Natural Induction Techniques - Do they work?

The final weeks of pregnancy… you’ve washed the tiny babygrows, packed (and re-packed) your hospital bag, and suddenly every twinge has you wondering is this it? It’s totally normal to feel impatient, emotional, and a bit over it by this point — especially if you’re waddling around like a penguin with a watermelon under your jumper.

So, what can you actually do to encourage things along? You’ve probably heard all sorts — from eating pineapple to bouncing on a ball. Some of it has a hint of logic, some of it’s more old wives’ tale than anything else. In The Birth & Baby Academy, we have a whole section that goes into this in detail, helping you understand what’s safe, what might help, and what’s best to steer clear of. But here’s a little overview to get you started…

Natural Induction Techniques That Might Be Worth a Try

These are the gentle, non-medical options that people often turn to in the final days. None are guaranteed (we wish they were!), but some might help tip things along if your body’s already getting ready.

🚶‍♀️1. Walking

A bit of a stroll — or a waddle, realistically — can help baby settle into your pelvis. It might not start labour, but it’s a great way to stay active and encourage good positioning.

💞2. Sex

We know, this one gets suggested a lot. Semen contains prostaglandins, and orgasm releases oxytocin — both can help soften the cervix and encourage contractions. But truthfully? It’s more likely to help if things are already brewing… and let’s be honest, it’s not everyone’s idea of fun at 40+ weeks!

🤱3. Nipple Stimulation

This can trigger the release of oxytocin, which is the same hormone that powers your contractions. It’s actually used medically in some settings too. It’s not magic, but in the right circumstances, it can help — we go into how to do this safely and effectively in The Birth & Baby Academy.

🌿4. Acupuncture & Acupressure

Some people swear by it — and there’s a little research to suggest it might help reduce the need for a medical induction. It’s worth a try if it feels like your thing, just make sure your practitioner is qualified to treat pregnant people.

🌶️5. Spicy Food

The logic is that spicy food stimulates your gut, which might influence your uterus. There’s no real evidence, but if you fancy a curry, you’ve got nothing to lose (except maybe your tolerance for heartburn).

🍵6. Herbal Remedies

Evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaf tea are popular, but we always suggest checking in with your midwife before taking anything. “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe — especially when it comes to pregnancy.

Do They Actually Work?

Maybe… but only if your body is already gearing up for labour. There’s no button you can press to make things happen (we wish!), and natural induction techniques are often anecdotal, but some of these things might give your body a nudge in the right direction.

In The Birth & Baby Academy, we break down exactly what each of these methods does, when they might help, and what the evidence says — so you can make informed choices that feel right for you.

Let’s Get a Bit More Sciencey

Here’s what the research tends to show:

• Walking is fab for movement and positioning, but won’t directly spark labour.

• Sex may help if your body is already getting ready.

• Nipple stimulation can be effective — but should be done safely and in moderation.

• Acupuncture/acupressure might help, but results vary.

• Spicy foods are more about flavour than effectiveness.

• Herbal remedies — always best discussed with your care provider first.

What to Avoid — Please Don’t Try These

🚫 Castor Oil

Big no from us. It can cause diarrhoea, dehydration, and even stress for baby. Not worth the risk.

🚫 Inserting Anything

Whether it’s herbs, oils, or DIY tools (yep, people do try!) — don’t put anything in your vagina to try and trigger labour. Even a stretch and sweep by a midwife carries some risk, so DIY is definitely a no-go.

🚫 Pushing Yourself Too Hard

If you’re doing “all the things” and wearing yourself out in the process — pause. Labour takes energy, and so does having a newborn. Rest when you can. Trust that your body is doing something, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Our Honest Take?

Try what feels good, be kind to yourself, and don’t feel like you have to do anything. You can absolutely take an active role in your birth prep — but it doesn’t mean forcing your body into labour before it’s ready.

If you want to feel more confident and in control about your options — from natural methods to medical inductions — our free video “Take Control of Your Birth” is a great place to start. It’ll walk you through how to stay calm, ask the right questions, and feel empowered about your choices, whatever your path looks like.

And when you’re ready for more in-depth, supportive guidance, The Birth & Baby Academy is here for you with full antenatal prep — birth, recovery, baby care, and everything in between.

You’ve got this. We’re with you every step of the way.