For many pregnant women, as their estimated dates of delivery draw near or even pass by, the idea of helping labor begin is hard to resist. Many foods have reputations as natural labor inducers and many mothers-to-be have consumed them in the hopes of bringing on labor. Most foods that can start labor are safe if eaten in normal quantities; however, if the baby and the mother are not physically ready for birth, labor induction techniques will not be successful. Any attempts to induce labor should be discussed with a physician to ensure safety.
Spicy Foods
Mexican, Indian, Cajun or Thai---it really doesn't matter what kind of spice, just as long as it kicks the heat up a notch. Spicy foods can help to bring on contractions in late pregnancy through the irritation they cause in the intestinal tract. The idea is that as the intestinal system contracts and reacts to the spice in the food, the uterus will respond with sympathetic contractions. There are no known side effects to eating spicy foods, however they can aggravate heartburn that is common in pregnancy and, should labor indeed start, can cause nausea and vomiting during labor.
Fresh Pineapple
Fresh pineapple contains two compounds that can help trigger labor contractions in late pregnancy. The first is a prostaglandin precursor that can help the cervix to soften and stretch. As the cervix softens, hormones are released that control contractions. The second compound that can encourage labor is vitamin C. Large doses of vitamin C can cause intestinal upset that, like spicy foods, can cause sympathetic contractions in the uterus.
Basil and Oregano
Occasional rumors of lasagna or eggplant parmesan inducing labor have many expectant mothers heading to their favorite Italian restaurant. According to professional childbirth educator and author Catherine Beie, however, it is actually the spices basil and oregano that can claim the credit for starting contractions. Aromatherapists recommend avoiding essential oils of basil and oregano until a woman reaches full term in her pregnancy because of their labor-inducing properties. These same properties are present, however, in small quantities in fresh herbs and can help to trigger labor in a full-term pregnancy.
Licorice
Candy made from real licorice root has been known to trigger labor. Beiel notes that it is the chemical glycyrrhizin, which works as a prostaglandin precursor in this case, helping the cervix soften and dilate. In large amounts, licorice can also cause diarrhea and intestinal upset, possibly causing sympathetic uterine contractions.
