How To Dilate Faster During Labor: Safe Methods - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeHow can people speed up dilation?

Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on May 30, 2025

How to dilate faster
Tips to speed up dilation
The stages of labor
Summary

Some people claim that certain exercises, stretches, relaxation techniques, and laughing may help a pregnant person dilate faster. However, there is typically only anecdotal support for these practices.

Dilation is the widening of the cervical opening. Increased dilation is a necessary physiological process for childbirth, and its progress is a key indicator of the final stages of pregnancy.

In this article, we assess the efficacy of home dilation techniques and detail when medical intervention is necessary.

Every pregnancy is different and progresses toward estimated due dates differently. While people may feel anxious if they have not started labor by the estimated date, they should always consult a medical professional before attempting to speed dilation or induce labor.

How to dilate faster at home

Close-up of a woman rubbing her baby bump with space for copy. — Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some home practices may help to speed up dilation. However, there is often a lack of scientific backing for these claims, so a person wishing to try them should consult a healthcare professional before doing so.

Move around

Getting up and moving around may help speed dilation by increasing blood flow.

In a 2022 study, researchers reported that walking for half an hour at a moderate pace (2.5 miles per hour) three times a week from week 38 of pregnancy may help induce labor.

Have sex

Many people claim that sexual intercourse can hasten labor when at term. Proponents typically claim that intercourse and orgasm increase the release of the hormone oxytocin, which may promote contractions.

However, a 2019 review assessed 1,483 pregnant people across three studies and found no evidence that sexual intercourse increased spontaneous labor onset.

In most cases, it is safe to have sex during pregnancy unless a health professional advises against it. It may not be advisable if:

the waters have broken
a person has placenta previa, where the placenta partially, or completely covers the cervix
a person has a history of premature labor
a person is pregnant with twins
cervical incompetence, where the cervix opens prematurely
amniotic fluid leaks

»Learn more:Safe sex practices during pregnancy

Use an exercise ball

Use of a birthing ball during labor is a common practice that can help a person stay active, manage contraction pain, and position the baby for birth.

A small 2021 study of 22 people reports that using a birthing ball alongside a COOK balloon intervention can shorten the time to labor and increase cervical ripening compared to COOK balloon use alone. However, it is important to note that this study involved people undergoing labor induction in a clinical setting rather than a home one.

Relax

If a person has yet to reach their due date, the best way to progress the pregnancy is to try to stay relaxed and let the body’s natural processes take their course.

Medical intervention

While labor is a natural process, there are times when a doctor needs to intervene. Medical intervention may be necessary if:

the baby is more than 2 weeks overdue, and active labor has not begun
a person has an infection in the uterus
the water has broken, but there are no contractions
underlying medical conditions will complicate delivery for the mother or baby

There are two main ways that labor can be induced:

Hormonal medications: A doctor may apply a hormone-containing gel or tablet inside the vagina to promote dilation. Hormonal medications may also be oral. These typically contain the hormone prostaglandin.
Medical devices: Doctors may insert balloon catheters (a small balloon filled with liquid) or osmotic dilators (a type of small sponge) into the vagina to widen the cervix

Most people will receive hormonal medications as a first course, unless there is a medical reason against their use.

»Learn more:How and why doctors induce labor

The stages of labor

There are three distinct stages:

Stage one

This stage has three phases.

In the first phase, the cervix dilates to 3 cm. The baby drops lower into the pelvis, and this increases the levels of prostaglandin in the body, which stimulates dilation. The mucus plug that has sealed the opening of the uterus during pregnancy will fall away.

Capillaries in the cervix can rupture during this stage and cause bloody discharge known as the ‘bloody show’. This is normal.

The next phase is active labor, when the cervix will dilate further. Some doctors mark the end of this phase when the width of the cervix reaches 7 cm. Others use contractions as a guideline.

The final step in this stage, called the transition phase, lasts until the cervix dilates to 10 cm.

Stage two

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix dilates to 10 cm and ends with delivery. The length of time can vary from person to person, and various factors influence it.

Stage three

In this stage, the doctor will deliver the placenta and cut the umbilical cord.

Summary

It is not advised for a person to try to hasten dilation at home. While many people claim that having sex and certain exercises can speed up dilation and labor, there is little scientific evidence to support their efficacy.

It is essential for a pregnant person to work closely with a medical professional as they approach their due date. Every pregnancy is different and it is often best to let nature take its course.

However, in some specific situations, a doctor may use medical methods to encourage dilation, but this will only occur in a clinical setting.

Surgery
Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Women's Health / Gynecology
Parenthood

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Carbone L, et al. (2019). Sexual intercourse for induction of spontaneous onset of labor: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31521572/
How to use a birthing ball. (n.d.).https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/how-to-use-a-birthing-ball/
Inducing labor. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/inducing-labour/
Pereira IB, et al. (2020). Physical exercise at term for enhancing the spontaneous onset of labor: a randomized clinical trial.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32223479/
Shen H-C, et al. (2021). Birthing ball on promoting cervical ripening and its influence on the labor process and the neonatal blood gas index.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8717508/

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on May 30, 2025

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