How to get labor going naturally?

LittleLady77

Okay ladies, they are going to induce me 1 week from today if these guys don't come on their own first. Baby A is in station 3 (as low as he can go) but I'm not dilated at all. I would really like to avoid induction if possible. Outside of Castor oil, what else can I do and when do you recommend doing it (now, the day before induction?) Thanks.

Rrrrrachel

are you already using evening primrose oil?  Both orally and vaginally.  It's supposed ot help prepare your cervix so maybe it would be helpful for you especially?

Sisimama10

You can also start nipple stimulation with hands or with breast pump. Releases oxytocin and can induce contractions.

Also, sex softens the cervix and can get things going.

Lots of walking.

Hope this helps!

Rrrrrachel

Be careful with nipple stimulation. It apparently can be TOO effective and I've heard some people say not to do it without medical supervision because it can lead to intense contractions.

Rachnan

I've heard acupuncture can be very helpful.  Friend of mine had been going through her pregnancy and the day before she went into labor the acupuncturist placed certain needles in specific places to help ripen the cervix, next day, boom. She also swears belly hanging and walking helped her.

avidkeo

As per PP, and walking stairs, bouncing on balls etc. 

From my research sex is the only thing that actually showed any difference, even over castor oil which didn't actually appear to have any effect in the studies I looked at. 

@Rrrrachel I love the "medical supervision" for nipple stimulation - I always get visions of a Dr sitting there supervising your stimulate.... 

LittleLady77

Okay so masturbate with evening primrose oil, have sex and play with my nipples but not until right before induction date. Maternity leave just got more interesting.

mlm646

Doctor told me today (37 weeks 2 days) I can start 1000mg evening primrose oil and have lots of sex. Sex sounds awful right now but I'll do it. I'm also eating dates like crazy after reading a study they can help too.

yellowjellybeans

So sex puts it in and sex takes it out.

Sisimama10

Rrrrrachel said:

Be careful with nipple stimulation. It apparently can be TOO effective and I've heard some people say not to do it without medical supervision because it can lead to intense contractions.

Really? Good to know!

Sisimama10

LittleLady77 said:

Okay so masturbate with evening primrose oil, have sex and play with my nipples but not until right before induction date. Maternity leave just got more interesting.

You'll be one busy lady!

Sisimama10

Rachnan said:

I've heard acupuncture can be very helpful.  Friend of mine had been going through her pregnancy and the day before she went into labor the acupuncturist placed certain needles in specific places to help ripen the cervix, next day, boom. She also swears belly hanging and walking helped her.

What is belly hanging???

LittleLady77

Sisimama10 said:

Okay so masturbate with evening primrose oil, have sex and play with my nipples but not until right before induction date. Maternity leave just got more interesting.

You'll be one busy lady!

Seriously. If I don't respond to the pings you'll all know what I'm up to )

Bees Everywhere

yellowjellybeans said:

So sex puts it in and sex takes it out.

Haha I love this

MamaFantastic

regarding the suggestion to have sex, it's really a two-fold benefit to your body:  the orgasm on your part can help stimulate things and get the process going (not sure how, but i know there's something specific about the female orgasm) AND the prostaglandins in semen help ripen the cervix.

acupressure via a specifically done foot massage can hit trigger points in the soles of your feet too.  i'd lump that in with the acupuncture suggestion.

snmetz7

Acupressure points for induction. https://www.ehow.com/how_5609974_use-reflexology-induce-labor.html#page=1

smashton14th

When my SIL wanted to go into labor, i did the reflexology pressure point on the ankle (watched a youtube video) and she went into labor that night.

sonjarae82

Interesting read on primrose oil.... https://vbacfacts.com/2012/11/13/evening-primrose-oil-dont-use-it-if-you-are-pregnant/

Elf2718

I'm hoping to hold out for 4 more weeks....than it's cranberry juice, a long walk, and LOTS of sex!!

nikki912

Hip opening exercises, squats, stairs, meditation (visualization), plus everything everyone else said.

J&NL

Sex, hold the sperm in for a while to ripen the cervix, prim rose oil, nipple stimulation, orgasms.. All of which ripen the cervix and release oxytocin.

