Evicting Baby!

Updated on June 25, 2008
J.C. asks from Salt Lake City, UT
32 answers

I'm currently 36wks 2 days pregnant. As of next Friday- I will have been pregnant longer then anyone else in my family (we tend to go early). Next Saturday is our last baby class. I'd like to start trying ways to encourage labor that week or the week after.

Baby is very low- even got a wow from the dr about it as well as we're already having contractions (dr verified)_ and effacement (this is our first so dilation is going slow)- I may not even need the tips as the dr has started moving up all appointments since things are moving along fast.

However- knowing that baby boy is on his own time and I've probably jinxed us to a 42wk induction. What did you guys do to try to bring labor on naturally? Or once its started- to have it be more productive- our baby class said tons of walking- but what other options are there?
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So What Happened?

second update:
If baby isn't here in a week and a half- dr wants to induce. Guess he'll be here soon

Not sure that I phrased it well- but we aren't planning to try for a few more weeks. We have another baby class to get through and because of family history and where i'm at now... We're not even sure we'll make that!

Anyways- We do know the date of conception and my dr is keeping us almost a full week behind that (first ultrasound was 5 days ahead of conception date (4wks 5 days instead of 4 wks) and he's keeping us 8 days behind that). So technically we're barely at 38wks even though we're at 36wk appointment and 40wks from my LMP.

Just looking for ways to speed things up once we're given the go ahead (aka allowed to have sex again and such.) I have a strong feeling that he'll be here by July 13 (i've been right with every other strong feeling this pg) and my fiancee has to work until July 10. Going to try for those three days if he isn't here yet. If Baby doesn't make an appearance until they decide to induce me- we're going to try naturally inducing again.

I really appreciate the tips- and the concern for my son. I hope the ones that help labor move along really work and I love pineapple and raspberry tea! Thanks!

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J.C.

answers from Denver on

J.,
I don't have any advice for you but if someone does give you some PLEASE let me know, Because I am also 36 weeks and due in July. I am ready to have this little guy. So if you get any info please let me know. Thanks. J.

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J.W.

answers from Pueblo on

Don't know how to get stuff going (I finally went into labor the morning before being induced at 42 weeks with both kids), but while in labor, walking is key. I had a doula help me with my second labor, and she and I walked as fast as I was comfortable, then rested, then walked some more. The walking definitely helped contractions get stronger. I would also suggest eating a high protein meal before leaving for the hospital(eggs or something) to have energy for the labor. The last thing she had me do was drink a 32 oz bottle of water, b/c sometimes at the hospital they only let you have ice chips.

Good luck!

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A.S.

answers from Denver on

When the baby's lungs are mature they release a hormone into your system that responds to your hormones, inducing labor. Its a very yin/yang relationship with baby; when you are BOTH ready, it'll happen.

Good luck, hang in there, remember baby is control and as has been mentioned having all their needs met while they are inside is infinitely easier than outside :-)

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E.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

have sex. It's what got you into it and it'll get you out. My friend induced all twelve of her children that way, and her daughter induced that way, too. Good luck.

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M.B.

answers from Denver on

An experienced OB nurse could probably elaborate on these ideas I have heard of:
Rubbing and pinching your nipples very hard and for a long time. I guess it get your milk ready and that sets out the give birth.
Long, vigorous walks.
Also, I have been warned to not get foot or calf massages when pregnant because it can set off early child birth.
Have you asked your doctor about inducing? Having him pop your water?

Your baby may just need a few more days than usual to get ready to meet the world. Good luck!

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Y.R.

answers from Denver on

Have a cleaning fit and buy a new maternity bra! LOL!. My first was three weeks early, I decided to change the bedroom around and clean out all the drawers and that night went into labour. It stopped and I was sent home, only to have an uncontrollable urge to do some weeding, that night was the main event. With my second, I had an urge to do some serious lingerie shopping. Got home to a message from my midwife asking if I had been trying to contact her. I hadn't, but 4 hours later I had to! Baby will come when its ready but just keep an eye out for those uncontrollable urges!

