health.clevelandclinic.org©2016 Cleveland Clinic

Can SEX or

SPICY FOOD Trigger Your Labor?

Women have tried almost anything to get their labor going. Some attempts are

funny or unproven — while others may be dangerous. Here’s what the experts advise.

No scientific studies prove that drinking this tea can start labor, and the effects are not truly known. And it becomes even more concentrated in pill form.

Doctor’s advice: DON’T TRY IT.

Walking is good for you, and experts say it can start contractions — but contractions that don’t open the cervix aren’t really labor, just contractions. And the cervix only opens when it’s ready.

Doctor’s advice: DEFINITELY DO IT, BUT NOT TO START YOUR LABOR.

If you’re jumping around to start your labor, it’s time to stop and take some deep breaths. Plus, it’s probably painful with a baby’s head resting on your bladder.

Doctor’s advice: JUST SAY NO TO PREGNANCY ACROBATICS.

Semen contains prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and, in some cases, may even start labor. It might be worth trying, although it may be physically difficult at the end of pregnancy.

Doctor’s advice: IF YOU TRY A SIDEWAYS POSITION, IT MIGHT BE EASIER.

When you swallow this oil, the body converts it to prostaglandins, which soften the cervix and can start labor. But there is no dosage control or federal oversight, and an overdose can cause your uterus to rupture.

Doctor’s advice: NEVER, EVER TRY IT.

This gets your bowels moving, which can get your uterus contracting. However, most evidence shows it works only when labor is about to happen anyway. If you do go into labor after taking castor oil, look forward to a messy and smelly labor.

Doctor’s advice: DEFINITELY NOT ADVISED.

There’s no evidence that spicy food can trigger labor. It might give you heartburn, but it won’t bring baby into the world any sooner.

Doctor’s advice: ENJOY YOUR TABASCO; TAKE TUMS AS NEEDED.

If only massage could stimulate labor! However, there’s no evidence that it does. It can, however, help with body aches and sore muscles.

Doctor’s advice: DO IT IF YOU LIKE, BUT NOT TO START LABOR.

This herbal supplement has estrogen-like properties. But rising estrogen doesn’t appear to start labor, and it could create a hormonal imbalance at the end of a pregnancy.

Doctor’s advice: IT’S BEST TO AVOID IT.

Walking

Jumping

Sex

Evening primrose oil

Castor oil

Spicy food

Massage

Cohosh

Red raspberry leaf tea

health.clevelandclinic.org

©2016 Cleveland Clinic

Elisa Ross, MD Ob/Gyn & Women’s Health

Sources:researchnews.osu.edu/archive/inducelabor.htm

npr.org/sections/babyproject/2011/08/02/138549731/old-wives-tales-debunkednct.org.uk/pregnancy/pregnancy-myths