I'd read online that eating pineapple, which contains a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, can help soften the cervix and induce contractions. I love pineapple, so I was game to try this natural method to give my labor a kick-start. I bought several fresh pineapples from the grocery store, cut them up, and dug in night after night. One evening, my tropical snack did induce some fairly strong contractions, but they stopped after about an hour.
The verdict: Eating pineapple may get things going, but for me, the effects didn't lead to baby.