How to Start Labour Naturally: What Actually Works (And What Doesn't)
- Beyond the Bump
- Jul 14
- 8 min read
Looking for natural ways to start labour? Here's what the evidence says about walking, sex, dates, nipple stimulation, acupuncture and more - plus what to avoid and how to prepare for birth if labour hasn't started yet.
As you reach the final weeks of pregnancy, it's completely normal to start wondering when labour is going to begin.
Maybe you've hit 40 weeks and are thinking, it could be today?! Maybe you're analysing every cramp, twinge and Braxton Hicks contraction. Or perhaps you're simply feeling ready to meet your baby and searching for ways to get things moving.
If you've found yourself Googling "how to start labour naturally" at 2am, you're certainly not alone.
As antenatal educators, this is one of the most common questions we're asked.
The good news? There are a few natural methods that may help encourage labour if your body is already preparing.
The less exciting news? There isn't a guaranteed way to make labour start before your body and baby are ready.
Let's look at what actually works, what doesn't, and what you really need to know.
Can You Actually Start Labour Naturally?
The honest answer is: sometimes, but only if your body is already getting ready for labour.
Labour isn't triggered by one single thing. It's a complex process involving:
Hormones
Cervical changes
Baby's readiness for birth
Your emotional wellbeing
Physical preparation
This means that no natural induction technique can force labour to start if your body isn't ready.
However, some methods may help encourage labour if things are already beginning to happen behind the scenes - and sometimes its just nice to feel like you're 'doing something'.
7 Natural Ways People Try to Start Labour
1. Walking
Walking is probably the most commonly recommended natural induction method.
The theory is simple:
Gravity may help baby move down into the pelvis.
Movement may encourage optimal positioning.
Pressure from baby's head may help the cervix prepare.
Does walking start labour?
Current evidence suggests walking doesn't directly induce labour.
However, it can:
Encourage good fetal positioning
Reduce stress
Improve circulation
Help you stay comfortable in late pregnancy
So while it probably won't magically start contractions, it's still a great option if it feels good for your body.
2. Sex
You've probably had this suggestion from at least one friend, relative or stranger by now.
There is actually some logic behind it.
Why might sex help start labour?
Semen contains prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix.
Orgasm releases oxytocin, the same hormone responsible for contractions.
Does sex induce labour?
Research is mixed.
Some studies suggest it may help if labour is already close, while others show little difference.
Our take?
If you want to have sex and it feels comfortable, go for it.
If you're 40 weeks pregnant and the thought makes you want to hide under a blanket, that's perfectly fine too.
3. Nipple Stimulation
Of all the natural labour induction methods, this is one of the most researched.
Nipple stimulation encourages the body to release oxytocin, which can trigger uterine contractions.
Does nipple stimulation work?
Some evidence suggests it may increase the likelihood of labour starting naturally in low-risk pregnancies.
However, it should be used carefully because excessive stimulation can lead to contractions becoming too frequent.
If you're considering this method, it's not recommended before 37 weeks, and that includes harvesting collostrum.
4. Eating Dates
Dates have become increasingly popular in pregnancy over recent years.
Can dates help start labour?
Research suggests eating dates in late pregnancy may:
Support cervical ripening
Reduce the likelihood of induction
Increase the chance of spontaneous labour
The evidence isn't strong enough to say dates will start labour, but they're one of the few natural approaches that have shown some promising results.
Most studies looked at eating around six dates per day from 36 weeks onwards.
5. Acupuncture and Acupressure
Many pregnant people turn to acupuncture once they reach their due date.
Does acupuncture induce labour?
The evidence is mixed.
Some studies suggest it may reduce the need for medical induction, while others show little difference.
What many parents do report is feeling calmer, more relaxed and less stressed afterwards.
And when we're talking about labour hormones, feeling safe and relaxed is great for increasing your oxytocin, and what we know about Oxytocin is that its vital for labour, birth, feeding your baby and bonding.
If you choose acupuncture, make sure you see a practitioner who is qualified and experienced in pregnancy care.
6. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Raspberry leaf tea is often recommended during late pregnancy.
Does raspberry leaf tea start labour?
Not exactly.
The theory is that it may help tone the uterine muscles and support effective contractions once labour begins.
Current evidence remains limited, but many people choose to drink it from around 32–36 weeks.
Remember, this isn't Rasberry flavoured tea you would get from the supermarket, the Rasberry Leaf should be over 90% v's 10% of flavouring.
7. Spicy Food
The famous curry trick.
Does spicy food bring on labour?
Unfortunately, there is no evidence that spicy food starts labour.
The theory is that stimulating the digestive system may have a knock-on effect on the uterus.
In reality, you're probably more likely to experience heartburn than contractions.
That said, if you fancy a takeaway, we're certainly not here to stop you.
What About a Membrane Sweep?
Many people searching for natural ways to start labour are also considering a membrane sweep.
A sweep is not considered a natural induction method because it is a medical procedure performed by a healthcare professional - and therefore it is a form of medical induction. As with any induction, its wise to consider the risks.
