What are the natural methods to induce labor?

Natural Methods to Induce Labor

Walking, sexual intercourse, nipple stimulation, and spicy foods are the most commonly used natural methods to induce labor, though evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and allowing labor to begin spontaneously is generally preferred for optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Common Natural Methods for Labor Induction

Many pregnant women attempt to induce labor through non-prescribed methods, with research showing approximately 50.7% of women try at least one method 1. The most commonly used natural methods include:

• Walking (43.3% of women attempt this)
• Sexual intercourse (22.9%)
• Consuming spicy food (10.9%)
• Nipple stimulation (7.5%)
• Less commonly: laxatives, heavy exercise, masturbation, acupuncture, or herbal preparations 1

Evidence and Recommendations

Benefits of Spontaneous Labor

Current medical guidelines generally favor allowing labor to begin on its own when possible. The American Society of Hematology suggests against scheduled delivery with discontinuation of prophylactic anticoagulation compared with allowing spontaneous labor 2. This recommendation acknowledges that:

• Allowing spontaneous labor may minimize the need for medical intervention
• Spontaneous labor may potentially avoid maternal and neonatal complications associated with induction

Medical vs. Natural Induction

When induction is medically necessary, evidence-based methods include:

• Mechanical methods: Foley catheter
• Pharmacological methods: Misoprostol, oxytocin, prostaglandins 3, 4

For cervical ripening when the Bishop score is less than 6, mechanical and surgical methods have proven efficacy, while most non-pharmacologic approaches lack strong evidence 3.

Risks and Considerations

It's important to note that many women use natural methods without discussing them with their healthcare providers 1. This raises concerns as:

1. Some interventions may potentially do more harm than good
2. There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of most natural methods
3. Some methods may have unintended consequences

When Medical Induction Is Appropriate

Medical induction of labor is appropriate in certain circumstances:

• At 39 weeks of gestation for low-risk nulliparous women (reduces cesarean delivery risk and hypertensive disorders) 5
• For women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at 40 weeks 5
• For women with cardiac disease at 40 weeks 5
• For suspected fetal growth restriction with normal Doppler studies by 40 weeks 5
• Within 12 hours of premature rupture of membranes at ≥36 weeks 5

Evidence on Outcomes

A Cochrane review found that compared to expectant management, induction of labor at or beyond 37 weeks was associated with:

• Fewer perinatal deaths (RR 0.31)
• Fewer stillbirths (RR 0.30)
• Fewer cesarean sections (RR 0.90)
• Lower NICU admission rates (RR 0.88) 6

Conclusion

While many women use natural methods to induce labor, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Current medical guidelines generally favor allowing labor to begin spontaneously when possible, as this approach may minimize interventions and complications. When medical induction is necessary, evidence-based pharmacological and mechanical methods should be used.