Foods to Induce Labor

• You may think heading to your favorite, spicy Mexican restaurant is the solution for jump-starting your labor; however, it should be noted that spicy foods such as peppers contain capsaicins, which may be counterproductive in labor. Capsaiscins may counteract your body's endorphins, natural pain relievers released during labor. It may be in your best interest to avoid those spicy foods when you're preparing for labor.
  You could try Eggplant Parmesan to help induce labor, but it's not the eggplant that does the trick. Wives' tales state that basil and oregano should be contraindicated during earlier pregnancy, as they may start labor. Try other Italian dishes also full of these spices to get labor going.
  Pineapple stimulates prostaglandins---cervical ripening agents---that may help prepare your uterus for birth. Consider adding other tropical fruits, such as mangoes and kiwis to your diet, too.
  You could also try real black licorice, which is also thought to stimulate the production of prostaglandins due to the chemical glycyrrhizin, the sweet-tasting compound found in licorice. Also found in tablets, this chemical may cause mild diarrhea, which may lead to intestinal cramping, which could jump start uterine contractions.
  
  

Supplements to Induce Labor

• In addition to foods, you could try some supplements to induce labor, or at least help to prepare and ripen the cervix. According to the Maternity Corner, castor oil, a once popular method, may lead to undesirable results, such as excessive diarrhea. Excessive diarrheal cramping may lead to uterine cramping; however, it can also be dehydrating, which can have negative consequences for you during labor.
  Red raspberry tea has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years to help tone the uterus. Maternity Corner says this tea can be safely used throughout pregnancy and is said to help focus your Braxton-Hicks contractions and make them more productive. Red raspberry leaf tea is contraindicated for those having difficult pregnancies, however.
  Finally, evening primrose oil may help to soften your cervix, which can lead to an easier delivery. After 36 weeks, insert two capsules directly into your vaginal canal and massage onto the cervix, if you can reach. At 38 weeks, increase to three or four capsules inserted vaginally per day. Like other natural induction methods, evening primrose oil won't do anything to help start labor unless your body is ready.