Natural Ways to Encourage Labor (And What the Evidence Actually Says)

As you get closer to your due date, it is completely normal to start wondering:

Is there anything I can do to help labor start naturally?

Before we dive in, here is something important to understand. Labor is a complex hormonal process. For labor to begin, your baby, your placenta, your uterus, and your brain all need to be in alignment. No single method can override that beautifully intricate system.

That said, there are alternative approaches that may help support cervical ripening or encourage spontaneous labor. We believe in understanding both the traditional wisdom and the research behind these methods so you can make informed decisions.

Let’s break it down.

Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Shiatsu

Acupuncture has been used for more than 2,000 years in China and Japan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy known as qi flows through pathways in the body. Very fine needles are placed in specific points to stimulate circulation.

• Acupuncture must be performed by a licensed practitioner.

• Acupressure uses the same points but applies manual pressure.

• Shiatsu is a related Japanese technique that uses structured pressure patterns.

What does the research say?

A large review of 22 randomized trials found:

• Acupuncture and acupressure did not reduce Cesarean rates.

• They did not significantly shorten the time from intervention to birth.

• Some studies showed improved cervical ripening within 24 to 48 hours.

• Electro-acupuncture had cervical ripening rates similar to misoprostol in one study, with higher vaginal birth rates and no complications.

• Shiatsu showed increased rates of spontaneous labor in post-term pregnancies in one trial.

The Takeaway

These methods may help with cervical ripening, and shiatsu may increase the chance of spontaneous labor. However, more high quality research is still needed.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has been used since ancient Egypt to stimulate labor. It is also a powerful laxative. The theory is that stimulating the intestines may stimulate the uterus.

What does the research say?

• A Cochrane review of 3 randomized trials found no increase in Cesareans or negative newborn outcomes.

• When looking at the individual trials:

  • Around 54 to 60 percent of participants went into labor within 24 hours after taking castor oil, compared to less than 5 percent in control groups.

  • One study showed three times higher odds of labor within 12 hours.

• A 2018 review found participants were more than three times as likely to go into labor within 24 hours.

The Downside

• It can cause nausea and diarrhea.

• It appears less effective for first time mothers.

• Larger safety studies are still needed.

Though castor oil is one of the few natural methods with relatively consistent evidence of effectiveness, it can cause dehydration. It should always be discussed with your provider before use.

Dates

Date fruit has long been consumed in pregnancy and postpartum in many regions of the world. They are rich in nutrients and culturally significant in many traditions.

What does the research say?

Several trials found that eating 6 to 7 large dates daily starting at 37 to 38 weeks:

• Improved Bishop scores, which measure cervical readiness

• May help with cervical ripening

However:

• Dates did not shorten labor stages.

• They did not reduce Cesarean rates.

• Studies were considered high risk for bias.

Dates are nutritious and may support cervical readiness, but they are not a guaranteed induction method.

Important note: These findings do not apply to those with diabetes or gestational diabetes without provider guidance.

Nipple Stimulation

Nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin, the same hormone responsible for contractions.

What does the research say?

• More people went into labor within 3 days compared to no intervention, 37 percent versus 6 percent.

• It was more effective when the cervix was already ripe.

• Some studies showed improved Bishop scores and fewer Cesareans.

However:

• It has not been evaluated for high risk pregnancies.

• There have been case reports of overly strong contractions.

• Many study protocols required medical monitoring.

This method makes physiological sense, but it should be used thoughtfully and with provider awareness.

Walking

Walking is commonly recommended, and there is emerging evidence supporting it.

Two randomized trials found that walking 3 to 4 times per week in late pregnancy:

• Increased Bishop scores

• Lowered induction rates

• Lowered rates of forceps and vacuum births

• Lowered Cesarean rates in one study

Walking does not force labor, but it may help your body prepare for it.

Sex

Sex may theoretically influence labor through:

• Prostaglandins in semen

• Nipple stimulation

• Orgasm related uterine contractions

However, a 2019 meta-analysis found no difference in spontaneous labor rates between those encouraged to have sex and those who were not.

Observational studies suggest possible benefits, but we cannot say that sex directly causes labor.

It is generally considered safe at term if membranes are intact and there are no high risk conditions.

Movement and Positioning

Daily movement helps encourage optimal fetal positioning and supports pelvic balance.

• Walking with intention

• Gentle squats

• Forward-leaning positions

• Side-lying releases

Spinning Babies® Techniques

Spinning Babies focuses on balance, gravity, and movement to help babies settle into positions that make labor easier.

• Daily activities that promote pelvic balance

• Gentle stretches and releases

• Positions that encourage engagement

These techniques are not about forcing labor. They are about creating space so labor can begin when the body is ready.

The Takeaway

Most natural methods appear to work best when your body is already close to labor. Very few methods can override a cervix and uterus that are not ready.

Many people begin searching for induction methods because they have reached or passed their due date.

But due dates are estimates, not expiration dates.

If you are feeling pressure as your due date approaches, we encourage you to read our blog on The Truth About Due Dates. In that post, we break down how due dates are calculated, what post term really means, and how to approach the end of pregnancy with more confidence and less fear.

Labor is not something you force.
It is something your body and baby move toward together.

And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stay informed, supported, and patient.

Read Our Blog on The Truth About Due Dates, Going Past 40 Weeks, and Supporting Labor Naturally Here!