Know these 10 Foods that Induce Labor Naturally | [BONUS] When to Go for these foods that Induce Labor?

• By Dr Prabhukar Mishra
• October 10, 2022October 10, 2022

Article Rating ☆☆☆☆☆ 3.9/5

If you have been pregnant for 40 weeks and are reaching your due date with no contractions or pain, your doctor may recommend inducing labour with different means. They may recommend labour-inducing medicines, activities, or even foods that induce labor.

The scope of this article will include foods that induce labor.

How Does certain food induce Labor naturally?

Many of the supposedly labour-inducing foods cause gastrointestinal distress or diarrhoea, which might cause cramping and uterine contractions. If your body is ready to go into labor, cramping and contractions produced by gastrointestinal distress may speed up the process, but at the cost of discomfort (hours in the bathroom) and possible danger (dehydration).

Following is a list of 10 foods that may help induce labor naturally:-

Spicy Foods

Whether Indian curries, Mexican cuisine, and Thai cuisine, are believed to be the foods that induce labor. Spicy meals stimulate the prostaglandins that are known to produce uterine contractions when digested. In addition, peppers contain the active ingredient capsaicin, which induces bowel movements and stimulates the uterus.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, the active enzyme known to soften the cervix and encourage the contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus to induce labour. To induce labour, it is recommended to consume fresh pineapple rather than canned pineapple because canning and other processing methods tend to diminish the bromelain concentration of the fruit. Consuming too much fruit can result in diarrhoea.

Papaya

Unripe papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which can stimulate uterine contractions. Significant amounts of papain are discovered in the latex of unripe leaves and fruit. This latex functions similarly to oxytocin and prostaglandins, which can trigger muscle contractions. Due to the loss of latex in mature papaya, eating ripe fruit does not affect inducing labour.

Castor oil

Several midwives and physicians consider castor oil as the best food that induces labour effectively. However, this oil should not be used to induce labour before the due date. Even though it is harmless, it might cause nausea and diarrhoea.

Balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a great complement to a salad. It is made from white grape juice and is preferable to castor oil due to its superior flavour. This is yet another preferred food that induces labour.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Although it is unknown exactly how red raspberry leaf tea induces labour, a study indicated that drinking this tea could reduce the likelihood of your pregnancy extending past your due date. It is claimed that this tea stimulates uterine contractions and strengthens the uterine muscles. Although it is believed to be safe for both mother and child, more research is necessary to validate its efficacy.

Black Liquorice Root

It is used to treat heartburn and numerous other gastrointestinal disorders. Liquorice is also known to contain glycyrrhizin, which tends to boost uterine contraction-related prostaglandins. However, excessive consumption is related to preterm birth.

Cumin Tea

It is typically used to relieve bloating and other digestive difficulties and is also beneficial for inducing birth. A spoonful of cumin in water that is boiling can promote uterine contractions.

Black and Blue Cohosh

Black and blue cohosh herbs are effective foods that induce labor when administered after 40 weeks of pregnancy. They are beneficial when contractions are irregular or feeble. They function by inducing labour naturally.

Evening Primrose Oil 

Evening primrose oil contains some properties that help induce labor. It can be taken vaginally or orally. Due to its blood-thinning properties, it can increase the likelihood of postpartum haemorrhage, hence should only be taken after consultation.

Is it safe to eat foods that induce labour?

Remember, none of the above food recommendations is from a specialized doctor. The effectiveness of all these methods is not backed by research either. Some may work for you and some may not as they did for others. So, we advise you to talk to your doctor before you try any of them.

Having said that most of the foods credited with inducing labour are perfectly safe to eat in moderation during pregnancy, although they can sometimes lead to heartburn or an upset stomach.

[BONUS] Important Point of Caution: When to Go for this Labor-Induced food?

You may be eager to eat these foods because you are preparing to welcome your newborn. Nevertheless, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, your physician may advise a bit more caution.

Doctors emphasise the need of waiting until a baby has reached full term before intervening unless there is a medical cause to do so.

Rules urge avoiding inductions before 39 weeks of gestation if they are not medically required.

At 39 weeks, your body should be making independent progress. The cervix should be softening and maturing in preparation for labour.

Your doctor will likely urge you to watch for four important labour indicators, including diarrhoea, loss of mucus plus, cervical effacement, and water breaking. Moreover, you should pay attention to contractions. If your body may not be ready to birth at 39 weeks. It could require another week or so.

However, if your doctor feels that your body is not making the necessary progress, you will need to have a chat with them about using these foods that induce labour.