When labour has started

Contact us:

• Peterborough City Hospital 01733 677266

• Hinchingbrooke Hospital 01480 847480/81

Telephone us if you experience any of the following:

• you have any concerns about the movements of your baby

• you think your waters have broken

• your contractions are becoming more painful and regular and you need midwifery support

• you have experienced any blood loss

• you have any other concerns
  

Our midwives will then be able to help you decide whether you can stay at home or need to be reviewed in hospital.

Natural ways to start labour

There are no proven ways of starting your labour yourself at home. You may have heard that certain things can trigger labour, such as herbal supplements and having sex, but there's no evidence that these work. Having sex won't cause harm, but you should avoid having sex if your waters have broken as there's an increased risk of infection.

Other methods that aren't supported by scientific evidence include acupuncture, homeopathy, hot baths, castor oil, and enemas.

For more information on induction, you can read the NICE guidelines on induction of labour. NICE also has information for the public on induction of labour.

You can find pregnancy and baby apps and tools in the NHS apps library.