advised otherwise.
Bottom line: One of the more reliable “natural” options for those already near ready, but still check with your provider first.
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What it is: Intercourse, orgasm, or semen exposure near the cervix; all thought to help via prostaglandins and oxytocin.
What the evidence says: Research doesn’t show a strong link between sex and spontaneous labour, but it’s safe (for most) and can foster connection and relaxation, both useful as you wait.
Potential benefits: Stress relief, oxytocin boost, and closeness.
Risks / cautions: Avoid after your water breaks or if you’ve been told to abstain.
Bottom line: Probably not an inducer, but definitely not a waste of time if you feel up for it.
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What it is: A midwife or doctor gently separates the membranes from the cervix to release natural prostaglandins.
What the evidence says: One of the few methods proven to help labour begin sooner and reduce the need for medical induction. Many find it uncomfortable, but it can be effective if your body’s already close.
Potential benefits: Often successful in nudging labour to start.
Risks / cautions: Cramping, spotting, and discomfort; discuss with your provider if GBS-positive.
Bottom line: A solid, evidence-backed option when done by your clinician.
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What it is: Staying upright, walking, or gentle hip movements to use gravity’s help.
What the evidence says: Great for positioning and comfort, but not proven to initiate labour if your body isn’t ready.
Potential benefits: Encourages baby’s descent and helps you feel grounded.
Bottom line: Beautiful for comfort, alignment, and flow — but not a magic switch.
Your body already knows how to do this. Sometimes gentle nudges help, and sometimes waiting is the most powerful thing you can do.
If your body’s close, small actions like rest, connection, nourishment, and curiosity can create the conditions for labour to begin naturally. And if it’s not quite time yet, that’s okay too. The goal isn’t to “make it happen,” but to stay aligned, informed, and calm as it unfolds.
If you’d like to talk through which methods fit your situation or your Calgary hospital’s policies, I’m always here to guide you through it.
