This May Be a Silly Question

This isn't fun but it worked for me. I told my doctor I was ready, and he said he "stirred me up"; basically he pulled my mucous plug, which wasn't very comfortable. I went into early labor immediately and had the baby that night.

Have SEX!!! My husband and I did that five days before my due date. We weren't trying to go into labor early, we just wanted to "do the damn thang"!! OOPS, I went into labor ten minutes later!!

I was late with both my children and tried several things...none worked for me but perhaps they will work for you.
Lots of walking, castor oil, sex, nipple stimulation, some herbs:
* Black Cohosh
* Blue Cohosh
* Evening Primrose
* Bethroot
* Cotton root bark
* Lobelia
* Motherwort
* Partridge berry
Hope it works, and congratulations!

I am a senior midwife student and a former NICU Respiratory Therapist. A couple of other responders suggested having your doctor induce you because some natural things that can induce your labor could harm you. This is such false information. Induction in the hospital can be very harmful to the mother and baby. Also going past your due date does not increase the chances of having a baby with meconium as another responder suggested. I have seen more baby's with meconium that are right at their due date or a litte before than I have baby's that are past their due date. Also, slight meconium is not harmful only thick particulate meconium. If your body is not ready to go into labor it does not matter what you do, including being induced in the hospital. If your body and the baby are not ready nothing will work. This is what we suggest to mom's that are over due to get labor going. Eat a good dinner, high in protein, have sex, get a good night's sleep. In the morning about 6am get up and eat a bowl of ice cream with 2 tablespoons of castor oil mixed in it. Go back to bed. You should start to feel contractions after about four hours. If nothing happens after six hours repeat the dose. This dose is so low that it should not make you sick to your stomach but it might give you a little diarrhea. Castor oil is not harmful to you or the baby and I have seen it work many, many times. If it does not work wait a day or so and then do this: go to the store and buy one bunch of fresh parsley, chop it up. Boil a quart of water and steep the parsley in the water for 15 minutes. Start in the evening and drink half a cup of the parsley tea every half hour. Should take about four hours to finish the tea. Go to bed. The next morning do the castor oil in the icecream again. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Lisa

don't be induced at the hospital! It's so dangerous and not worth it. I went two weeks pass due with my second child. I know how you feel that you don't want people saying, "be paitent!" That drove me nuts. But really... try your hardest not to be induced at the hospital.

We tried everything to keep from being induced in the hospital and what worked for me is my midwife stripping my membranes. You may want to ask your doctor about it before you agree to chemically induce.

I know you are ready to have your baby , but, consider this:

The hormone that begins the contractions is sent out by your baby, not you.
It corresponds with when your baby's lungs are ready to breath air.
I just wanted to give you that piece of info.
good Luck-
A.

I know how hard it is to be patient. The weekend my daughter was due, they had prayers of thanksgiving for the births of babies of 2 people I went to high school with while I was still waiting...and waiting. I tried the nipple stimulation, walking, and sex and then the doctor stipped my membranes. None of it worked - not so much as a Braxton-Hicks contraction. I was finally induced a week and a half past my due date. I was happy with that as my daughter was still so tiny (6 lbs) and didn't grow any the last couple of weeks of my pregnancy so it wasn't helping her to stay in. So bottom line, you can try all of that but if none of it works, you can at least look back and laugh at the effort :) And at least if you walk a lot, it's good meditative/prayer time which can get your mind off the frustration of waiting and maybe be more relaxed by the time the big moment arrives. Good luck!

Walk girl, walk! Get a group of gals together and hit the streets of the neighborhood....worked for me and several of my friends!!! Walk walk walk!!

And, it won't hurt you or the baby!! :)

Good luck!

Have a really nice meal. Have a 1/2 a glass of wine. Go for a nice walk, come home and just relax. Have your husband massage your feet and hands.

This has worked for many friends and was suggested years ago by an "Old Country Doctor".

I;m not sure about the wives tales or suggestions past what has already been mentioned.

I would like to say that inductions do NOT always work as is being suggested to perhaps do in some of the other posts.

I was induced 2 times and ended up with a c-section because my son and body were NOT ready.

Think about ALL your options before persuing them.

Castor Oil. Stay close to the toilet, though.

I did it with my 3rd, and it worked like a charm.

BUT.....

I see that your email says he/she. I take it that you don't know the sex of the baby.

