How to Encourage Labour: Do’s and Don’ts

As you approach your due date, it is perfectly normal to find safe ways to gently encourage labour. Despite the fact that there are many methods to read about online, not all of them are safe to follow.

We always recommend you talk to your midwife before trying these methods to encourage labour, but this article will give you a clearer idea of the do’s and don’ts.

When does labour usually start

Labour usually starts between 38 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different, and it’s perfectly normal for your baby to arrive later than initially expected.

Safe methods to encourage labour

• Stay active: Keeping active with light activity can help your baby stay in a good position for labour. We recommend low-intensity exercise like walking.
• Relaxation techniques: These include having a warm bath, a massage, or practicing deep breathing exercises. They can reduce stress and support the natural labour hormones in your body It is important to stay relaxed, in your safe space and try to rest when possible.
• Maintain an upright position: This can keep your baby in an optimal position.
• Use your birth ball: Gentle movement on the birth ball can help encourage good fetal positioning.
• Colostrum Harvesting: Collecting early breast milk can produce oxytocin, and many hospitals support this, with kits available.

Methods to avoid

• Avoid castor oil: This can cause dehydration, sickness, and diarrhoea. It cannot safely encourage labour.
• Don’t use unregulated supplements or herbal remedies: These are unproven and can cause multiple side effects depending on the product. For example, raspberry leaf tea is not proven to encourage labour, despite the stipulation.
• Don’t use any unregulated natural induction techniques: There are various unproven and unsafe online methods, including eating spicy food (can cause diarrhoea and/or nausea), essential oils (e.g. evening primrose oil, clary sage oil), and pineapple in excess (no scientific evidence).

When to get medical advice

You should call your midwife immediately if you have pain, your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby’s movements change, or you have any other concerns about your labour.

Your midwife will give you safe advice on how to encourage labour, as well as information on induced labour if you need it.

Further information on encouraging labour

If you need further help and support with encouraging labour, please speak with your midwife.

You can learn more about the stages of labour by visiting our page here, and find more information about labour here.