What makes labour happen

Before trying them, speak to a healthcare professional or birthworker like a midwife to get the green light. Movement may help start labor. The idea is that gravity may help your baby drop farther into the birth canal. This increased pressure may help your cervix dilate. Sex is often recommended for getting labor started. It may be effective for a few reasons, including the fact that semen is high in prostaglandins.

This is a hormone that can cause contractions in uterine muscles. An orgasm can also stimulate the uterus, and sex in general can release the hormone oxytocin, which causes contractions. For people who begin nursing after baby is born, this same hormone is responsible for shrinking the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. Nipple stimulation is another method you might try. Gentle rubbing or rolling the nipple stimulates the breasts and also releases oxytocin.

You can also try getting comfortable and visualizing your labor beginning. Hot peppers and spicy meals are foods said to help induce labor.

This may be because some spicy foods can trigger the release of prostaglandins as you digest them. Everything from pineapple to licorice to Chinese food has been credited with getting the ball rolling. Save Pin FB More. Credit: Shutterstock. By Tina Donvito. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project.

Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in. Before trying anything that might induce labor, speak with your healthcare provider to go over any risks or possible complications.

Though some of these methods are popular folklore among pregnant women, little scientific evidence supports their efficacy. Here are some natural ways to start contractions. As you approach your due date and delivery, you might be wondering how to speed up the process. Are you pregnant and past your due date? Help induce labor naturally by pressing on these acupressure points along the body.

Get answers to common questions such as, who can be in the delivery room with you, the average length of delivery, and assisted birth methods. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nipple stimulation. Castor oil. Eating dates. Perks of waiting for labor to start on its own. Parenthood Pregnancy 3rd Trimester. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Michael Weber, MD. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.