Bringing on Labor to Be Induced or Wait It Out!

Updated on December 19, 2006
J.J. asks from Spring, TX
23 answers

Anyone have any advice on how to bring on labor! Also should I be induced this week or wait it out! I am full term!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.O.

answers from Sherman on

I was induced with both of mine. One at 37 weeks and the second at 36 (because there were complications) I can't imagine being pregnant any longer then that. I would say ask for the induction.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Houston on

I was induced when I was pregnant with my daughter. I loved how everything was planned out, I wasn't rushing or anything. My husband even had the chance to ask for his vacation from work since we knew the exact day.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Memphis on

whatever you do, don't do the codliver oil thing. all it did was make my stomach cramp, not my uterus. all kinds of ickiness that you don't want to deal with ensued.

what happened to me was i went into false labor a day after my due date and when i got to the hospital they went ahead and induced me. i felt pressured into it by my mother and kind of wished i'd waited. if you do decide to induce, know that i had an extremely intense but short labor. also know that there are stories of women who react badly to the pitocin and have horrible stories to share. the last month is stressful, and when you pass your date after all the anticipation it's frustrating, but try to reason out what you want, not what's convienient for others.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Houston on

Hi J.,

It's probably best to defer to your OBGYN on this one. As long as you and your baby are doing well, waiting is best.

Now, that being said, when I was 9 months pregnant I tried anyting and everything to start my labor. Walking, sex (which we found akward and unenjoyable at 9 months pregnant), spicey foods, even "vigorous exams" by my doc. Nothing seemed to help. My doctor and I settled on a date for induction if I didn't go into labor first. That helped me - at least there was a light at the end of the tunnel! I ended up going into labor the next day.

Anyway, if your doctor says its OK to induce and you're absolutely finished being pregnant, go for it! But when you haven't slept in weeks, remember you could have had a few extra days of silence... :) (just kidding)

A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.V.

answers from Beaumont on

I heard that if you have relations with your other half then that will help if your body is ready for labor. About, inducing, if you are still able to do things and nothing is wrong with you are the pregnancy then I would wait it out. I had my first two induced and I wish that I could of done the labor thing and have my body do it natural. Also, I have heard that when you have an induced pregnancy it is a worse labor then when your body does it naturally. Just do what you want to do, it is your body and your baby. Just remember, once that baby is here your won't have alone time for awhile. So I would wait it out and have a fun time with friends and family before you are stuck at home with a new born. Congratulations on the new baby!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.W.

answers from Houston on

Hi J.:

I just had my first child on Nov. 6, 2006. My due date was on Nov. 4th , but I started to experience slight labor pains. They did not get too intense, but the urge of wondering when I would go into labor became too much to bare. My doctor decided to induce me on that Monday, Nov. 4th. It was hard labor all day and I ended up having a c-section. My advice would be to go ahead and be induced. You are not at any risk of the baby being premature or anything because you are full term. Additionally, by this time you are so exhausted and ready for it to be over. Talk with your husband and doctor to make sure it's what you want to do. One last thing, the doctor will not let you go longer than two weeks overdue.

Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from New Orleans on

Sad to say but if your body isn't ready to give birth then the things that bring on labor at home (like primrose oil, etc) will not work.

Just take this time to enjoy things you like to do because before you know it your little one will be here and you will find it hard to find "me" time!

Good luck with the induction!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Houston on

Many people say that lots of sex complete with mind blowing orgasms helps. The contractions are similar and will help make your natural contractions more productive. Also walking. The more you walk the smoother your labor should proceed. As to being induced or waiting it out I believe that nature is the master of ceremonies. As long as the baby or your health is not in question, why play God? If you have an exercise ball or peanut you can sit on it a lot as well. This helps widen the pelvis especially during contractions. GOOD LUCK!!!!
C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Shreveport on

if you having problems get it done asap if not just wait

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Fayetteville on

Hi,
When I was about to burst I went on a semi-fast (I only ate chocolate chips and cashews) for a day and I drank Red Raspberry leaf tea all day long and I went into labor the next night. I read that women who fasted went in to labor quickly because the baby wasn't getting the food it needed. And the Red Raspberry tea, I must have read that too, but I think it really helped with my labor too because it was all only 7 hours and that was my first baby. If there is a health food store near you they probably have the tea. Just ask. It is in bulk and you just make that single herb tea with boiling water and drink it like that.
I wouldn't induce if I were you. The baby will come soon but I've heard bad stories about inducing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from Anchorage on

I was induced with my baby because I worked up until I delivered and I desperatly did not want to go into labor in my classroom in front of all 22 of my first graders. Looking back i loved the convenience of being able to plan and prepare and know exactly when my bundle of joy was coming. However, I kind fo regret the surprise and romance of going into labor on my own and going to the hospital. We are trying to get pregnant again, and for our 2nd baby I will probably try to wait it out. Bottom line though is whatever you and you dr feel comfortable with.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Fayetteville on

Let that baby keep on cookin'. Sit back and try to relax. Take some nice walks. Enjoy what time you have now, 'cause it will soon all change. :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Pine Bluff on

I was induced at 41 weeks with laminaries on thursday at noon and a cytotech pill at 4am friday morning. That put me in a good labor pattern so I did not have to be put on pitocin. Pitocin can cause a VERY painful and drawn out labor. The only way I would consider being induced is if I were 41 weeks OR having complications. Typically the longer a baby "cooks" the better off they are. Just don't "burn the bun".

