#  Get Ready for Labor: Self‑Help Tips 

 

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Most people go into labor on their own sometime between 37 and 42 weeks. Close to 50 percent of people will [go past their due date](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/going-past-your-due-date "Bump & Beyond: Going Past Your Due Date | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), and this can be normal.

The ideas below may help your body get ready, but they do not work for everyone. Some people may still need an [induction of labor](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/inducing-labor "Bump & Beyond: Everything You Need to Know about Labor Induction | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

**If your care team says it’s safe for you**, you can try the ideas below to try to get your labor started.

However, **do not try to start labor on your own** if you have:

- Less than 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Bleeding
- A fever
- Less baby movement than usual
- Strong belly pain that you feel all the time
- [High blood pressure or preeclampsia](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/high-blood-pressure-and-preeclampsia "Bump & Beyond: High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), or concerns about these
- [Placenta problems](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/low-lying-placenta-and-placenta-previa "Bump & Beyond: Low-lying Placenta and Placenta Previa | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") (like placenta previa)
- A reason your care team told you not to have sex, or not to go into labor yet

## Evidence-based Ideas for Starting Labor

These ideas have been studied and there is at least some scientific data that they can work.

### Nipple Stimulation

**Nipple stimulation** can raise the levels of natural hormones that help contractions start. It can also help you [collect colostrum](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/colostrum-breast-milk-hand-expression "Bump & Beyond: Prenatal Hand-Expression of Colostrum (Breast Milk) | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") (first milk) that you can give to baby if needed. Nipple stimulation should be done gently and safely. Talk to your provider to see if it is safe for you. Try:

- 5 to 10 minutes, two times a day.
- You can use your hand or a breast pump.

### Acupuncture

Some studies show **acupuncture** may help some people go into labor, or get ready for labor. If you choose to try acupuncture:

- Go to a licensed acupuncture provider.
- Choose someone with pregnancy experience.
- Tell them how far along you are and be clear about any health issues you have.
- [Boston Acupuncture Project](https://bostonacupunctureproject.org/ "Boston Acupuncture Project: community acupuncture in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, MA | bostonacupunctureproject.org"), located in Hyde Park, provides low-cost services.

### Membrane Sweep (Done by a Clinician)

A **membrane sweep** is when a clinician uses a gloved finger during a cervical exam to gently separate the “bag of waters” from the cervix. A membrane sweep can:

- Help some people start labor sooner, and may lower the chance of needing an induction later.
- Cause cramps or spotting after the procedure.

For safety, membrane sweeps must be done in the clinic by your care provider. You can ask: “Is a membrane sweep an option for me at my next visit?”

## Other Tips That May Help

There is not as much scientific evidence for these, but they may help—and won’t hurt.

### Miles Circuit Exercises (Positions and Movement)

The [Miles Circuit](https://www.milescircuit.com/the-circuit.html "The Circuit | The Miles Circuit (milescircuit.com)") uses different **exercises and body positions**—movement, hands-and-knees positions, and side-lying rest—to help baby settle into a good position.


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[Download a Miles Circuit Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)](https://www.milescircuit.com/uploads/4/8/1/4/4814341/miles_circuit.pdf "The Miles Circuit (PDF, English)")

### Eating Dates (the Fruit)

Some studies suggest that **eating 2 to 4 dried dates per day** during late pregnancy can help the cervix soften, and may shorten labor. Keep in mind:

- Dates have a lot of natural sugar.
- If you have diabetes or [gestational diabetes](/content/gestational-diabetes-care "Bump & Beyond: Gestational Diabetes Care | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), ask your care team first.

### Sex

Sex may help because:

- Semen has natural substances that can soften the cervix.
- Orgasms can cause uterine contraction.

**Do not have sex if your water has broken, you are bleeding, or you have** [**placenta previa**](/node/177641 "Bump & Beyond: Low-lying Placenta and Placenta Previa | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")**.**

### Everyday Things That Can Help Your Body Get Ready

- **Rest.** Being tired can make early labor harder.
- **Drinking water and eating.** Labor takes energy!
- **Gentle movement.** Walking or stretching may help you feel better.
- **A warm shower or bath** can help you relax.

Learn more about how to get ready:

[Learn How to Prepare for Labor and Birth](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/how-prepare-labor-and-birth "Bump & Beyond: How to Prepare for Labor and Birth | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

[Explore the Bump & Beyond Early Labor Toolkit](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/early-labor-toolkit-what-do-when-labor-starts "Bump & Beyond: Early Labor Toolkit: What to Do When Labor Starts | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)")

**Call your care team right away at** [**617.414.2000**](tel:617.414.2000) **if:**

- You are bleeding
- Your water breaks, or you think it might be leaking
- Baby moving less than usual
- You are having contractions every 5 minutes for 1 to 2 hours
- You have a bad headache, vision changes, or belly pain on your right side
- You have a fever, are in severe pain, or you feel something is not right