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J.D.

answers from Denver on

Why would you try to force your baby boy out when he's not ready? My daughter was born 8 days late--and though the doctor guessed she was about 6 lbs at 35 weeks (I freaked out at how huge she'd be), she was 6 lbs 12 oz when she was born. Let him come on his own time. It will also mean that your body is ready to go and birth will be easier when you're both ready. Our bodies know how to do this, even if we don't. Sure, there's a few ways to kick start some action, particularly if you're getting towards induction, which does make birth a lot harder. But I'd at least give it until 40 weeks to start evicting. It's a lot easier to have them on the inside, then the outside! Hang in there!
ps--have you heard about rubbing the achilles tendon? It has been shown to induce labor.

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J.L.

answers from Pocatello on

I tend to think babies come when they are ready and all of the speed up methods that a natural and non-invasive only work if you are within a day or two of labor anyway. I am not a big fan of stripping membranes or inducing with pitossin unless there is a good reason. Remember that you haven't even hit term yet and your baby may not be ready to be born until after 40 weeks. I always convince myself it will be a 42 week pregnancy so that I am not so miserable the last few weeks if it does go long. However, make sure you are ready now to be on the safe side.

If you do want a very natural method my friend's midwife told her to eat a really big meal and then take a long walk. It seemed to work for my friend. I tried it with my last one and went into labor that night. However, I went two weeks early with my first two and the one I tried it with was one week early when I had him so he likely would have come anyway.

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C.M.

answers from Denver on

My OB said a baby's lungs typically aren't completely developed until 38 wks. I wouldn't rush a thing. I know the last weeks are hard and you just want the baby here, but in the whole scheme of things, what's a couple more weeks of discomfort for the sake (possibly) of your baby's health?
That said; walking helps, when the baby's ready to make an exit. Good luck.

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T.B.

answers from Denver on

Hello,
Have you ever heard of having your membraines broken. It sounds scary I know but I was having a similar issue with my first boy and someone mentioned it to me. When I went in to have a regular check up to see how I was comming along with the pregnancy I mentioned it to my OBGYN and she thought it was a great idea. I talked to a few friends I knew that had it done and they all said they gave birth within 1-3 days of having it done. I was trying to have a natural birth and my OBGYN was starting to suggest induction so I told her to go ahead and break the membraines. While she was checking to see if I was dialated at all she went ahead and did it and I didn't even feel it. Anyway I went into labor three days later and had my beautiful son.
Hopefully that helps and congratulations on your baby!

T. B.
Team Leader
Bubble Goddess Bath Company
"Natural Bath Products For Your Inner Goddess"
###-###-####
____@____.com

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A.V.

answers from Missoula on

I know you're uncomfortable, but what ALL these other mothers are saying is true. It's better to WAIT IT OUT & have your baby arrive with healthy lungs than to rush things and possibly have complications after birth. It's getting hard for me to wait myself (34 weeks)....but he'll get here when he's ready. =)

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A.P.

answers from Omaha on

I went to a class at the hospital for my first baby and they told me to have sex! I don't know some hormone it gives out also, nipple stimulation, same thing the hormone

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S.H.

answers from Casper on

I know you are tired of being pregnant, but don't try to self-induce. You may causes problems for the baby. I was induced for the birth of my son in the hospital, he was early but I had develop complications and both the baby and I were in danger until his birth. It WASN'T QUICK!!! I was induced for 5 days before my son was born. I just figured he was stubborn and would be born as soon as he was ready!

Try to get as much rest as possible now. You will need it when that baby comes. Good luck.

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J.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I don't blame you for being excited about getting your baby here and for not being pregnant anymore. But I learned after my first that they are a whole lot less work inside than they are when they come out. Enjoy your last bit of time doing things on your own schedule because it will be a LONG time before you have that luxury again. That being said, I think your other posts have covered it all - sex, walking, raspberry tea - all can help, but ultimately it's up to your body & your baby - there will be an eviction eventually. I promise. No one has ever been pregnant forever...that I know of. On your first, definitely resist the temptation to induce labor. The complication rate it huge for inductions on first-time babies. Your body knows what it's doing. Trust it. And good luck! It's an exciting time. Enjoy it!