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

J. -
As uncomfortable as you may be, I would recommend waiting it out. Provided you are not having any warning signs or complications, I would at least give it a little more time. Induction can be very hard on your body making labor and contractions much more intense. It can also speed up labor which may prevent you from getting any pain management you may have been hoping for.

My Dr. told me the best thing to do was walk - a lot! I have heard the intercourse theory, but it hasn't worked for anyone I know and my Dr. didn't believe in it. Whatever you do, don't ingest anything - codliver oil etc. It isn't worth it. Just try to go on gentle walks daily (or twice a day even - I went on 2 the day I went into labor!) for as long as you can stand it. I know you must be anxious, but no one has remained pregnant forever so the time will soon come! Right now, kick up your feet on the couch and watch a TV show or gp to dinner all without interruptions, because soon enough, that will be something of the past...

Congratulations and good luck! Enjoying this special and exciting time!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.D.

answers from Houston on

Hi J.,
I was induced labor on 39 th week. She said its safe in that week.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.L.

answers from Little Rock on

I say wait it out. Contractions from being induced are way more intense! Only do it if you absolutely have to.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Houston on

I went into labor (after being a week late with both of them) within 24 hours after having reflexology massages. I had to come with a note from my doctor saying it was okay, and was pretty skeptical, but soon became a believer when the "massage" gave me some major contractions right there on the table. It's pretty painful, and the spot they work on is near your ankle. Don't expect to be relaxed. But maybe your massage therapist can throw in a foot rub while you're at it. :) When the contractions came, and through some of the pain, I also practiced my labor breathing. At any rate, my massage therapist said she was 4 & 1 before I came in. (She took credit with putting 4 out of 5 full-term pregnant women into labor.) I became numbers 5 & 6.

My husband and I also tried the sex, walking, and I even did jumping jacks, I was so desperate. :) The reflexology was the only thing that worked for me. Good luck and God bless!

M. B

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from College Station on

well, when I was pregnant with my daughter, (now 3yrs old) my doctor had me induced and it was great. I liked being able to plan - I made arrangements with my work, my husbands, told family, etc. There were no worries about my water breaking or starting labor at 3am or something. What I did was went in to the ER at 6am and they started me on pitocin and then the doc broke my water... I did have the epidural and finally a beautiful little girl at 2:14pm. My experience with induced labor was wonderful. I was lucky to have a wonderful labor experience also. It was amazing. I say do whatever your doctor says. If he says you can be induced, go ahead and do it. If he recomends you wait it out then you'll just have to hang in there. One thing to remember is that it WILL happen!!! You can't stay pregnant forever. =) Good luck and let us know how it all goes!! Congratulations!!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.K.

answers from New Orleans on

that is usually your doctor's call... I was induced 2 weeks after my due date because my baby just wouldn't drop and everything went fine. Unfortunately I tried every wives tale I heard to try to make her come out on her own and nothing worked...spicy food, lots of walking, special massages...all I got out of it was heart burn, a bad back, and well, a nice massage. Talk to your doctor about being induced if he/she thinks it's a good idea then go for it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.N.

answers from Little Rock on

I have gone into labor on my own and induced, honestly it was much nicer to induce. Everything was all planned out and orderly, although there was a little fun with the whole calling my husband at work telling him I was in labor and it was also fun to wake my mom up at 1 am after the hospital confirmed I was really having the baby!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Little Rock on

I regret being induced. I had major back pain from a prior car accident and was in a lot of pain so I had my delivery scheduled. It is hard to say whether my bad experience was due to being induced, or due to my doctor's inadequacy. Either way, all I know is I was induced at 6:00 AM and did not deliver until the next day. I had heard from nurses and other women that induction does prolong labor which I was skeptical about, but now I am a believer! I am pregnant again and will most definitely NOT elect to be induced again. Everyone is different, you must do what you feel is best for you. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Houston on

Eat spicy foods I went into labor early eating chicken wings. I would do want my doctor says about being induced. My first two were induced and like I said my last was bought on by eating chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. Walking helps

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.Y.

answers from Houston on

Ahh! Brings back memories. I was suppose to have induced labor a week after my due date. We went to the hospital only to find that my daughter's heart rate was very low and so I had to have a C-section. If you are feeling overwhelmed and tired, go for the induced.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches