10 Foods To Induce Labor Naturally

If you have been waiting for 40 weeks and are nearing the due date of your pregnancy, but still there are no signs of contractions or pain, your doctor may suggest inducing labor through alternative methods. They may suggest medications, exercises, or even foods to induce labor. Certain foods may assist you in going into labor if it does not occur naturally. However, the safety and efficacy of these techniques, particularly concerning maternity, are unknown. Therefore, before trying any alternative methods to induce labor, including dietary changes, consult your healthcare provider.

Read on to learn about all of the foods you can try that may help you naturally induce labor.

Ten Foods To Induce Labor

1. Spicy and zesty foods: Spicy dishes, be they Indian curries, or Mexican or Thai dishes, are believed to induce labor. When digested, spicy foods stimulate the prostaglandinsⁱGroup of lipids that control processes such as inflammation, blood flow, formation of blood clots, and induction of labor that are known to induce contractions of the uterine walls (1). Also, peppers contain an active component called capsaicinⁱChemical that reduces pain transmitters in nerves , which creates bowel movements and stimulates the womb.

2. Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, the active enzyme known for its ability to soften the cervixⁱNarrow canal in the lower end of the uterus that connects it to the vagina and thereby stimulate the contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus to induce labor. It is best to consume fresh pineapple and not the canned one to induce labor since canning and other processes tend to reduce the bromelain content of the fruit. Do not overeat the fruit as that can lead to diarrhea (1).

A mother and wife, Kayla Marie Slaney shares pregnancy experiences in her Vlogs. During her visit to the doctor, she comes to know that her baby has dropped in birthing position and the labor can start any time. She tries natural ways to induce labor, one of which is eating pineapples. She says, “ I have heard and read that bromelain, an enzyme in pineapples, helps soften cervix and induce labor.” She clubbed eating pineapples with many other practices such as eating spicy foods, performing squats, and guided meditation. She believes these things worked for her as she delivered four days later (i).”

3. Papaya: Unripe papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can trigger contractions in the uterus. Papain is considerably found in the latex of unripe leaves and fruit. This latex acts like oxytocinⁱHormone that has varied functions, including facilitating childbirth and prostaglandins that can stimulate contractions (2). Latex is lost in ripe papaya and therefore eating a ripe fruit will show no effect in inducing labor.

4. Castor oil: Many professionals in midwifery and medicine believe that castor oil is effective in inducing labor. However, do not use this oil to induce labor before your due date. Though it is safe, it can make you feel nauseous and lead to diarrhea (3).

Did you know?

Castor oil stimulates the uterus and causes contractions, which are often too close to each other. It can cause decreased blood flow to the placentaⁱTemporary organ connecting the uterus to the umbilical cord, providing nutrients and oxygen and may cause it to separate prematurely (11).

5. Balsamic vinegar: The Italian ingredient is not only a delicious addition to your salad, but it also has labor augmentation properties (4). Made of white grape juice, it works to stimulate labor and is preferred to castor oil for its better taste (5).

6. Raspberry leaf tea: While we don’t know how exactly red raspberry leaf tea works to induce labor, a study has found that the consumption of this tea could decrease the chances of your pregnancy extending beyond your due date. It is believed that this tea helps stimulate contractions and tones the muscles of the uterus. Though it is considered safe for the mother and the baby, more research is required to confirm its effectiveness (6).

7. Licorice root: Black licorice is used to curb heartburn and many other gastric conditions. Licorice is also known to contain glycyrrhizinⁱCompound that gives sweet flavor to licorice , which tends to increase prostaglandins involved in uterine contraction. However, its consumption in large amounts is associated with preterm birth (7).

8. Cumin tea: Cumin tea, usually known for treating bloating and other digestive issues, is also helpful in inducing labor (8). Just a tablespoon of cumin in boiling water can stimulate uterine contractions.

9. Black and blue cohosh: These two herbs work on inducing labor when used after 40 weeks of gestation. They work effectively when you have irregular or weak contractions. They work by bringing on labor and delivery in a natural way (9).

Caution

Don’t take cohosh without a doctor’s approval, as it has been linked with maternal and fetal complications during labor (12).

