The 40 weeks of pregnancy can seem like a lifetime when you're waiting to meet your baby, so if you're getting impatient, here are 5 ways to induce labour naturally.
Disclaimer: Make sure you speak to your ob-gyn or midwife before trying to bring on labour.
5 ways to induce labour naturally
- Eating pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is thought to soften the cervix. One pineapple contains a very small amount of bromelain, so you’d have to eat a lot of pineapple for it to have any effect.
- Eat dates: There are some small studies that suggest that eating dates for a few weeks before your due date may encourage your cervix to open. But this isn't a scientific fact.
- Curb walking: Curb walking and walking can be effective at encouraging the baby to move into a better birthing position, but experts say these activities won't trigger labour if your body isn't ready to go into labour. And that's actually true of any induction method. Generally speaking, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week can be helpful in any stage of pregnancy.
- Sex: Semen contains a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix. But speak to your midwife or ob-gyn about how safe sex is for you during pregnancy.
- Eating spicy food: There's no scientific evidence that a spicy curry will bring on labour, but some women swear by it.
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