Suggestions to Start Labor

[CPAMOM]

Ok already....Let's have this baby! Any suggestions welcome.

[KerryS]

Sex.

I would not recommend anything stronger than that. If you're not in labor, it's because your baby is not ready to come out just yet.

[Sashahomeschoolmama]

What Kerry said, although I don't think some evening primrose oil will hurt anything.

[KerryS]

No, evening primrose oil won't hurt. But it also won't make her go into labor (which is why it won't hurt).

[feroxfemina]

Sex.

[trylyn5]

Someone on another board I read used a breastpump for 10-15 minutes for nipple stimulation. This caused some cramping and she went into real labor the next day. My guess though is that this won't work unless the baby is coming anyway.

[feroxfemina]

Nipple stimulation can cause very strong ctx, and in turn can cause more stress on the baby. I think Kerry can provide more detail about it, though.

[QuiltyConscience]

Ok already....Let's have this baby! Any suggestions welcome.

:hug: That last little bit is not fun is it?

[Teresa64]

Nothing works...I was exactly 3 days late with BOTH my boys...

I didn't try any of the crazzy stuff though...tried walking...cleaning...cleanig...cleaning...organizi ng...then cleaning somemore.

I even got desperate and decided to go outside and shovel the walkway...
My neighbor came outside and shooed me back in and then made her husband come over and do it...
Good luck!!!

[Teresa64]

Oh yea...sex too..lol

[HammBugga]

How many weeks are you?

[Wolverine]

Sex worked to start labor with both of my baby's at 41 weeks.

[3girls2luv]

Imagery: Imagine your cervix opening like a rose bud or softening like melting butter. This is on a video I use in my childbirth class and it has worked on some women. Oh and sex works too.

[StElmosFire]

:hug:

I say sex also.

[MommytoLuke]

I wasn't trying to start labor with Chloe, but we had sex at 39 weeks just because I knew it would be a very long time before we did it again. So that was around 11pm on Sat. night and by 8am on Sun I was starting to have contractions.

TMI: I had an orgasm and so did he. I think that was the key.

[OJosMom]

:hug: Thinking of you!

[CPAMOM]

I am almost 38 weeks. At my 37 week check he was already 7 lbs 10 oz. I was trying to talk him out before I gave birth to a toddler. I'm just afraid that the baby will be too big and will get stuck in the birth canal.....I am all about waiting for him to come on him own time, but I'm getting nervous...

[Babyblue]

never ever believe the bullshit about "such a big baby" there are only the very miniscule few that cant give birth to a ten pound baby. trying to rush your self into labor is NOT good for you or your baby. your due date could be off as well and forcing a baby out too early does have major health risks. also dont let anybody convince you to be induced or to get a c-section because of a "big baby"

I was told at 37 weeks that ds was already ten+ pounds, at 39 weeks exactly ds was born 5 pounds 12 ounces. there is NO 100% way to tell the weight of an baby before birth, ultra sounds can be ounces or POUNDS off.

[Meredith]

I agree with Babyblue. Very rarely is the baby so huge (or your pelvis so small or distorted) that there would be serious complications. U/S measurements are notoriously wrong, too.

Sex and walking are my recommendations. I can't prove that they actually worked for me, but I went walking at least once a day for the last week or so of my last pregnancy, and my water broke and I went into labor on my own two days before my due date. We also had sex pretty regularly during those last couple weeks.

[Born_a_Diva]

I am almost 38 weeks. At my 37 week check he was already 7 lbs 10 oz. I was trying to talk him out before I gave birth to a toddler. I'm just afraid that the baby will be too big and will get stuck in the birth canal.....I am all about waiting for him to come on him own time, but I'm getting nervous...


OMG...don't listen or believe that shit!!!!! They gave me ultrasounds all the damn time because I was measuring ahead. 7lbs is nothing. Both of mine were 9lbs and over, granted they were a week and over past my EDD. Sometimes women gestate longer...I've come to the realization that I'm probably a 42wker. It is very rare for a baby to be to big to get out!!! Bodies grow babies that they can noursish and deliver!!!!


By the way, there is NOTHING to do to get your baby out unless he/she is ready!!! I tried it all....just because I was trying to avoid a hospital induction.... nipple stimulation, sex---well an orgasm, black cohosh, accupressure, evening primrose, walking which was almost impossible. If your baby is doing fine in there....leave him/her be!!! Besides, you're not even past your EDD!!!

