5 Recipes To Induce Labor Naturally
June 26, 2023
Has your expected due date of your pregnancy come and gone? Is your baby refusing to be welcomed into the world? Then you may be wondering how to induce labor naturally. Luckily, there are a few ways you can begin to encourage your little one to come out!
Induce Labor At Home
While there are medical means to induce labor, many women want to try a few natural ways first. There are safe ways to induce labor, including exercise, getting intimate with your partner, and spicy foods.
Exercise
Gentle exercise can help with cervical effacement and dilation, which allows the baby to drop in the pelvis. Two good ways to do this are walking and sitting on an exercise ball. “…sitting on an exercise or birthing ball in neutral wide-legged positions prepares the body for labor by increasing blood flow…You can also try birth ball exercises such as circular hip rotations, rocking, and gentle bouncing,” advises Parents.
Sex
There is some research that suggests that getting intimate with your partner when you’re past your due date can speed up labor. This is because an orgasm stimulates the uterus and releases oxytocin, which may help trigger contractions.
“And if you have a male partner, sperm may also have something to do with it. It contains prostaglandins, or fatty acids that act like hormones, which are also produced by your uterus to thin and dilate the cervix and jump-start contractions in preparation for delivery,” adds What To Expect.
Spicy Food
While there is no concrete scientific proof that spicy food jump-starts labor, there are two possible reasons why spice may have an effect on pregnant women past their due date.
Firstly, peppers and chili can irritate the digestive system which can have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Secondly, “Hot meals might also stimulate the production of prostaglandin, a hormone that helps contract the smooth muscles of the body that is known to play a role in inducing labor,” says Pregnancy Magazine.
Tip: Get our free list of labor-inducing foods here.
If you’re ready to pop your baby out, sink your teeth into this list of labor-inducing foods. Warning: side effects include giving birth!
A peek inside:
- Vinegar
- Herbs
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Tea
When To Induce Labor After Due Date
Consult your physician before trying any at-home labor-inducing methods at home. It’s important not to try anything unless both you and your baby are 100% healthy. The topic of inducing comes up after you’ve reached 39 weeks.
If you’re past your due date and you’re cleared for a few at-home remedies, here are some recipes for you (don’t worry if you don’t like too much heat, they’re not all spicy!):
I Can’t See My Toes Smoothie
This is a great healthy pregnancy smoothie for soon-to-be mamas. Along with banana, almond butter, and cacao nibs, this recipe calls for Medjool dates. Full of fiber and potassium, dates are also thought to help induce labor. A study found that women who ate dates in the last four weeks before labor were less likely to need to be medically induced.
Get the full recipe here.
Mama’s Not-So-Secret Sweet Stash
Dates are also a fantastic ingredient to use in desserts. These date balls include Medjool dates, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and cacao nibs, and are a delicious, healthy dessert for pregnancy. Brazil nuts are an incredible source of selenium, which works as a mild anticoagulant that can increase blood flow to the uterus.Get the full recipe here.
Summer Lovin’ Quinoa Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing yet filling summer salad, this is the recipe for you! Both quinoa and corn are high in magnesium, a mineral that can help with muscle cramps and may support the progression of labor.
Get the full recipe here.
Get! This! Baby! Out! Of! Me! Spicy Eggplant Parm
Red pepper flakes are added to the breading and the tomato sauce in this recipe, making this a perfect spicy labor-inducing recipe.
This filling dish is packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and B12. According to the American Pregnancy Association, vitamin B12 “…helps improve your energy, mood and stress levels by aiding the metabolization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.” It’s important to be in a calm state as much as possible during the last trimester, as reduced anxiety and tension can help labor progress more smoothly.
Tip: This eggplant parm is great for freezing, so make a big batch to have on hand.
Get the full recipe here.
Hot and Chili
Another spicy recipe to add to your 39-week pregnancy meal plan is this easy-to-make chili. You’ll get the kick from the chili powder, and the magnesium from the corn, carrots, and beans. Plus, this recipe includes tomatoes and avocado; both ingredients are full of potassium which is important for muscle contractions.
Get the full recipe here.
Pregnancy isn’t always easy, especially when your due date comes and goes. If you’re seeking natural methods to encourage labor, give the above recipes a try!
