How to Speed up Labor After Losing Your Mucus Plug
Seeing a blob of mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper in the third trimester is exciting, mama. Then you read the fine print: it could still be days or weeks until you get to meet your baby. Your plug can even regenerate.
The good news is that, if your baby is ready, there are a few gentle things you can do to help labor along. Here's how to speed up labor after losing your mucus plug, and, importantly, the methods to skip.
Does losing your mucus plug mean labor is imminent?
Not reliably, we know that's frustrating. A mucus plug (sometimes called a "bloody show") can pass days or weeks before active labor, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that it isn't a clear sign labor has begun (ACOG). True labor is defined by regular, progressively stronger contractions.
If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks, call your provider. ACOG flags any early signs of labor before 37 weeks as preterm labor that needs prompt evaluation (ACOG). Don't panic, though; these risks are low, and your body can make a new plug.
If you are more than 37 weeks pregnant, you may lose your mucus plug after sexual intercourse, a cervical exam, or vigorous exercise. If baby isn't ready, it will often just reform.
However, if you're showing other signs of early labor, like:
- Back pain
- Diarrhea (some mamas notice this early; more on loose stools and labor)
- Feeling like your baby has dropped into your pelvis
- Small contractions or tightenings
- The urge to have a bowel movement
Your plug may have dislodged as your cervix dilates. If so, pack your hospital bag and try the tips below.
What are the best 8 ways to speed up labor after losing your mucus plug?
If you're full-term and your provider is on board, a few low-risk strategies may help. Mayo Clinic notes that no home method is reliably proven to start labor before your body is ready, so think of these as gentle encouragement, not forced induction (Mayo Clinic).
1. Exercise
Exercise is a safe and gentle way to help labor along, and it doesn't need to be strenuous. Walking, swimming, or going up and down stairs is often enough.
To take things up a notch, some mamas swear by curb walking: one foot up on the curb, the other on the road. The small imbalance can open your hips and may help labor progress.
2. Bouncing on a birth ball
Gentle bouncing on a birth ball keeps your body moving and helps baby settle into a good position. To make it extra effective, try circling your hips or tracing the alphabet with them.
3. Membrane sweep
If you're full-term, your doctor or midwife may offer a membrane sweep (sometimes called stripping the membranes). ACOG describes it as a procedure at term where the clinician sweeps around the cervix with a gloved finger to help separate the amniotic sac from the cervix and encourage labor (ACOG).
4. Sexual intercourse
The prostaglandins in semen can help soften the cervix, and orgasm releases oxytocin, which may stimulate contractions. A gentle win-win for a lot of couples.
One caveat: skip sex if your waters have broken, because of the higher risk of infection. Always clear it with your provider first if you've had any complications.
5. Nipple stimulation
Like orgasm, nipple or breast stimulation can trigger the release of oxytocin and start contractions (PubMed). A hand-expression session or a short spell on a breast pump can do the same. Stop if contractions feel strong or painful, and let your provider know before you try this if you're high-risk.
6. Dates
Eating 6 dates a day, in the final 4 weeks before your due date, has been shown in a small trial to:
- Increase cervical dilation on admission
- Shorten the first stage of labor
- Reduce the need for induction
Unlike many old wives' tales, this one has real (if modest) evidence behind it.
7. Acupuncture
Studies show mixed results, but acupuncture may help shorten labor for some mamas. If you want to try it, see a practitioner who specializes in pregnancy and let your provider know.
8. Acupressure
Research is limited, but many mamas find acupressure relaxing and sometimes helpful. It's safe to try at home on yourself or with a partner.
Here's how to do it:
- Locate the following points:
- Four fingers above the inner ankle (SP6)
- The center of your palm (PC8)
- The webbing between your thumb and pointer finger (LI4)
- The depression between your ankle and Achilles tendon (BL60)
- Apply firm pressure.
- Massage in a circular motion for 10 to 30 seconds.
- Rest for 1 minute.
- Repeat for as long as it feels comfortable.
A warm bath can also help you relax between rounds; our guide to warm baths and labor walks through when it helps and when to skip.
Which labor-inducing methods should you avoid?
Most of the methods above lack strong clinical evidence but aren't harmful, so they're worth a try. The ones below are a different story. Mayo Clinic specifically cautions against "natural" induction methods with limited evidence and real risks (Mayo Clinic).
Talk to your doctor before trying any of these, especially if you're already close to your due date or being scheduled for induction. Our dos and don'ts before induction guide has more on how to prep safely.
Castor oil
Some recommend castor oil alone or in a "midwives' brew." It has triggered contractions in a few small reports, but it's far more likely to cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. That can lead to dehydration and stress, which aren't good for you or your baby.
Raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaf tea may shorten labor a little; one older study found the second stage shortened by about 10 minutes on average.
For it to be reasonably safe, you'd need to start around 32 weeks with small amounts and build up. Suddenly chugging it once you've lost your mucus plug can trigger strong, erratic contractions that distress baby and won't feel great for you either.
Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is another remedy to skip. A study in the Journal of Nurse-Midwifery found it didn't shorten gestation or labor, and was associated with prolonged rupture of membranes and higher rates of vacuum extraction.
Pineapple
A normal amount of pineapple is perfectly safe in pregnancy. To actually speed labor, though, you'd need to eat about 7 whole pineapples including the cores. The nausea and diarrhea that would follow aren't worth any minor effect.
Spicy food
Spicy food is a classic labor legend, but it's extremely unlikely to work. Suddenly loading up on spice can trigger heartburn or diarrhea, and no one wants to go into labor with an upset stomach.
When should you call your provider?
Any time something feels off. Mayo Clinic lists vaginal bleeding, fluid leaking, decreased fetal movement, and severe headaches as reasons to call in the third trimester, no matter your due date (Mayo Clinic).
Also call if:
- You're less than 37 weeks and have lost your plug, cramping, or leaking fluid
- Bleeding is bright red or more than spotting
- Contractions are regular and getting stronger
- You just feel something isn't right
It's one of those "better to ask" situations. Your provider would rather hear from you than have you wait it out at home.
Final thoughts
It's completely understandable to want to nudge labor along after losing your mucus plug. Your baby will come when they're ready, so try not to do anything that makes you feel nauseous or unwell.
The best strategy is to keep your body moving gently, whether that's walking, a pregnancy-safe workout, or bouncing on a birth ball. These help baby get into a good position, which really is the most effective setup for a smoother birth. And a handful of dates doesn't hurt.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider, obstetrician, or midwife for guidance specific to your pregnancy and labor.