[CPAMOM]

I know the exact conception date because we were charting....I have gestational diabetes, so I was under the impression that I couldn't go the full 40 weeks....I am nervous about my appt. on Wednesday. I want to wait for everything to happen naturally because I have heard that being induced is extra hard on you and the baby. I feel better knowing that I have a great support group here. I think that I am just getting excited to meet the little fellow! Thanks for your help.

[Born_a_Diva]

I know how it is but it is so worth letting nature take it's course!!!! I was induced both times and as wonderful as the birth was, it was equally as miserable....inductions SUCK!!!!

[Meredith]

I know the exact conception date because we were charting....I have gestational diabetes, so I was under the impression that I couldn't go the full 40 weeks....

That's baloney. The only reason you shouldn't go a full 40 weeks is if either you or the baby is in danger. GD doesn't usually pose that kind of risk. I had it twice.

[alejorge]

Am I the only one that tried the castor oil mixed with orange juice. That definately put me into labor. But I will never try it again. I was so sick...........both ends were going from that.

[Born_a_Diva]

Am I the only one that tried the castor oil mixed with orange juice. That definately put me into labor. But I will never try it again. I was so sick...........both ends were going from that.


Oh...forgot to add that to my tried list! It's dangerous and gross!!!! You literally pee poop...if that makes sense.

[Macabe]

Long bumpy boat ride.
That seems to have done it for me.
OTOH, perhaps you don't want to be stuck on a boat if you do go into labor!

[KerryS]

I am almost 38 weeks. At my 37 week check he was already 7 lbs 10 oz. I was trying to talk him out before I gave birth to a toddler. I'm just afraid that the baby will be too big and will get stuck in the birth canal.....I am all about waiting for him to come on him own time, but I'm getting nervous...

You're not even 38 weeks. you have no business trying to bring baby early. U/S measurement of weight is not extremely reliable. It can be a pound off in either direction.

My first baby was 8 1/2 lbs. and I birthed him after 20 minutes of pushing and had only a 1degree laceration.

[Babyblue]

you know, I would have loved having a 7 pound baby, heck I would have loved having a 10 or 12 pound baby. and what did I get, a 5 pound baby that doctors kept pushing formula on because of his weight. and that was a factor in a hellish nursing experence.

you have not researched this, you have not looked into anything, I think you are being very foolish just following bad advice about gd and a "big baby".

kerry is right u/s of weight can be exreamly off. I hope you take good advice from some mothers that have gone threw the same exact thing, rather then take advice from a person who, by inducing you and possible c-sectioning you is going to make ALOT of money off of you and your baby.

[momoffive]

Foot rubs. There is a pressure point in the arch that will start contractions. I have helped 3 different women go into labor this way.

[The_Market]

I am almost 38 weeks. At my 37 week check he was already 7 lbs 10 oz. I was trying to talk him out before I gave birth to a toddler. I'm just afraid that the baby will be too big and will get stuck in the birth canal.....I am all about waiting for him to come on him own time, but I'm getting nervous...
Please read this link
Ultrasound For Estimating Fetal Weight (http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/Prenatal%20Testing/prenataltest-ultrasoundsafety.htm#Ultrasound%20for%20Estimating %20Fetal%20Weight)

[TuetonicWillow]

Everytime u/s was used to guess my baby's size, it was way off.

I was told twice it looked like I had a good 7-8lb baby and size was no concern. They were near 10lbs at birth just days later.

My last one was guessed to be about 6.5 -7.5lbs at 39 weeks. He was 9lbs and 23.5 inches when he was born a week later.

What's the point? You can't tell and u/s guessing for size is Bullshit, as Penn & Teller would say.

[Sputterduck]

You're not even 38 weeks. you have no business trying to bring baby early. U/S measurement of weight is not extremely reliable. It can be a pound off in either direction.

My first baby was 8 1/2 lbs. and I birthed him after 20 minutes of pushing and had only a 1degree laceration.


On some birthing show I saw a doctor induce a woman who's 37 weeker was supposed to be over 8 pounds by ultrasound. The baby ended up 5 something with breathing problems bad enough to land him in the nicu for some time. I was shocked at the doc and felt terrible for the mom and baby.

