In the final stages of pregnancy, it can feel like time goes by at a snail’s pace and the longing for your baby is immense. That is why it is perhaps not a shock that there are a plethora of housewives’ tricks to induce labour (even though they all lack scientific evidence). Surely it doesn’t hurt to try? Here are eight housewives’ tips to try to induce labour!

1. Raspberry leaf tea
It is said that raspberry leaf tea can lower stress levels and relax the uterus before childbirth. It is also said that it can relieve nausea, make labour pains more intense when they start and relieve after-pains.

2. Walks
Going for walks is supposed to help the uterus start to contract and as such start contractions. However, the portio vaginalis need to be mature for this to actually produce results!

3. Take the stairs
Just like walking, climbing stairs can help your uterus contract as a result of getting your body moving and your breathing. However, be careful when taking the stairs if you have foot problems!

4. Hitting the spot
It is theorised that sexual intercourse towards the end of pregnancy will help induce labour pains. This theory is based on two things, the first of which is that during sex, and above all when a woman has an orgasm, oxytocin is released into the body which can increase contractions, while also contributing to relaxation. The second is that the substance prostaglandin, which is found in sperm, can help soften the portio vaginalis.

5. Stimulate your nipples
When your nipples are stimulated, the hormone oxytocin is released, which helps the uterus to contract, which in turn can induce contractions. It might be worth trying in conjunction with sexual intercourse or while resting for maximum effect!

6. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is widely used in Chinese medicine and involves placing thin needles at specific points on the body. By placing needles on the points that are said to stimulate the uterus and cervix, it is believed that this can influence the onset of labour.

7. The maternity drink
The mythical maternity drink is said to be able to induce labour. However, it should be added that castor oil can also be used as a laxative and thus produce less pleasant side effects. In other words: don’t overdo it!

Recipe for the maternity drink:

• about 100 ml of sparkling wine
• 1 tbsp almond flour
• 20 ml castor oil
• 150 ml apricot puree (squeezed or mixed apricot)

8. Rest
Rest is essential before childbirth. When you rest, relax and take deeper breaths, oxytocin is secreted in the body, which, as previously mentioned, is the hormone that also helps start and drive labour. There are more activities that help release oxytocin, including massages, yoga, bathing, closeness and touch. Why not try them all?