One of the top questions I get asked happens around 39 weeks. The question sometimes comes even earlier, as the last month of pregnancy can feel like it lasts for a million days. And sometimes the question is later when the baby has been given an official eviction notice, also known as an induction date. Either way, moms always want to know what they can do to get labor started so they can finally meet their little one.
The good news is there are several ways to naturally encourage the body into labor. Always check with your care provider about what is right for your situation, as I can’t give medical advice. Here are my top suggestions (backed by science and not someone’s grandma) for getting labor started:
The best thing you can do is to stay active! Take long walks (especially uphill), use the stairs, and do some extra squats and lunges. You can also try doing “curb walking” where you walk along a curb with one foot on the curb and one on the street. Just be sure to switch sides to keep your body aligned. Staying active uses gravity to help get the baby nice and low in the pelvis which can help put pressure on your cervix to start dilation.
My favorite midwife says that baby comes out the same way baby got in. Having sex increases oxytocin (the love hormone) and can contract the uterus with an orgasm. There is also a hormone in sperm that can send a mama into labor. She would also say having sex three times a day is an appropriate amount for getting labor started. If you are feeling as big as a house and not in the mood for such activities, nipple stimulation can be quite effective as well!
Acupuncture and acupressure can activate specific points in the body to trigger labor. Acupuncture is one of my favorite things, but you can also do acupressure at home. Look up the specific points and massage them aggressively. They will most likely be tender already. If you use essential oils, clary sage is great to add over those points for extra stimulation.
Newer studies have shown that eating six dates a day, starting at 36 weeks can soften the cervix. Effacement, which is the softening of the cervix, can be one of the first measurable signs of labor starting. Six dates were too many for me, but you can add them to a smoothie, make some date bars, wrap them in bacon, or just eat them alone.
Although it is so hard, I hope you find joy and anticipation in the waiting! If the baby is cozy in the beautiful womb you created- let it remind you that you are doing a great job. Baby will come out when baby is ready, and that’s when the real journey begins.