There are many ways you can try if you wish to bring on labor at the end of your pregnancy. You need to understand that you will deliver when your baby is ready, but you can look for signs and take steps to accelerate things a bit. You need to bear in mind that most doctors do not recommend inducing labor because babies are healthy when they are in the womb for up to 39 weeks. However, some women are past due date and they can try some ideas to bring on labor. Keep reading to learn how it really helps.

Eating Pineapple to Induce Labor – Does It Work?

Yes, pineapple can be used to induce labor because they contain a type of proteolytic enzyme called bromelain that help soften the cervix and induce labor. Eating pineapples is beneficial because they help ripen your cervix and make labor easy. Be sure to select fresh pineapples because only they contain bromelain.

Besides, pineapples and many other tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, and papaya contain proteolytic enzymes that help break down protein and offer certain medicinal benefits as well. Pineapples are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, but they are also effective for digestive system and act as a diuretic.

Any Risks?

Pineapple to induce labor is a popular choice, but overeating may lead to heartburn. They also contain digestive enzymes as well as vitamin C, so they can cause diarrhea in some cases. There are some reports stating that women who consume unripe pineapples have a higher risk of experiencing miscarriage. Similarly, you may want to avoid eating pineapples if you have gestational diabetes. It is mainly because of high sugar content of pineapples.

The best thing is to eat in moderation. You should not go overboard with the idea of eating pineapples to induce labor. Be sure to talk to your doctor about eating pineapples in pregnancy.

How to Use Pineapple to Induce Labor

If you really want to induce labor by consuming pineapple, you can do it by drinking pineapple juice, eating pineapple plain, or making a fruit smoothie with pineapple.

Pineapple Mango Smoothie Recipes

Ingredients:

• A cup of mangoes (chopped)
• A cup of fresh pineapples (chopped)
• A cup of orange juice
• Half cup of vanilla yogurt
• Ice

Directions:

Blend mangoes, pineapples, yogurt, and juice in blender. Add some ice and blend again until desired consistency.

You can also add shredded bananas, coconut, or other fresh fruit to make it more nutritious.

Other Ways to Induce Labor

In addition to consuming pineapple to induce labor, you can also try some of the following ways to bring on labor early.

1.  Warm Bath

Taking a warm bath will help relax your body and help induce labor. Avoid keeping water too hot because your baby will always feel hotter than you do. Keep the water temperature low for a more relaxing bath for you and your baby.

Make it more relaxing by adding a couple of drops of essential oil of lavender. It is a good idea to talk to an aroma therapist before trying it.

2.  Acupressure

It is quite similar to acupuncture and promotes healing. It works on the principle that the body has certain pressure points through which energy flows. You can apply pressure to some of these points to induce labor.

The webbing between your index finger and thumb is a pressure point that helps induce labor. Similarly, there is a pressure point on your leg about 3 inches above your anklebone. Apply gentle pressure to these points or simply rub for a minute. Stop rubbing these points if you have a contraction and start once the contraction is over.

3.  Nipple Stimulation

It is yet another effective way to cause uterine contractions.

Use your forefinger and thumb to roll your nipple for a couple of minutes. Wait for 3 minutes and start again for about 20 minutes. Start rolling for 3 minutes if you do not feel any contractions. Make use of olive oil to avoid irritating your skin.

4.  Sex

Having sex with your partner will help because it releases prostaglandins that bring on labor. Similarly, sperm contains certain hormones that help dilate the cervix and prepares your body for labor.

Having sex works with labor when you reach an orgasm. It means you can have an orgasm on your own if you do not feel comfortable having sex with a partner. Avoid having sex though if your water has broken already.

5.  Bounce on a Birth Ball

You can make use of a large bouncy ball called a birth ball to induce labor. It lets you make it easily at the end of your pregnancy.

Simply sit on a birth ball with your legs spread. Now, bounce on the ball gently for some time to help the baby move downward.

6.  Walking

Light walking will help a lot in making your baby move downward in your body. Your labor is around the corner when the head of your baby starts putting pressure on the cervix.

Get out in the fresh air and walk for 20 minutes. You may also consider walking up a steep hill to help induce labor. You can simply start walking up stairs to make your body lean forward at an angle. Always hold onto the handrail to walk up safely.

7.  Natural Herbs to Induce Labor

• Castor Oil: Consuming castor oil will stimulate the bowels by causing intestinal cramps. By contracting your bowel muscles, it is possible to cause uterine contractions. You may have to deal with diarrhea though. Take a glass of juice and mix a couple of ounces of castor oil in it. Drink it in one go.
• Raspberry Leaf: You can make a tea using raspberry leaf and help tone the uterus. This may make the muscles to contract and induce labor. Take 6 ounces of boiling water and pour it over a tea bag of raspberry leaf. Leave it for 3 minutes. Drink when it gets a bit cool.
• Evening Primrose Oil: The oil works because it contains prostaglandins that help soften the cervix.

You can find 500mg capsules of primrose oil that you need to take orally thrice a day.

Note: While these remedies work, it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any of these methods. Never use any of these methods until you are 40 weeks pregnant.