10. Date fruits: Consuming date fruits towards the end of pregnancy may aid labor induction and uterine stimulation. Dates are known for boosting prostaglandin production and influencing prostaglandin receptors, which stimulate uterine contractions during labor. They may also be effective in cervical ripening. Moreover, Date fruits are high in sugars that may provide ample calories and energy during labor. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and are rich in calcium, serotonin, and tannin, which can play a role in the contraction of the uterine muscles (10).

Remember, none of the above food recommendations are from a specialized doctor. The effectiveness of all these methods is not backed by research either. Some may work for you and some may not as they did for the others. So, we advise you to talk to a specialist in obstetrics or your prenatal care provider before you try any of them.

If you do not want to take the icky tasting castor oil or that bitter licorice, you may try some yummy foods.

Labor Inducing Recipes To Try

Here are a few recipes with ingredients that may help induce labor or speed up the process. However, it is important to consult your gynecologist before trying these, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

1. Eggplant Parmesan

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 3 eggplants, medium-sized
• 1 cup flour
• 4 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 6 eggs, beaten
• 8 cups marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Half cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Half cup grated Romano cheese
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese
• ½ lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

How to do:

1. Cut the eggplants into slices and put them on a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
2. Add salt and keep them aside. Preheat the oven to 375oF.
3. Dip the slices in flour and then in breadcrumbs. Sauté them in oil until both sides turn golden brown.
4. Place them in a baking pan and top them with the sauce, followed by layers of Parmesan, Romano, and Ricotta cheeses.
5. Finally, top with mozzarella cheese and bake until it turns golden brown.

2. Red bean soup

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• ¾ cup red beans
• ½ cup sugar
• 1.25l water
• Little soda (optional)
• Little salt (optional)

How to do:

1. Soak red beans in a large bowl of water overnight.
2. Remove the water the following day, and you can see the beans almost double their size.
3. Put them in a slow cooker, select auto, and cook for four to five hours. They will turn squishy.
4. Add sugar according to your preference and consume.

3. Labor-inducing cookie

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½tsp baking soda
• 1tsp ginger, finely ground
• ¾tsp cinnamon
• ½tsp cayenne pepper
• ½tsp salt
• ½tsp cloves, finely ground
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 8tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup molasses (not the blackstrap)
• ¼ cup egg white
• 1 cup light brown sugar

How to do:

1. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cayenne pepper and salt in a small bowl.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Blend unsalted butter with granulated brown sugar. Add molasses, followed by egg whites.
4. Add dry ingredients to the above-blended mixture.
5. Roll balls of ¾ inch, and coat them with sugar. Place them on cookie trays and bake them for eight to ten minutes.

4. Labor-inducing salad

Image: IStock

You will need:

• Romaine lettuce
• Red cabbage
• Watercress
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinaigrette
• Gorgonzola cheese

How to do:

1. Take equal parts of Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, and watercress. Rinse them properly and cut into small pieces.
2. Take the greens in a large bowl and add some Balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
3. Add crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on it.
4. For making Balsamic vinaigrette dressing – Combine one cup olive oil and 1/3 cup Balsamic vinaigrette and whisk gently to make the dressing.

5. Hot wings

Image: IStock

You will need:

• One big 5 lb bag of frozen chicken wings
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup chili powder
• ¼ cup cumin
• 64 oz Tabasco sauce
• 1 tbsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp red pepper

How to do:

1. Put all the ingredients except the chicken wings in a crockpot. Cook on low flame for two hours while stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
3. Cook chicken wings for about 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Once they get soft, cook again for 25 minutes.
4. Transfer the wings to the crockpot containing hot sauce. Cook on low flame for one hour.
5. Serve them hot.

Infographic: Amazing Foods That Helps In Labor Induction

Once you complete your nine months of pregnancy, you can go into labor anytime soon. However, many women need some induction methods to bring on the labor. While there are various methods to induce labor, you may also try certain foods known to induce labor naturally. Check them out in the following infographic.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Foods To Induce Labor Naturally

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Learn how to use pineapple to help induce labor naturally! Discover the benefits of eating pineapple to help start labor and get tips on how to do it safely.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Anita GondyMD, FACOG

Dr. Anita Gondy is an Ob/Gyn at The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas. In practice since 1998, Dr. Gondy began her medical training at Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada, India and completed studies at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where she also did an obstetrics and gynecology residency.

Read full bio of Dr. Anita Gondy

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  Dr. Laura PurdyMD, MBA Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.
  
  Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

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