By the time you're 40 weeks into your pregnancy, you're pretty much waiting for any sign of labor to begin. After all, waiting for that little baby for nearly 10 months is long enough. Some moms swear that eating certain foods have helped them to induce their labors once they reached the end of their pregnancy, so as you start settling into summer and hitting all of those BBQs, you might consider learning how to build a 4th of July BBQ plate to induce labor.
There's no real data to show that eating certain foods will help to induce your labor, as noted by WBUR, Boston's NPR news station, and Parenting mentioned that what triggers labor is still a medical mystery for the most part. Some natural induction techniques can work, but mostly if you're on the brink of labor, or already in the early stages. As you're approaching the point-of-no-return in your pregnancy, and if you have the go-ahead from your doctor, it certainly can't hurt to try.
As you're heading out to your weekend party, keep these foods in mind, and look out for labor-inducing possibilities so you can make your BBQ plate with the intentions of meeting your little babe soon.
Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette
According to Delish, overdue women in Los Angeles count on a salad topped with a house-made vinaigrette that is said to induce labor. The "maternity" salad, made by Caioti Pizza Cafe, is a combo of romaine, watercress, walnuts, gorgonzola, and the special, labor-inducing balsamic vinaigrette (which they conveniently sell by bottle).
Lemon Drop Cupcakes
Do a quick Google search for lemon drop cupcakes, and you'll be inundated with posts on women swearing that these magical cupcakes have induced their labor. If you're itching for some of these tangy sweet treats, and also hoping to kickstart your labor, these cupcakes might be the key, according to Food & Wine. Look up one of the copycat recipes, and call it a contribution to your next 4th of July potluck.
Pineapple
According to the University of Texas Southwestern, pineapple is the way to go if you're hoping to induce labor. Fresh pineapple — the core, in particular — contains an enzyme called bromelain. The theory, according to UT Southwestern, is that somehow the bromelain from the pineapple makes its way to your cervix and causes the breakdown of tissue there, causing the cervix to soften and stimulating labor.
Though there's no evidence of this theory, it can't hurt to add some fruit salad with pineapple to your plate.
Anything Spicy
Though there's no real data to support this claim, moms around the world claim spicy food did the trick for them. According to Parenting, spicy food is said to be a laxative, and thought to give contractions a start. When you're in the BBQ line, keep an eye out on those hot and spicy BBQ sauces; you might want to add a few extra splashes in the hopes of inducing your labor.
Taco Bell
If all else fails, go ahead and pick up some Taco Bell on the way home. According to Food & Wine, some women swear that Taco Bell is sure to induce. There may not be any rhyme or reason for this one, but if it's an issue of eating Taco Bell and not eating Taco Bell, I think you know which way to go with that one.
If you're trying to give your labor a start, it can't hurt to keep your eyes peeled for any of these foods as you hit your BBQs and street parties. If nothing else, at least you get a yummy meal out of it.
