At 39 weeks and 2 days, I went into labor naturally, no induction, no membrane sweep, no hospital tricks. Just my body (and a few things I tried along the way).
As a first-time mom, I was both excited and nervous. I had read some not-so-pleasant stories about induction, which made me anxious. So I started searching for “how to go into labor naturally” and reading every article, Reddit post, and TikTok post about natural ways to go into labor, hoping something might gently encourage my body to get ready.
These are the things I started doing regularly to prepare my body for labor. None of them is guaranteed to “induce” labor, but I believe they helped my body get ready when the time came. And to give you a clearer picture, I've broken down what I did, highlighting activities that started early in pregnancy and those I introduced as my due date approached.
(This post is based on my personal experience and is not medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying new foods, supplements, or exercises during pregnancy.)
First & Second Trimester -
🚶♀️ Daily Walks -
I walked about 15 minutes a day, sometimes longer, throughout my pregnancy. Even when I was tired or was experiencing some sciatica pain, I tried to move a little every day. Walking improved my mood and energy, and it also helped ease sciatica pain at the end of each walk.
🤰 Birthing Ball Exercises
I used a birthing ball almost every day, bouncing, hip circles, pelvic tilts, and gentle figure eights. I started early in pregnancy just for posture, comfort, and pelvic floor health, but kept it up all the way to the end.
🌶️ Spicy Food
I normally eat spicy food even before pregnancy, so you can imagine how happy I was to learn that spicy food helps induce labor! I had a big spicy meal the night before I went into labor. Coincidence or not, I woke up at 6 a.m. with contractions. 👀
Third Trimester -
🍵 Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (starting 35 weeks)
I got the ok from my OB first. She actually doesn’t think red raspberry leaf tea will help, but the online birth class I attended recommended it, along with folks on Tiktok and Reddit saying it will help soften the cervix, so it was worth a try for me. I drank 2-3 bags daily starting around 35 weeks. I actually really enjoyed the tea on its own, so I never added anything to it, unlike most TikTok suggestions.
🍇 Dates (starting 35 weeks)
I ate 6–8 dates a day starting at 35 weeks. There’s some research suggesting that eating dates near the end of pregnancy is more likely to go into labor naturally and have a shorter early labor phase. I don’t really like dates because they are really sweet, but the potential benefit is worth it.
🍍 Pineapple
I had about three pineapples total in the last few weeks. Pineapple contains bromelain, which some say can help soften the cervix. Realistically, you’d probably need to eat a lot for it to make a difference, but it was a refreshing snack during those hot, swollen days, and they were yummy. So win-win!
The Final Stretch: What I Did Right Before Labor Started
🪜 Curb Walking (starting at 38w+5)
Curb walking is walking with one foot on the curb and the other on the street, which helps open the pelvis. I did this once or twice a day, starting at 38 weeks and 5 days, in combination with my daily walks. I felt it “working” as I was doing them!
My Labor Story
The morning my labor started, I woke up around 6 a.m. with stomach pain and thought it was just from the spicy food I’d had the night before… lol. But it felt different. I got up to use the restroom and noticed some blood, that’s when I knew something was happening.
My husband used a contraction tracker app to make sure I was following the 5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 minutes or less, lasting about 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. The app even told us when it was time to head to the hospital!
By the time we got there around 9 a.m., I was already 4 cm dilated and my cervix was “paper-thin.” It was such a surreal feeling realizing that labor had started naturally, just as I’d hoped.
My Advice for Other Moms Waiting for Labor
If you’re in those final weeks, I know how hard it is to be patient. I actually asked my OB at my 39-week appointment what if I don’t go into labor next week? There’s no appointment set up!
Try to focus on staying relaxed and keeping your body moving gently. Every baby and every pregnancy is different, and sometimes, it’s just about timing.
You’re doing amazing 💕