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H.M.

answers from Missoula on

Please wait. Nobody was ever pregnant forever.
I lived up the hill from a woman who had everything planned out for her homebirth while I was pregnant with my first, and I was so jealous...
Until she tried to induce herself (she had picked out her due date) and had 2 1/2 days of back labor that left her too weak to push when the baby was ready. She had to go to the hospital and her baby was delivered by forceps.
I've had four, and I'll tell you, they're ALL different, even with the same parents. Every pregnancy and every birth is different, just like every kid.
My midwife said, just wait, your kid ain't ripe yet.

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K.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I know it feels like your baby will never come...but he will! You would rather him come on time then to watch him in the NICU because his lungs weren't ready. Just be patient a little longer and before you know it, you'll be holding him.:) Hopefully your doctor wouldn't REALLY make you wait til 42 weeks to be induced! Good luck and enjoy your first baby!

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H.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Your baby is clean and fed. What is the rush?
Schedule a hair appointment.
Buy a cute maternity top and cut the tags off.
START painting a room.
Good luck.

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S.W.

answers from Denver on

Definitely sex...been there, done that. Everything I have read in the past says not to use castor oil...it can be dangerous.

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M.H.

answers from Boise on

Babys usually come when the are ready. I once worked in an OB/GYN office, and I learned that it isn't always wise to bring labor on before the baby does it on his own. The only time dr.s suggested it is if there was a medical problem. (v-vac, diabetes, and other problems) I know it seems like forever, but I suggest you wait til it happens on it's own time. Some babys, especially boys, tend to develop at a slower rate. You don't want to risk something not being right because you were anxious. Be patient, he will come. And I would definetly not do anything my dr. okayed first. When it istime, and when it is ready, that little man will come out, and before you know it he will be 5 and you will wonder where the time went. Be patient and good luck.

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E.H.

answers from Boise on

I felt the same way about my 2nd baby. It seemed like I was pregnant FOREVER! I started going for lots of walks, which brought on more contractions, but as soon as I sat down, they stopped. I drank raspberry leaf tea about 3 times a day for the last week before he finally arrived. I'd ask your doctor about this before you start, of course, but it worked for me! Good luck!!

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J.M.

answers from Grand Junction on

I agree with other mothers that is is best to wait until baby is ready on his own. However, if you are uncomfortable in the meantime massage can be very powerful. Make sure you get one from a professional who will massage you on your side. DO NOT let a therapist lay you on your tummy, even if they have speacial pillow or a table cut out. Sometimes a massage will relax you enough to help you dialate more. If not it's not a lost cause because massage helps tonify the body and get it relaxed which makes labor a bit easier.

Sex ( if your water is not broken), nipple stimulation by your self or hubby, When you are past the 38-39 week and worried about induction talk to a local herbalist or health food store about blue and black cohosh which is a natural form of pitocin and jump starts labor. ( you need to get instructions on proper amounts. Accupuncture has been know to help some women as well. Good luck

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M.P.

answers from Provo on

I'm sorry to say that I think waiting it out is the best option. I've always thought it's best to let the baby come when it is ready. Due dates are more an estimate that anything and you don't want the baby to come before it is ready. Plus, with my first I tried just about everything and I don't think there is a safe, reliable way to induce labor. With my first, my water broke the morning after having sex but I had been having contractions for 2 days. I know when you get to this point you just want the baby out, I've been there 4 times. Effacement can begin weeks before birth, it doesn't mean much unless you are really dilating. I would say if the doctor thinks the baby is coming soon, wait it out. The day will come soon enough.

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A.S.

answers from Boise on

Be patient and let the munchkin come at his due date if that's what he desires and there's no medical reason for you to induce.
I've had 4 munchkin's all c-sections (which suck), because the Dr. of the first one didn't want to wait a bit (according to them I was 2 wks past due, but turns out it wasn't past due at all)but for the last 2 wks I was manually dialated (something it appears you won't have to suffer through) & then put on potocin (sp) when my water broke after a morning appointment. They admitted me instead of just making sure it was my water (as I never had any contractions) & I was put on a double dose of potocin....the contractions machine was broke, so it appeared I was having no to mild contractions. The second munchkin I told the Dr. to leave us alone & let him come on his own w/o their "assistance", 2 wks past their due date, I went into labor,course had to have a c-section, but man going into labor voluntarily was much more "pleasant" then being induced.
I was told that if you walk a lot, that helps thing progress (never did for me, the first 2 boys were pretty stubborn), there's also herbal drinks to help.....but I would NOT go that route without consulting with your doctor first.
While your mom or sibling may have had baby's early, doesn't necessarily mean you will also. Good luck :)