[TuetonicWillow]

PS- at 37 weeks I can understand being uncomfortable and eager but I can't understand wanting to rush labor yet. At all. I think it's foolish.

[CPAMOM]

Hey...guess what....contractions have started....And I didn't do anything to get them started. I'll keep everyone updated.

[Sputterduck]

PS- at 37 weeks I can understand being uncomfortable and eager but I can't understand wanting to rush labor yet. At all. I think it's foolish.


Especially since there are some 37 weekers that seriously are not ready.

"Sorry you are stuck in the nicu straining to breathe baby, but I was uncomfortable"

[Sputterduck]

Hey...guess what....contractions have started....And I didn't do anything to get them started. I'll keep everyone updated.


Oh well, good luck with that. How far apart are they?

[The_Market]

I know the exact conception date because we were charting....I have gestational diabetes, so I was under the impression that I couldn't go the full 40 weeks....I am nervous about my appt. on Wednesday. I want to wait for everything to happen naturally because I have heard that being induced is extra hard on you and the baby. I feel better knowing that I have a great support group here. I think that I am just getting excited to meet the little fellow! Thanks for your help.
This article is interesting
Henci Goer on GD (http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pcomplications/0,,9z3m,00.html)

and this is also good info
Bishop Scores (http://www.mother-care.ca/bishop.htm)

[jessiehannan]

This article is interesting
Henci Goer on GD (http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pcomplications/0,,9z3m,00.html)

and this is also good info
Bishop Scores (http://www.mother-care.ca/bishop.htm)
According to that, they shoudl have never induced me with my frist. I was a -1. That is scary.

CPAMOM, good luck!

[Sputterduck]

According to that, they shoudl have never induced me with my frist. I was a -1. That is scary.

CPAMOM, good luck!


My mom shouldn't have been induced when I was born. Her cervix was hard, not effaced at all, totally closed, everything it shouldn't be. They put her on pitocin and she doesn't recall anything before that to ripen her cervix. Low and behold I came via emergency c-section. So emergent that they had to use general anesthesia on her and intubated her before she was asleep.

[Babyblue]

good luck, hoping for easy labor and a healthy baby:)

[jessiehannan]

My mom shouldn't have been induced when I was born. Her cervix was hard, not effaced at all, totally closed, everything it shouldn't be. They put her on pitocin and she doesn't recall anything before that to ripen her cervix. Low and behold I came via emergency c-section. So emergent that they had to use general anesthesia on her and intubated her before she was asleep.
I got lucky and they didn't have to do a c-section. I just had to suffer for 2 days of my labor starting and then stopping and then giving me more drugs to make it start again. my cervix was the same way, no contractions or anything, and I was 10 days over due. My blood pressure was high for me, but not too high.

[Sputterduck]

I got lucky and they didn't have to do a c-section. I just had to suffer for 2 days of my labor starting and then stopping and then giving me more drugs to make it start again. my cervix was the same way, no contractions or anything, and I was 10 days over due. My blood pressure was high for me, but not too high.


I'm sorry you went through that. It's so hard on the body when it's not time yet. My mom was over 3 weeks overdue! I think something was wrong and she wasn't ever going to ripen and go into labor. But forcing it almost killed me.

[trylyn5]

According to that, they shoudl have never induced me with my frist. I was a -1. That is scary.

CPAMOM, good luck!


Yeah me too! I ended up with a c-section. I didn't know about this ahead of time. I'm still angry about it. I won't ever take an ob's word for it again.

[Joyto5]

Only time I was ever induced was after my water had broke and labor was kind of sporadic. They were both home birthed and it was done with Castor oil. IMO Castor Oil won't work unless your body is ready, as with any natural inductions.

Baby will come when they are ready. A GF of mine is a 42 week-er. I'm a 38-39er. It's all about when the baby is ready in most cases.

I lied.. I was also induced with my 3rd.. Again, sporadic contractions. Had my membranes stripped and labor started 4 hours later. Again, wouldn't have worked unless your body is ready. It's kind of a jump start for mine.

[The_Market]

How was your appointment CPAMOM?

[Darcy_]

Thinking of you today!

