When Can You Start Trying To Induce Labor?

As you near the end of your pregnancy with no signs of labor in sight, it's completely normal to start looking for natural ways to induce labor. Between the physical discomforts of late pregnancy, the anticipation of meeting your baby, and the uncertainty of when labor will begin, many expectant parents are eager to get things moving.

But before trying any method to encourage labor, an important question comes first: When is it safe to try?

Wait Until 39 Weeks Before Trying to Induce Labor

According to Dr. Kenneth James, OB-GYN at Saddleback Medical Center, pregnant women should wait until their 39th week of pregnancy before attempting any self-induction methods due to important health and safety considerations for the baby.

“The standards of care recommend inducing between 41 to 42 weeks of gestation for a low risk, uneventful pregnancy." 

- Dr. James

Dr. James also notes that, when possible, it's best to wait before pursuing a medical induction because the best outcomes are often seen when labor begins naturally.

Why the 39-Week Mark Matters

Most physicians recommend waiting until at least 39 weeks because your baby is still undergoing important development during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Dr. Yen Tran, OB-GYN at Orange Coast Medical Center, explains, “Studies show the majority of fetal brain development occurs between 36 to 39 weeks, so we do try to keep patients pregnant until 39 weeks.”

For healthy pregnancies, Dr. Tran says she generally does not medically induce labor until after 41 weeks of gestation.

Key Benefits of Reaching 39 Weeks

Before 39 weeks, your baby is still developing:

• Brain function and growth
• Lung maturity
• Ability to regulate body temperature
• Feeding and swallowing coordination
• Overall readiness for life outside the womb

Waiting until at least 39 weeks can help support the healthiest possible start for your baby.

Is It Safe to Try Labor Induction at Home?

Before trying any at-home labor induction method, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider.

Dr. Adrienne D. Zertuche, OB-GYN at Atlanta Women's Healthcare Specialists, explains that labor induction is generally recommended only for medical reasons or when a pregnancy extends one to two weeks beyond the due date.

She notes that inductions are typically performed in a hospital setting where:

• Baby's heart rate can be monitored
• Contractions can be tracked
• Cervical changes can be assessed
• Medical support is readily available if needed

“However, if you have had a low-risk and straightforward pregnancy, your obstetrician may be open to you trying to start the process at home."

- Dr. Zertuche

And again, the magic number is 39 weeks.

Natural Ways to Encourage Labor After 39 Weeks

If you have reached 39 weeks and your healthcare provider agrees it's safe, there are several commonly discussed methods that may help encourage labor.

Herbal Remedies and Natural Approaches

According to Dr. James, “Herbal supplements, certain citrus fruits, and dates have been known to induce labor,” according to James, “along with massage therapy, foot reflexology, and acupuncture, but avoid any supplements that cause diarrhea.”

Potential options may include:

• Eating dates
• Certain citrus fruits
• Massage therapy
• Foot reflexology
• Acupuncture

Always discuss supplements or alternative therapies with your healthcare provider before trying them.

Sexual Intercourse

Sex is one of the most commonly recommended methods for encouraging labor naturally.

Dr. Tran explains, “If patients want to do something to induce their labor at home,” suggests Tran, “they could have more frequent intercourse in a way that semen could stay inside the vaginal area to ripen the cervix.”

Nipple Stimulation

Dr. Tran also recommends:

• Using a breast pump
• Manual nipple stimulation

These techniques may help stimulate the release of oxytocin, the hormone that plays a role in contractions.

Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses

In addition to potentially helping prepare the body for labor, Dr. Tran suggests:

• Massaging the perineum with essential oils
• Applying a warm towel to the perineum at night

These practices may help soften the area and potentially reduce the risk of vaginal tearing during delivery.

Tips Before Attempting Self-Induction

Before trying any natural induction method, keep these recommendations in mind:

Talk to Your Provider First

Every pregnancy is different. What may be appropriate for one person may not be safe for another.

Confirm You're at Least 39 Weeks

Most experts agree that self-induction methods should not be attempted before 39 weeks unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider.

Make Sure Your Pregnancy Is Low Risk

Natural induction methods are generally only considered when the pregnancy has been uncomplicated and your provider has given approval.

Be Patient

While some methods may help encourage labor, there is no guaranteed way to start labor naturally. In many cases, your body and baby will decide when the time is right.

The Bottom Line

As eager as you may be to meet your baby, experts recommend waiting until 39 weeks before attempting any natural labor induction methods. During those final weeks, your baby is still benefiting from important developmental milestones.

If you have reached 39 weeks and your healthcare provider agrees it's safe, options such as intercourse, nipple stimulation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other natural approaches may be worth discussing.

In the meantime, try to be patient. Pregnancy doesn't last forever, and before long, you'll be holding your baby in your arms.