Getting labor started

kmornelas29 · September 2017

Now that everyone is starting to near their due dates, I know some mamas out there are trying to induce naturally. What methods or crazy things are you trying in order to get baby out!?

My LO is sitting super low and I have been having mild cramping, so I haven't wanted to do too much yet, because I really want that October birthday! Starting tomorrow though, DD and I are having a dance party, I'm bouncing on my birthing ball, going for a super fast and long walk, and then on Sunday I'm going to try nipple stimulation with the pump! If nothing else, I'm getting some good exercise and a good life with the family at my crazy attempts!

What are are you trying? Have you tried anything in the past (stm) that worked?

sofiaberlin · September 2017

Ha! I am going to try to speed-walk as much as I can... I am really ready for this baby to be OUT! Good luck to you, and let us know if it works on your end

tyannej · September 2017

Evening primrose oil! I've heard it works well. I can't try it because my LO is breech but I had 2 friends that took it and it helped dialate and efface!

lin1019 · September 2017

*lurking* I'm due tomorrow and ever since I've hit the 38 week mark I've been trying evenrything I can to start labor. I've gone to looooong walks, cleaned everything, and pretty much stayed active as much as I can. Also having as much sex as I can coz they say what got it in there would also get it out. Lol. But it's the last thing I want to do because everything hurts, my hip, my back, my legs, everything! Nothing seems to work so far and my cervix is still closed. I really want this baby out. Good luck to all of you mommas!

ailynk · October 2017

I'm due tomorrow - yikes! Last pregnancy I tried everything as bubs was overdue and the only thing that worked was a stretch and sweep. I was stretched from 1cm to 2cm. That afternoon I lost my mucus plug, my water broke the next day and baby delivered.

I know I sound like a worry wart, but please gals don't do anything drastic to break your waters. just because your water breaks, it doesn't mean you will automatically go into labor.

Raspberry tea will help with quicker, less painful delivery. Sex (sperm) helps to soften cervix. Walking and various exercises helps get baby into position. But baby won't push until ready...

If you are not used to spicy foods and spicy foods send you running to the bathroom with cramps, it may encourage contractions and labor. But do you want to have smelly runs during labor?

Castor oil WILL induce labor, however it is a very drastic and painful process, and the three people I know who tried it were having poo explosions during labor which was both very painful and embarrassing for them and midwives and they were exhausted and dehydrated and said it totally wasn't worth the drama.

Sometimes I think all these old wives tales like eating pineapple or dancing or bathing in essential oils (some which work or at least help move things along if you're in prelabor) are mainly a good distraction to pass the time. I hate the waiting game!!!

Have you seen those youtube videos of "dancing till your water breaks" hehe... I had a bit of a dance today - was great to let go and be silly

kmornelas29 · October 2017

@ailynk omg! My daughter and I had a dance party last night. Nothing came of it, but it was a great memory and she slept in until 9:30! Win, win!

sofiaberlin · October 2017

@ailynk Ha! Thanks for your post. It made me smile. And you're totally right of course

ailynk · October 2017

Just in case anyone who is 40+wks is interested... my midwife suggested I take 3000mg of evening primrose oil a day. On day 4 and nothing yet... It usually takes 2-3 days.

virginiaham · October 2017

ailynk said:

Just in case anyone who is 40+wks is interested... my midwife suggested I take 3000mg of evening primrose oil a day. On day 4 and nothing yet... It usually takes 2-3 days.

I would add the caveat to talk to your individual care provider first. My midwife only recommended max 500mg daily.

To add to the list, hand expressing milk/nipple stimulation or pumping can help get the oxytocin hormones flowing, too. Sex does this too in addition to possibly helping to ripen the cervix.

Hang in there and good luck ladies!!

Want a personalized experience?

Getting labor started

Re: Getting labor started

Choose Another Board

Search Boards