At 40 weeks pregnant, many moms are searching for anything—anything—to get labor going. So when one TikTok user saw a video claiming that sprinting could induce labor, she decided to give it a shot (literally).
In a now-viral video with over 1.7 million views, creator @lizzy.beshea films herself attempting to sprint at 40 weeks pregnant after seeing another TikTok suggest it might help. On-screen text reads: “You saw a TikTok that says sprinting induces labor”—followed by a quick, determined jog across the street. The caption? “Spoiler—it worked.”
The video ends with her husband playfully waddling across the street in a mock sprint, hilariously mimicking her labor-inducing run.
Related: Labor & delivery nurse finally gives birth—what shocked her the most
But while the TikTok is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, it raises a very real question: Can sprinting (or exercise in general) actually induce labor?
What the science says about sprinting to induce labor
Let’s get this part out of the way—there’s no research that shows sprinting specifically induces labor. In fact, healthcare providers typically do not recommend high-intensity or potentially risky movement (like sprinting or jumping) in late pregnancy unless you’ve already been doing similar activity throughout.
However, there is science supporting gentle movement—like yoga, walking, curb-walking, or even light squats—as potentially helpful tools for encouraging labor if your body is already preparing. These movements can help your baby get into an optimal position and engage with the pelvis, which may help labor progress naturally.
So why do so many moms swear by exercise to jumpstart labor?
The keyword here is “anecdotally.” Many moms report going into labor after long walks or light workouts—but correlation doesn’t equal causation. It’s more likely that their bodies were already primed for labor, and the movement helped nudge things along.
Exercise can also release endorphins and increase oxytocin levels (the hormone responsible for contractions), which might play a small role in helping labor kick in—but again, we’re talking light to moderate movement here, not track sprints at 40 weeks.
Generally speaking, most OBs recommend avoiding sudden or strenuous new exercises late in pregnancy—especially high-impact ones like sprinting, which may increase the risk of injury due to loosened joints, a shifted center of gravity, and reduced balance.
Other labor-inducing methods: what actually works?
Aside from exercise, there are a few methods that show more promise than others:
- Nipple stimulation: This is one of the few science-backed techniques that can help induce labor by triggering the release of oxytocin, but it should be done carefully and ideally under medical guidance.
- Sex: Semen contains prostaglandins, which may help ripen the cervix, and orgasm can trigger uterine contractions—so yes, there’s some science behind this one.
- Spicy food and pineapple: Fun to try, but not much evidence behind them. You’d need a lot of pineapple (and possibly a lot of heartburn) to see any effect.
- Dates and red raspberry leaf tea: Some small studies suggest possible benefits for cervical ripening and shorter labor, but the evidence is still limited.
The bottom line
While @lizzy.beshea’s TikTok sprint may have ended in a successful labor story, it likely had more to do with timing and her body being ready than the quick burst of cardio.
Still, her story is a fun—and relatable—reminder of how far moms will go to meet their babies. If you’re nearing your due date and feeling tempted to try some labor-inducing tricks, stick with safe, gentle methods and always check with your provider.
And if nothing else, a walk around the block with a side of pineapple and some curb-walking might just give you something to laugh about later—even if it doesn’t bring on contractions.
Related: Am I in labor? 5 early signs of labor to know about