If it's a boy, then you might want to go ahead and wait. Boy's lungs are less developed than girls at birth. If it's a boy, you'll want to give him time to develop properly.

I hear you, though.... I was ready to drive down a bumpy road or pull it out myself if I had to!

Walk and sex- both reported to help by my Lamaze teacher- and if they don't really help- at least it passes the time. Induction doesn't always work- I went in to be induced and spent from 8am to 5pm hooked up to the Pitocin. Not one contraction- not even a blip on the contraction monitor. All day long the nurses kept upping my Pitocin dosage. At 5pm the doctor came in and said "I can break your water or you can go home." Being hungry, I went home. I never went into labor and went back the week later to be induced AGAIN. From 8am to 12noon- no contractions. Finally at 1pm the dr broke my water and Voila! 20 minutes later I had a baby- went from no contractions to baby in less than 30 minutes. My first two came when they were ready- both about 5 days late. It was the third one that was stubborn. (and still is....) Hang in there- that baby WILL come out.

I am 70 years old and I remember when I was having my family that someone told me they were late and they went out and tried to pick up the side of the house. Of course, not a brick house as back then there were not a lot of them, but a wood frame house. They said within a few hours they went in to labor. I never had to try this, but did try the castor oil and it took a few days for that to work. The sex thing did not work as my then husband thought sex every day was normal even when I was huge and pregnant.

I was in your boat. I tried orgasms :-), walking to death, stairstepper excercise step. Nothing worked for me, sorry to say. I didn't try the castor oil though. I did hear several ladies swear by the walking forever. **by the way, with my 3rd - I was induced in the hospital 2 days after my due date with an epidural and compared to my 1st two labors? It was a breeze. I was nervous because everyone told me it was awful. But, it was great for me. My doctor made sure I had no pain, though. Some doctors don't. So, talk to your doctor.

call your local midwives. they have a few tricks. but really, that baby will come when it's time-in God's time...be patient and rest. You'll need it when you finally do go into labor! Good Luck to you.
C.
(Mom of four grown children and one grandbaby)

Hi A.,

You'll have this baby soon! My first was 8 days late; he came just hours before my scheduled induction, and boy, was I ready! Anyway, my doctor had suggested walking (which I did hours of), a big meal with a glass of beer (which I don't drink), and sex.

Best wishes,

H.

Take a walk, get a pedicure, or have SEX!

So many responses, you may have heard this already: eat spicy food. Go out for mexican (no soft cheeses) and get it as spicy as you can stand it. Then walk your butt off. Go to the mall or to the park and walk like crazy. Worked for me once, and twice for my sister. Good luck!

There are a lot of massage techniques that can induce labor, trained masseuses will know what they are and avoid them. (See the note about the pedicure, many nailticians aren't thoroughly trained about this so they will just avoid all risk). You might be able to find a masseuse willing to help you. They may need to see something from your Dr showing you are full-term....Good luck! I was so big (as was my baby) that I was induced early!

I went into labor after a very long day of Christmas Shopping. I walked for hours, ate some chinese food and came home and "Had Sex." The combination of the two was productive. So take a long walk and have some good sex!

Try hanging out in a hot tub
or put a sprig of fever few on the inside of the ankles Check a health food store for it

I walked alot, go to the mall and take a long walk, walk the stairs too. Gravity pushes the baby to get moving. It worked for me. Good luck.

I agree with the responses. With my daughter my dr was the one that told me to go home and have sex and the next morning I went into labor! With my son I walked, did the castrol oil with orange juice(was gross but I was willing) and the nipple stimulation. I'm not sure what worked but the next morning I was on the way to the hospital. Good luck!

Hey girl, hang in there! Ugh it is so hard to be so big and so ready to deliver! When I was prego I was just beyond ready to have the baby. I was reading up on this and what I read was that nipple stimulation should only be tried under the care of a dr because it can bring on really hard contractions and that castor oil probably won't do much more than make you sick. I think your saftest bets are sex, which is a bit uncomfortable at the end of pregnancy, and walking. I truly hope you don't have to be induced. I was induced and it was pretty painful BUT my baby boy is here and all is well. Best wishes to you, and congratulations!!!

Sex sex sex....It worked for me! I went into labor 4 hours later.

Try walking every day. If you've reached your due date, ask your Dr. to recheck everything. My first due date was a whole month before my baby came. If you are in fact ready and all he/she is doing is laying up getting fat, your Dr. may agree to induce. But other than just being tired of being big and fat and pregnant and uncomfortable, what's the rush? Let him come when he wants to as long as nobody's health is in danger.

