12 Ultimate Foods that Induce labor For Pregnant Women

Inducing labor is pretty common among young expecting mothers. Especially after carrying your beloved infant for 9-months, the eagerness to get over the waiting period and bring your newborn into this world is a feeling only a mother will understand. While waiting 9-months may not have been difficult, the last few weeks before delivery can be very challenging, and women resort to every stint at naturally inducing labor themselves. In this article, we will discuss some commonly believed foods that induce labor and examine the available evidence for their effectiveness. It's important to remember that every pregnancy and labor is different, and it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before trying alternative methods for inducing labor.

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Can Eating Certain Foods Help to Induce Labour? 

The labor and delivery process is a natural and unique experience for every woman. As the due date approaches, many expecting mothers may be looking for ways to induce labor naturally. One method that has been suggested is to consume certain foods that are believed to have properties that can stimulate the onset of labor. However, there needs to be more scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method.  Many people asked, "How to induce labor?" One common way is consuming certain foods containing enzymes or chemical components that can be natural induction methods for labor. These contractions are usually desired only during childbirth to push the child out of the mother's womb. Some foods may even soften the cervix, preparing the cervical passage for smooth delivery. In this blog, we explore the various Foods that induce labor without compromising the health of the mother and the child. 

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12 Foods that Induce Labor

Many people ask for, "what to eat to induce labor?"The following things to eat to induce labor properties or natural birth are listed down below.

1. Pineapple

It contains an enzyme called bromelain that softens the cervix and induces labor. Cervix softening is the first step towards inducing labor and giving birth. Pineapple can be eaten at full term of pregnancy but not during the 9-months of carrying your baby. It can cause uterine contractions and induce labor when consumed. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice daily at the end of pregnancy may increase the chances of labor. 

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2. Papaya

Papaya, especially raw papaya, is well known to induce an abortion. Raw papaya is difficult to digest. It also contains a milky latex solution known to induce strong uterine contractions. Consuming this raw or even when cooked (boiled or blanched) after your pregnancy may induce contractions and labor. Papaya is one of the ancient labor inducing foods.

3. Sesame seeds

Opposite to popular belief, till ka laddoo must be strongly avoided by pregnant women. Sesame seeds can stimulate uterine muscles and trigger contractions in the uterus. However, you may eat these seeds or the laddoos at the end of your pregnancy or when you feel the urge to induce labor yourself.

Also Read: What Do Contractions Feel Like? Signs of Labor Pain.

4. Balsamic vinegar

This is made from the juices of white grapes. This amazing salad dressing has the potential to cause uterine contractions towards the end term and can be eaten in limited amounts to induce labor. Balsamic vinegar is popular among pregnant women. A cafe in California serves a dish called "maternity salad, " drizzled completely with balsamic vinegar. 

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5. Fenugreek (Methi)

Stimulates uterine contractions and leads to premature delivery when consumed during pregnancy. It is a strong stimulant of uterine contractions and can be safely consumed to induce labor. Eating this towards the end of pregnancy is also known to ease the pain during delivery.

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6. Raspberry leaf tea

Raspberry leaves are commonly boiled and consumed to induce labor post-pregnancy. It boosts blood circulation and strengthens muscle contractions. However, it is known to increase the risk of Braxton hick's contractions. Therefore, it is usually advised to consume Raspberry leaf tea only post-39 weeks of pregnancy. 

7. Dates

Consuming dates have been observed to increase cervical dilation when consumed daily by pregnant women. At the same time, dates may be a wholesome food rich in fiber and one of the great Foods that induce labor. It may cause strong contractions in the uterus and induce labor. Try eating a handful of dates daily post your pregnancy to achieve labor contractions.

Also Read: 13 amazing benefits of drinking coconut water during pregnancy

8. Blue and black cohosh

Cohosh is a flowering plant, and the roots of the plant are used for its medicinal properties. Cohosh is a supplement for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. The root also induces labor in pregnant women by stimulating uterine contractions. Consume the supplements only at the end of your pregnancy when you are desperate to induce labor after 40 weeks.

9. Licorice

The root of Licorice is generally used as a flavoring agent. It has several properties, including the ability to induce labor contractions in pregnant females. Licorice contains a chemical compound called Glycyrrhizin, which stimulates prostaglandins in muscle contractions in the uterus. Consume Licorice only after 39 weeks of pregnancy, as eating too much Licorice is known to lead to preterm birth.

10. Cumin

A tablespoon of cumin dissolved in water and consumed can immediately induce muscle contractions. While cumin may have several carminative and digestive properties, it is also known to cause contractions in the uterus. Limit the use of cumin in your foods during pregnancy. However, you may begin eating cumin post-39 weeks of pregnancy. 

Read Also: 10 Changes in Body During Pregnancy

11. Eggplant

The popularity of eggplant as a labor inducer began back in a restaurant in Georgia, with a famous dish called "eggplant babies." It was rumored to cause labor contraction in pregnant women who ate the dish. The dish is popular and is combined with parmesan cheese to give a rich, wholesome meal. According to NIH, If you're looking for foods that induce labor, you may try the "eggplant babies" recipe and discover the truth behind the rumor.

12. Evening primrose oil

These oils are usually consumed as supplements by adults for skin-related issues such as dermatitis. However, it is also useful in inducing labor in pregnant women. The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and Prostaglandins that introduce muscle contractions and even soften the cervix to prepare it for birth and delivery. Consume the supplements only after completing your term of pregnancy.

Caution

• These foods induce uterine contractions or soften the cervical passage in preparation for birth in pregnant women. 
• Consume these foods after consulting your gynecologist. Also, consume these foods only well after you have completed the 9 healthy months of your pregnancy. This will reduce the risk of unprecedented events occurring to you or your unborn child.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe abdominal cramps or discomfort post-consumption of these or other foods. 
• Eating anything in excess can be poisonous. Thus, you do not need to consume excess foods to induce labor. Eat in moderation.

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Conclusion

This blog post focuses on foods that induce labor in pregnant women. However, these foods must be consumed in safe portions, beginning with a taste to check for any side effects it may have on a pregnant woman. Pregnancy is a sensitive stage in a woman's life; every woman is different. What food induces labor in one woman may not necessarily induce labor in the other. Therefore, avoid falling prey to your neighbor's advice. Consult a doctor if you have any doubts regarding any food you consume.