[CPAMOM]

UPDATE:
Ok..my OB almost fell over when she walked into the room. She was shocked that I was still pg. I had my list of questions because I knew that she was going ask if I wanted to schedule something. I am still 2 cm, soft cervix, 80% thinned. She said that an induction for ME would not be as stressful because of how my cervix is right now (vs. people that are not dilated and hard). I asked her about the GD and baby size, etc. She said that she would not want me to go past my EDD, but that she would be happy to wait another week. The baby is fine and strong and there is no current medical reason to rush....SO....I scheduled my appointment for next Wednesday....P.S. She said to stay active and the natural progression of labor would start....Will keep you posted.

[Meredith]

I hope things progress naturally for you!

[jessiehannan]

I hope things progress naturally for you!
I hope this as well.

[The_Market]

She was shocked that you were still pregnant at 38 weeks?

[Meredith]

She was shocked that you were still pregnant at 38 weeks?

I wondered that, too, but I'm guessing she was referring to dilation and effacement, even though neither one necessarily means that labor is going to be very soon.

[Sputterduck]

She was shocked at you still pregnant at 38 weeks? I've known of women who walked around at 4 cm for a few weeks even. Full term isn't a bad thing.

[Sputterduck]

I have to say that it'd be over my dead body that someone would induce me early for GD.

[Meredith]

She said that she would not want me to go past my EDD, but that she would be happy to wait another week.

Just remember this: you don't have to consent to an induction if you don't want one. If you do, go for it - but if you're not comfortable with one, you can say no.

I had GD and a baby that was estimated to be large during both pregnancies. I know that every woman and every pregnancy is different, but I just want you to know that I waited it out during my second pregnancy, and I'm glad I did.

I hope that your labor and delivery go safely and smoothly and that your baby is delivered without complication.

[DiscoPanda]

A chicken enchilada, followed by chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

Worked for me two times. :D

[The_Market]

Incidentally, it really irks me when OBs make it sound like induction will be a cake walk.

If you have a high Bishop score, then it is far more likely that the induction will be successful. However, induction is never easy, and most of the time much harder than spontaneous labor. Just because you have less risk of ending in c-section than someone less favorable does not mean that you will not be in the hospital right from the beginning of labor, hooked to an IV the whole time, denied food the entirety of your labor, monitored continuously (very risky), and at higher risk of fetal distress or uterine rupture.

The alternative to this is spending much, if not most, of your labor in your own home (where it has been shown to be faster and more comfortable) where you will eat and drink as desired, have no reason for continuous monitoring, or an IV (a saline lock is a far different experience from a full IV), and normal levels of fetal distress or uterine rupture.

Sometimes these risks and discomforts are worth it. Definitely, sometimes they're worth it. Sometimes they prevent far greater risks and discomforts. However, the difference between induction and spontaneous labor is frequently downplayed. I think that is negligent practice, frankly. Most of the people I know who agreed to induction did not do so with fully informed consent.

[trylyn5]

Incidentally, it really irks me when OBs make it sound like induction will be a cake walk.

If you have a high Bishop score, then it is far more likely that the induction will be successful. However, induction is never easy, and most of the time much harder than spontaneous labor. Just because you have less risk of ending in c-section than someone less favorable does not mean that you will not be in the hospital right from the beginning of labor, hooked to an IV the whole time, denied food the entirety of your labor, monitored continuously (very risky), and at higher risk of fetal distress or uterine rupture.

The alternative to this is spending much, if not most, of your labor in your own home (where it has been shown to be faster and more comfortable) where you will eat and drink as desired, have no reason for continuous monitoring, or an IV (a saline lock is a far different experience from a full IV), and normal levels of fetal distress or uterine rupture.

Sometimes these risks and discomforts are worth it. Definitely, sometimes they're worth it. Sometimes they prevent far greater risks and discomforts. However, the difference between induction and spontaneous labor is frequently downplayed. I think that is negligent practice, frankly. Most of the people I know who agreed to induction did not do so with fully informed consent.

This was me. Be very sure you know what you're doing.

[Meredith]

ITA with Market.

[CPAMOM]

UPDATE:
I guess walking does work. (: I went into labor on my own at 38 wks 3 days. My water broke and DS came 5 hours later. Thanks to everyone.

[QuiltyConscience]

congrats!!