Let’s Talk About Inducing Labor: What You Can Do, What Hospitals Do, and Why Patience Matters
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had moms ask me, “So… what can I do to get this baby out?” When you’re late in pregnancy, I know the waiting can feel endless. You’re uncomfortable, you’re tired, and you’re ready to meet your baby. Believe me, I get it.
But before you start trying every “labor trick” the internet throws at you, let’s talk through what’s safe, what hospitals usually do, and why sometimes the very best thing you can do is simply… wait.
A Quick Reminder About Due Dates
First, let’s clear this up: your “due date” is just an estimate, not a guarantee. Only about 5% of babies are born right on their due date. Most babies come a little before or after, and that’s perfectly normal.
Your baby and your body are on their own timeline, working together in ways we can’t always see. Patience here is hard, but it’s so worth it — those last few days (or weeks) allow your baby’s brain and lungs to fully finish developing.
Things You Can Do Naturally
Now, there are gentle things you can try to help your body along:
Walking & movement. Even a slow stroll helps baby get into a good position and can encourage contractions.
Nipple stimulation. This helps your body release oxytocin (the same hormone that gets contractions going).
Intimacy. Yes, sex can help — semen has prostaglandins, which soften the cervix, and orgasms can spark contractions.
Relaxation. Stress can actually slow labor down. Warm baths, breathing, stretching, or just resting can make a difference.
Foods like dates or raspberry leaf tea. They don’t force labor, but they may help tone the uterus and support your body.
Notice the theme? These aren’t about “forcing” your baby out — they’re about gently encouraging your body to get ready.
What Hospitals Usually Do for Induction
If your provider decides induction is needed, here are some of the tools hospitals use:
Membrane sweep. Separating the amniotic sac from the cervix to release natural hormones.
Cervical ripening medications. These help soften and thin the cervix.
Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin). An IV medication that gets contractions started or stronger.
Breaking the water. Rupturing the amniotic sac to encourage contractions.
These can all be helpful in the right situation, but they also come with risks — like stronger contractions, higher chance of interventions, or sometimes leading to a C-section.
What Not to Do
This is just as important. Some things get passed around as “quick fixes,” but they can be unsafe:
Castor oil. Please skip this one. It often causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, and it can stress your baby.
Herbs or supplements without guidance. Natural doesn’t always mean safe in pregnancy.
Overdoing exercise. Pushing your body too hard can do more harm than good.
Always talk with your provider before trying something new.
Why Patience Really Is Powerful
I know — waiting isn’t easy. But here’s the truth: your baby knows when they are ready. And your body knows what it’s doing. Trust that process.
Instead of stressing about the date on the calendar, use this time to prepare, nest, rest, and soak up those last moments of pregnancy. The day your baby chooses to arrive will be the right one.
💜 Final thought from me to you: Be gentle with yourself. Due dates are guides, not deadlines. You don’t have to rush what your body is perfectly designed to do.