A.,
I did accupressure points to start my labor. (Don't know if they actually worked, but can't hurt). One spot it that fleshy part between your thumb and first finger. Pinch it very firmly until it hurts and hold for a minute or two. There is a spot on the shoulders near the base of the neck and on the little toe just outside the toenail. Maybe look this up in an accupressure book or online for the exact spots.
The other stuff to try is SEX, spicy foods, castor oil (ew, yuck!), and lots of mild to moderate excercise (like walking or swimming).
Happy labor day!

P. (mom to three boys ages 7,5,and 3)

p.s. I've looked ahead to all the other responses and also now want to add that if you absolutely have to be induced it is not the end of the world. I had to be for my first and third (pre-eclampsia) and still had awesome natural childbirth at the hospital with great support (and even a little curiosity) from the nurses. Whatever happens, it will be your story and you'll end up with a sweet new baby! :)

Sex, walking, and Organic Pregnancy Tea (by Traditional Medicinals)! I started drinking it around 38 weeks but the directions say to drink it throughout pregnancy. I bought the tea at HEB. Look around the natural food section or the tea/coffee section.

My husband and I walked and walked and even though the last thing on your mind is sex because you are so uncomfortable ~ do it! It helps! Also try coaching the baby. Everynight we would rub my belly and tell him that it is okay to come out now and we're ready and he's ready. It works!

Best wishes and God Bless!

My baby was due right at Thanksgiving a few yrs ago. The doc and I both didn't want me to be in labor at Thanksgiving due to the holiday and sometimes poor staffing. He asked me if he could massage my uterus to speed things up. As he massaged, cramping began to increase and intensify. I told him when I could no longer handle the cramping. He was wonderful in that he told me to tell him when to stop. She was born healthy and happy about 7 days b4 Thanksgiving!!!!!

I'm pregnant now and everyone has been telling me that as I get closer to the due date I should have sex because it will help send me into labor. And it is safe as long as your water hasn't broken.

Walk, walk, walk. Not only will it help you go into labor, it will also help your muscles....meaning an easier delivery.

I have heard that if you have sex it will make your labor come. Also, nipple stimulation. I think it is something about the hormones it releases. I had a high risk pregnancy so I couldn't do either to tell you if they really work but it would be fun to try anyway. Good luck on your delivery.

I have heard that having sex late in the pregancy will help it along. I went a day past my due date and was misserable. I am so sorry for you right now. I was induced my baby was a nine pounder! Exercise I think also helps get things moving. If your terribly uncomfortable call your doctor and ask if there is anything they can do. Were rooting for that baby to come on already. Congradualtions.

I was induced. I don't suggest it.
I've heard sex. The sprem and contractions will help speed things along and hey, can't hurt right? It isn't like you will get another opertunity any time soon.
I tried this "mommy tea" from GNC. It tasted great, but didn't have any effect on me.
Good luck.

You can try these things:
Walk, walk walk!
Sex
If a full moon is coming in the next few days - go outside under it
Drink a shot of castrol oil (tastes really disgusting - just a warning)

These are just a few suggestions, though your baby is gonna choose when he/she is gonna come. I'm not saying to be patient b/c at 9 months pregnant, patience is non-existent. But I am saying to hang in there the best you can! I hope something helps that labor come on a little faster.

If you are still waiting (I know it's been a few days) I heard of one thing that worked for a co-worker's daughter. Her water broke doing this. It's called curb walking. You walk one way with one foot on the curb & one on the ground. Then you turn around & do the opposite. Nothing worked for me with my first (though I hadn't heard of this one yet). I do plan to try curb walking in about 2 weeks for my second pregnancy.

I was due March 6th and on the 14th I was willing to try anything... I bought castor oil, did not use two tablespoons, drank whole 2 oz bottle in orange juice (disgusting!)in the afternoon.
Worst idea in the world. It is a purgative (think Purgatory!). 3-4 hrs later, I had diarrhea so bad that I thought I would die. When it was just stomach acid coming through, I got "diaper rash" to add insult to the injuries. Think alternating sitting in bathtub with jumping up to have diarrhea, again...
I did deliver my daughter very early the next morning, on her daddy's birthday, so was actually good timing.