J&NL

Oh yes, the pressure point on the ankle to induce labor. I was told by a doula that some of her clients get her to do that for them and it works but you have to press and hold it several times.

Twirple

You can try jumpstart your labor cookies.  They are basically ginger cookies with cayenne pepper in them.  Even if they don't work, they're really tasty.

https://shoppingfortwo.com/Articles/Pregnancy/breakyourwatercookies.htm

ash3amd

Sex! Maybe it's just me but knowing that we can't have sex for 6wks after LO is born is annoying. With LO#1 we waited only 2wks. But for those who wait the 6wks and then some having sex to try to induce labor on its' own will be good.

shianne09

I'll add I heard pineapple can help ripen cervix also but it has to be fresh not canned!

ksulli

I've heard eggplant. Can't hurt. And you'll need food to keep you going for all the sex. I'm going for a pedicure to see if they might find the pressure points in my feet. Bonus that it's also a pedicure. I have until next Monday to get LO out on my own.

shianne09

I'll add I heard pineapple can help ripen cervix also but it has to be fresh not canned!

sking72

I've heard lemon muffins! And lots of sex and walking, orgasms...I heard driving down a bumpy road (might help with the orgasm )

Luckie519

I am in the club that sex sounds awful right now.  I feel so gross.  Trust me though, DH is still ready to go.  I think it's more the thought I am going to be out of commission once the baby gets here, so he is trying to get as much as he can now. 

ksulli

Sex sounds good in theory, but I'm not sure how execution would go. Last time was pretty awkward (physically) and therefore didn't do much for me. I'm not sure I'd try it again, and I think DH would take a little convincing too.

snowclouds

A lot of good suggestions there.  Has your doctor done membrane sweeps?  Those can be effective especially if you've started to dilate a bit.  Also, red raspberry leaf tea is said to help, but you have to drink tons and it's not that tasty.

KatieGummow

Skipolini's Prego Pizza! I heard it doesn't work, but good excuse for pizza!

LittleLady77

KatieGummow said:

Skipolini's Prego Pizza! I heard it doesn't work, but good excuse for pizza!

Haha! Only if I get to visit you

Marusika

If LO won`t come on his own next 10 days, we`d have to schedule a C-section...so I hope he does!

Since 37 weeks we tried sex.. twice )  

Then.. I want to try rapsberry leaf tea , pressopuncture and nipple stimulation. And.. maybe I`ll eat a pineapple . 

 I don`t really trust these methods. Yes, some may  help your cervix soften... but babies come when the`re ready.

charlyp86

A friend at work got a pedicure and went into labor that night

Marusika

charlyp86 said:

A friend at work got a pedicure and went into labor that night

Is the pedicure a method to self induce labor?  How? :-??

Sisimama10

Marusika said:

charlyp86 said:

A friend at work got a pedicure and went into labor that night

Is the pedicure a method to self induce labor?  How? :-??

Supposedly when they rub your feet and ankles they hit pressure points that could kick start labor.

LittleLady77

Ooopsbaby14 said:

I just did a bunch of raking in the yard and took the dogs for a walk. Nothing yet.

I've decided to attempt to weed my front garden and plant a few things. I keep trying to gander myself into labor. So far I have a stunning yard and no babies it could be worse.

maelic

My husband hasn't wanted to have sex with me since, oh, 2013. Don't see that happening any time soon, alas, and my doctor said it's pretty much the only method that is proven to be somewhat useful. 

ksulli

Pineapple down as my after lunch snack. Then I remembered that maybe it was pineapple core?

RedDawnsRevenge

LittleLady77 said:

Ooopsbaby14 said:

I just did a bunch of raking in the yard and took the dogs for a walk. Nothing yet.

I've decided to attempt to weed my front garden and plant a few things. I keep trying to gander myself into labor. So far I have a stunning yard and no babies it could be worse.

Have been pulling weeds since 20weeks since I was directed to spend 15min 3times a day on my hands and knees by my midwives. Veggie garden looks fan-fucking-tastic. Have planted 5 trees, but all that got me was a trip to the chiro. Ate a pineapple core 2 nights ago, with no luck. I'm going to try those cookies tonight.