Do Natural Labor Induction Methods Really Work? A Doula’s Evidence-Based Guide
As the due date approaches, many birthing people become eager—sometimes desperate—to meet their baby. It’s incredibly common for clients to ask me about “natural induction methods” like eating dates, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, bouncing on a birth ball, or walking curbs. But do any of these methods actually work to bring on labor? And are they safe?
Let’s explore what the evidence says about some of the most popular techniques—and whether or not they’re worth your time.
First: A Word About Natural Induction
“Natural labor induction” refers to methods that aim to encourage the body to go into labor without medication or medical intervention. These techniques aren’t true medical inductions, and they don’t force the body into labor the way Pitocin or a Foley balloon might.
Instead, many of these tools are better understood as ways to support the body’s natural readiness, gently encouraging the physiological cascade of labor to begin—if the body is ready.
In short: These methods are not magic bullets. But some of them do have real benefits and may help prepare your body for labor.
1. Eating Dates
What it is: Consuming 4–6 dates daily in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
The evidence: Multiple studies (including randomized controlled trials) suggest that eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy may:
Help soften the cervix
Increase cervical dilation
Decrease the need for medical induction or augmentation
Support spontaneous onset of labor
A 2011 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who ate 6 dates daily for 4 weeks before their due date had significantly higher cervical dilation and were more likely to go into spontaneous labor.
Verdict: ✅ Evidence-based and worth trying. Also a nutritious snack!
2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
What it is: An herbal tea believed to tone the uterus and support efficient contractions.
The evidence: Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is traditionally used in Western herbalism as a uterine tonic. Some small studies suggest it may shorten the second stage of labor and reduce the likelihood of post-term pregnancy, but evidence is limited and mostly anecdotal.
Verdict: ⚠️ Likely safe and potentially helpful, but more research is needed. Best used in moderation and started in the second or third trimester under guidance.
3. Curb Walking
What it is: Walking with one foot on the curb and one foot on the street, which creates asymmetrical movement in the pelvis.
The idea: Asymmetrical walking helps open the pelvis, encourages optimal fetal positioning, and stimulates the uterus through gentle movement.
The evidence: While no formal studies have been done on curb walking specifically, asymmetrical movement (like lunges, side steps, and Spinning Babies exercises) is widely used in midwifery and doula work to promote pelvic alignment and fetal descent.
Verdict: ✅ Safe and biomechanically sound. Especially helpful if baby is not well-engaged.
4. Perineal Massage
What it is: Massaging and stretching the perineum in the final weeks of pregnancy to increase elasticity and reduce tearing.
The evidence: Evidence strongly supports perineal massage starting at 34–36 weeks in reducing the risk of perineal trauma in first-time vaginal births. However, it does not induce labor.
Verdict: ✅ Helpful for preventing tearing, but not an induction method.
5. Pineapple or Spicy Food
What it is: Some people eat pineapple for the enzyme bromelain, thought to soften the cervix, or spicy food to stimulate the gut and possibly the uterus.
The evidence: There’s no solid evidence that either triggers labor. Bromelain may have a softening effect on tissues, but in quantities far higher than what you’d get from a few slices of pineapple. Spicy food may irritate the gut but is unlikely to start labor.
Verdict: ❌ Unlikely to help, but safe if you enjoy them.
6. Sex and Nipple Stimulation
What it is: Semen contains prostaglandins that may help soften the cervix. Orgasm and nipple stimulation can release oxytocin, which may trigger contractions.
The evidence: Nipple stimulation has some of the strongest evidence for natural induction. It can increase oxytocin levels and potentially start or strengthen contractions. A Cochrane review found that it may reduce the risk of post-term pregnancy.
Sex is safe unless contraindicated and may help with cervical ripening, especially due to orgasm and semen contact.
Verdict: ✅ Evidence-based and potentially effective, especially nipple stimulation. Safe unless your provider says otherwise.
7. Acupressure and Acupuncture
What it is: Using specific pressure points (like SP6 or LI4) to stimulate labor.
The evidence: Acupuncture and acupressure have mixed but promising evidence. Some studies suggest they may reduce time to labor onset and lower the need for medical induction, particularly when used regularly starting at 37–38 weeks.
Verdict: ✅ Worth exploring with a trained practitioner. May support the body’s readiness for labor.
8. Chiropractic Care (Webster Technique)
What it is: Prenatal chiropractic adjustments, particularly of the pelvis and sacrum.
The evidence: The Webster Technique aims to align the pelvis and reduce uterine tension, which may promote optimal fetal positioning and help labor start more efficiently. While evidence is limited, many clients report improved comfort and mobility.
Verdict: ✅ Supportive rather than inductive, but can optimize conditions for labor onset.
9. Movement: Birth Ball, Walking, Stairs, Dancing
What it is: Gentle, rhythmic movement to help baby descend and stimulate contractions.
The evidence: Movement can help improve fetal positioning, engage the cervix, and support labor hormones like oxytocin.
Verdict: ✅ Highly encouraged. While not directly inducing labor, movement supports labor readiness.
Techniques to Use With Caution
Castor Oil: May cause diarrhea and cramping. Some studies show it can start labor, but it’s unpleasant and carries risks of dehydration.
Verdict: ⚠️ Talk to your provider or doula before trying.
Evening Primrose Oil: Often used vaginally to ripen the cervix. Evidence is inconclusive and it may actually increase risk of prolonged rupture or complications in some cases.
Verdict: ⚠️ Proceed with caution and under provider guidance.
Bottom Line
Many natural techniques are not true labor inducers, but rather supportive tools that may help your body do what it’s already preparing to do. These tools are most effective when your baby and body are ready.
As a doula, I encourage clients to:
Focus on supporting oxytocin (safety, love, warmth)
Prioritize movement, alignment, and nourishment
Use trusted techniques with evidence behind them
Be patient and gentle with themselves
Birth is not a test of control—it’s a dance of readiness, support, and trust.
References
Al-Kuran, O. et al. (2011). The effect of late pregnancy consumption of date fruit on labor and delivery. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Simpson, M. et al. (2001). Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal.
Kavanagh, J. et al. (2005). Nipple stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Smith, C.A. et al. (2008). Acupuncture to induce labor: a randomized controlled trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Hallak, M. et al. (1993). The effect of castor oil on initiation of labor in term pregnancies. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Tenore, J.L. (2003). Methods for cervical ripening and induction of labor. American Family Physician.
Houghton, G. et al. (2011). Perineal massage in the antenatal period: a review. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest.