I was a week late with my first child and the doctor wanted to induce. I was very against that. So I had a friend who does reflexalogy and she worked on my feet to incourage my body to go into labor. It worked! Within a few hours I was in labor. I can't hurt plus it is kind of nice getting your feet rubbed. Hope this helps!

intercourse worked really well for us. It may not be the most exciting idea at this point but I had heard it could help initiate labor and it worked like a charm within hours.

A., I know how you feel!!!! A safe way (as long as you are far enough along) is through reflexology. Find a good reflexologist, there is a spot on your foot that will send you into labor within 24 hours!! Good luck & let me know what happens!!
God Bless, H.

I went the same thing with my second child my doctor advised me to go and have sex. Well we did the deed and about 2 1/2 hours later I was in labor. Hope this helps I know your pain.

u should try castor oil...put me in labor within 5 hours!!!

I had heard that having sex will get you along sometimes!
J.

My little girl was born three days after my due date. Someone suggested drinking raspberry tea. I drank some in the evening and my contractions started the next morning at five a.m., then she was born around 2pm. Good luck.

Have sex and go walking!

When I was pregnant with my first I drank castor oil. It tasted horrible, and did not work for me...BUT, I have heard others that swear by it. At the least you will have a clean system in doing it. ;) Also, I have heard tons about taking a long, brisk walk.

Good luck and Congratulations!

Hi,
When I was trying to "jump start" labor, I was told by my OB to walk a lot and to have as many orgasms as possible! I kid you not! Proir to her telling me this, my husband wwas all over me. When I came home and told him he had a BIG GREEN LIGHT TO GO, he wouldn't come near me. A few other of my girlfriends were doing something active when their water broke, walking the dog, walking the mall etc. I am not sure where you live, but in the San Fernando Valley, in Cali, there is a restaraunt that has a "Pregnant Lady Salad" It's not on the menu, but if you ask for it, you'll get a fabulous salad. Rumor has it that with in 48 hrs of eating it, you go in to labor. I did try it with my 2nd. It was a bout a week later, I went in to labor.
Good luck and congrats!

L.

Eat some spicy food!

I always heard sex brings it on

Go for a long walk be sure that someone is with you when you go as the labor could start and you might need the help getting to a car etc. Good luck

I went into labor both times by walking up and down steps. The first time was accidental the second time on purpose. It made my water break, so be prepared!

Sex helps if you want to do that.

I am NOT a medically trained person, so take this as an "old" wives tale.

Oh and I went for a pedicure and she would not massage my feet because it might put me into labor, so maybe a nice foot massage will help?

Good luck!

J

Hi A.,
Red raspberry tea, sex, walking. I did not take the castor oil but ate a can of oil pack tuna fish. Worked on 2 of my deliveries. I went into labor within 12 hrs.
The full moon is the most frequent time for deliveries. The new moon is the second most frequent. Since last night was the full moon, I wonder if you went into labor? I wish you and your new family well. C.

I worked in Labor and Delivery for 3 years. things that can put you into labor are intercourse, nipple stimulation and lots of walking. sometimes these things work for people and sometimes they don't. but it's always worth a shot! good luck!!!

Walk! Walk! Walk! Before my son came (early) we spent a long day at the Round Rock Outlet Mall. I went into labor 2 nights later. Walking really helps.

S.

Spicy food did it for me. My doctor scheduled my induction because I wasn't showing any signs of having my huge baby. So the week I was suppose to have him I finally stopped working and relaxed. I planned out my entire week of spicy food eating. One day of relaxing and one meal of jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon cooked on the grill worked! I relaxed on Monday and had my spicy dinner Monday night. Tuesday morning at 7:30 my labor started.

Good luck and congratulations. I am very excited for you.

castor oil will do the trick. The only harm to it is it gives you the poops but normaly within a day you will have your baby. Good luck

Ask your doctor to induce labor.

Good Luck.

Rosie

Sex did the trick for my last baby. Within 20 minutes after my water broke. Although, I have heard that your body already has to be somewhat ready for this to work. I did a lot of walking and even some lunges.

Hi A. ,,,,
walk that will sometimes help,, but other than that all you can do is talk to your DR
good luck L.

In massage therapy they said something about a point on the foot that can help induce pregnancy. It was on the medial (inside) of the ankle but below the ankle bone somewhere. I can't remember exactly but I bet you could look it up online somewhere for acupuncture or pressure points. Good luck!

walking, and light excercise, a little each day, will do it tried three times every time results were the same.