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H.F.

answers from Pocatello on

How and why a pregnant woman goes into labor is still a bit of a mystery, there is evidence that labor is initiated by the baby himself releasing chemical signals that are intercepted by the mother's body and start a chain reaction that results in contracting of the uterus. There are ways to stimulate labor, but they usually will not work unless the baby is ready to be born! (premature labors excepted) The uterus has to be "ripe" and ready to have productive contrations, if it is not then all the home remedies for starting labor will not work. That said, there are the old standbys of walking and sex, sex works because it causes you to produce oxytocin, nipple stimulation will produce oxytocin as well. There are acupressure and reflexology points that can stimulate contractions, talk to a massage therapist or acupunturist for help finding those points. Whatever you do don't take castor oil, it is discusting and can be dangerous. The best advice I can give you is just to take it easy and wait! The last thing you want is to have baby that is not ready for life outside of the womb yet! Remember that your due date is only a rough estimate, most women do not give birth on the due date and that is OK. Good luck and enjoy your pregnancy!

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

Dont be in such a rush, enjoy the time the best you can.
But after 38 weeks, eat tomatoes! Worked for both my boys!

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T.C.

answers from Denver on

Eat fresh pineapple. Take two evening primrose oil capsules 2x a day. These are like a prostiglandin and can also be used as a suppository to help with effacement.
Go for a walk. get a child size step stool and squat on it so your rear is supported and your feet are on the ground. Fix some RASPBERRY LEAF tea and drink a cup every 2 hours and do nippple stimulatio one minute start--two minutes rest; one minute start- two minutes rest, etc.
there are also trigger points on y our feet and ankle that can help....hold your hand out and rest your pinky on the top inside of your ankle bone. Where your first finger rests- there is a trigger point that you can touch and hold. There is also a trigger point on the outside edge of your pinky toe where it meets your foot. Feel free to ask more deatils if you need them. These all worked for me- three labors with scheduled inductions that I was able to start labor on my own to not need medical inductions. Good luck!!

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H.M.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I had one session of accupuncture (she put needles in my ankles and legs) and my water broke two days later (I was 3 weeks early). The accupuncture felt really good and I was super relaxed the whole time. It's worth a try...

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S.C.

answers from Denver on

My husband heard that eggplant helps labor to start. He fixed me eggplant parmesean for lunch and by 1 p.m. contractions were starting. Baby was born at 10 p.m. that night. Could just be coincidence. . .

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A.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

37 weeks, while still considered full term is still awful early to be wanting to put yourself into labor. Give that little guy as much time as he needs to finish cooking. Do you realize that a doctor isn't even allowed to start you more than 7 days before your due date unless it is medically neccessary? That should give you a clue. Let him come as late as he wants.

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

Mine tend to come early, although, here I sit at 38 weeks with nothing happening. With my second, it was a debate as to when to take the baby as I have to have c-sections. The doctor said that in a worst case child, the lungs are not developed until 38 weeks 3 days. You really don't want to rush things. I did ask my specialist last week, and she said sex is the only thing with scientific backing. The hormones are the same as what they give you to efface when being induced. Obviously in much smaller amounts, but it's fun to try! She also mentioned, there are a lot of old wives' tales that are very dangerous to try. Just wait it out, and give that baby all the time he needs. You'll be grateful later. An early baby, even if full term, can have a hard time. My first was "full term", but had no suck reflex and a few other problems. My second did come before the 38 wks 3 days on his own and does have lung issues, as well as other things. We just wonder if more cooking time would have helped.

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K.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

any kind of exercise you feel safe with

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J.T.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I self induced 3 out of 5 of my babies with castor oil, but I must say I waited until I was 40 weeks and sure the baby was ready! Be patient, it has to be born eventually!

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