A Membrane Sweep, or otherwise known as a Stretch & Sweep is done during a vaginal exam, a midwife or doctor will insert a gloved finger into the cervix and sweeps it in a circular motion to gently separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall.
Remember:
You can accept or decline a sweep.
You can ask questions first.
You can change your mind.
You can ask about alternatives.
Understanding your options is a huge part of feeling confident about birth.
What Doesn't Work?
There are plenty of labour induction myths that continue to circulate online.
Current evidence suggests there is little or no proof that the following methods start labour:
Pineapple
Bouncing on a birth ball alone
Certain labour-inducing foods
Specific herbal supplements
Long car journeys
Drinking tonic water
Many of these are harmless, but it's important to understand the difference between anecdotal stories and evidence-based information.
What Should You Avoid?
Castor Oil or otherwise known as a Midwives Brew
This is one natural induction method we do not recommend.
Castor oil can cause:
Severe diarrhoea
Dehydration
Exhaustion
Abdominal pain
May encourage your unborn baby to pass meconium (poo), which is a infection risl
Fetal distress in some circumstances
There are safer ways to support labour preparation.
DIY Internal Methods
Never insert herbs, oils or other substances into your vagina in an attempt to trigger labour.
Doing so can increase infection risks and may cause harm.
Exhausting Yourself
This is the one we wish more people talked about.
If you're spending every day walking for hours, eating dates by the kilo and trying every labour-induction tip on social media, you may simply end up exhausted.
Labour takes energy.
The newborn days take energy.
Rest matters too.
What If Labour Doesn't Start?
First of all, please remember your due date is an ESTIMATION only! We advise you to look at it like a due month, as its completely normal for your baby to spontenously start labour anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks.
Having said this, the pressure to induce often starts around your due date.
If your care team recommends induction, it's worth asking:
Why is it being recommended?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
What alternatives are available?
What happens if I choose to wait?
Understanding your options can make a huge difference to how confident and in control you feel.
The Most Important Thing Most People Get Wrong
If you're searching for ways to start labour, it's easy to become completely focused on getting labour to begin.
But here's what we've learned from supporting thousands of families:
Starting labour isn't actually the thing that determines whether you feel positive about your birth experience.
Understanding:
How labour works
Your rights and choices
How to navigate decisions
How to support your body's physiology
What happens if plans change
Those are the things that truly help you feel calm, confident and prepared.
Want to Feel More Prepared for Birth?
Free Resources
If you're wondering how to feel more prepared for labour:
Planning a caesarean birth?
Considering home birth?
Go into Labour Fully Prepared
Our biggest advice right now would be to hunker down, get nice and cosy in your home and binge watch our Birth & Baby Academy - you can start today and it will help you feel fully prepared for your upcoming labour. Once baby has arrived you will also have access to hours of support on caring for your newborn baby.
FAQs: How to Start Labour Naturally
How can I start labour naturally?
There is no guaranteed way to start labour naturally. However, walking, sex, nipple stimulation, acupuncture and eating dates may help encourage labour if your body is already preparing for birth.
What is the fastest way to start labour naturally?
Unfortunately, there is no proven fast way to start labour naturally. Labour begins when a complex combination of hormonal, physical and emotional factors align.
Does walking help start labour?
Walking may help baby move into a favourable position and encourage pressure on the cervix, but evidence suggests it does not directly trigger labour.
Does sex bring on labour?
Sex may help if labour is already close because semen contains prostaglandins and orgasm releases oxytocin. However, it is not guaranteed to start labour.
Can nipple stimulation induce labour?
Nipple stimulation has some of the strongest evidence among natural induction methods because it encourages the release of oxytocin, which can trigger contractions
Can eating dates help start labour?
Research suggests dates may support cervical ripening and increase the chance of spontaneous labour, although they do not directly induce labour.
What foods can help start labour?
There is no strong evidence that specific foods start labour. Dates have shown some promise in research, while spicy foods remain largely anecdotal.
Is it safe to try natural induction methods at home?
Many natural methods are safe for low-risk pregnancies, but it's always worth discussing them with your midwife or healthcare provider first.
Can I refuse an induction of labour in the UK?
Yes. You have the right to make informed decisions about your maternity care, including accepting or declining induction. Your healthcare team should provide information about benefits, risks and alternatives to help you decide.
When should I contact my midwife about induction?
There is no need to contact your midwife about an induction, if the induction is required for medical reasons your midwife will book any necessary appointments. The NICE guidelines say being over your estimated due date is not a reason to start an induction.
What happens if labour doesn't start by 42 weeks?
Policies vary between NHS trusts, but you will usually be offered additional monitoring and discussions about induction. You can ask questions and make informed decisions based on your individual circumstances.
Can stress stop labour from starting?
Stress increases adrenaline, which can interfere with oxytocin production. Feeling safe, calm and supported can help create an environment where labour hormones work more effectively.
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