Starting labour - myth busting

What we know

By the time you get near the end of your pregnancy you are likely to be tired, uncomfortable and more than a little excited about meeting your baby.

As you approach your due date you can expect friends and family to start asking what you’ve done to try to bring on labour. But is there really anything you can do?

Let’s look at some of the myths.

Sex

Having sex might well be the last thing you fancy doing when you are full-term and there is little evidence it can kick-start labour. Some say the presence of prostaglandins, a hormone used in inductions, in semen can help. Others claim the release of oxytocin in an orgasm can get things going.

Like all of these myths, there is no scientific proof but if you feel up for it you can be reassured that having sex won’t harm your baby. However, don’t have sex if your waters have broken as there is a risk of infection.

Raspberry leaf tea

Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal remedy which is thought to tone the muscles of your uterus to help with contractions. Studies have shown there there is no difference in the length of labour for mums who drank the tea. If you’re going to drink it, do it regularly over weeks rather in large quantities in the days around your due date.

It is not recommended that you start drinking the tea before 32 weeks, are having twins, have had a premature labour before or have any complications.

Pineapple and dates

There is very little human research into whether eating tropical fruits or dates can help start labour. Pineapple contains bromelain - an enzyme which has historically been used to start labour. But the volume of pineapple you’d have to eat for it to do anything would need to be HUGE!

One study has shown that eating dates in the run up to your due date could help avoid induction and make labour shorter. Dates help stimulate the release of oxytocin. However, with only one study so far, more research is definitely needed.

Curry

You might have been told eating a curry can bring on labour, but in fact you’re more likely to suffer from heartburn or diarrhoea than anything else. Some people say the laxative effect of the spices may stimulate the bowel which in turn could stimulate the uterus but there is little evidence for this.

Exercise

Walking, climbing stairs or bouncing on a birthing ball may have all be recommended to you. All of these will help move your baby down into your pelvis and will keep you healthy and ready for labour. However, there haven’t been any studies confirming that they can bring on labour.

Breast/nipple stimulation

It is thought that stimulating your nipples can help trick the body into thinking your are feeding a baby which will release the oxytocin needed for labour. However, it requires quite an investment of time. Women in a study spent up to three hours a day massaging and rubbing their breasts and nipples.

It is fine to try nipple stimulation if you have a healthy pregnancy but it is not recommended if you have any risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Having a ‘show’

A show is when the mucus plug protecting your uterus from infection comes away. It can come away in one go, or in parts. However, it does not mean labour is imminent and it may be days or even weeks before things get going.

Gushing waters breaking

Waters breaking in the middle of a supermarket are more common in films than real life. Some women may experience a slow trickle over a few hours, while others may not even notice their waters have broken. Your waters may be the first thing to signal that labour has started but in many cases they may go when you are already in labour.

There is a risk of infection 24-48 hours after they have broken so if labour hasn’t begun by then, induction may be offered.

What does work?

The most important thing is to try to remain relaxed and as healthy as possible. Maintain a healthy diet and try to keep active with a daily walk. Practice hypnobirthing techniques as these will help during whatever kind of labour you end up having.

If you are very overdue your midwife or doctor will outline the options open to you.