So I know this isn't the most popular topic, but here's my situation:
With gestational diabetes they don't want me to go past 39 weeks (Currently 35 weeks). So I'll have my membranes stripped at 39 weeks and cross my fingers that it works, but I'm fully aware there is no guarantee. I would really like to avoid chemical induction if at all possible (will be discussing this with my OB today).
So my current plan is to have my membranes stripped and then spend that week doing all the insane (but safe) natural induction things. I don't care if they're wives tales of not. I'll eat all the dates and have all the sex. I get that the baby will come when he's ready, and that most of these things are anecdotal with no basis in science. I understand I might just spend a week being totally stupid for no reason and end up with pitocin in the end anyways, but I'm okay with that.
So I was hoping you guys would be willing to share even the dumbest ideas you've heard about "natural induction". Who knows, maybe I'll document with stupid selfies to entertain you all once I hit 39 weeks.
When I was pregnant with my son, I was induced at 39 weeks; but I refused for them to give me Pitocin or other meds to do so. I had my membranes stripped twice in the week before I was induced, and it didn't really do anything. The day I was scheduled to be induced, I checked in to L&D, and my OB came and broke my water. Labor started and I went from there without any of meds they normally use for induction. Good luck!!
So I know this isn't the most popular topic, but here's my situation:
With gestational diabetes they don't want me to go past 39 weeks (Currently 35 weeks). So I'll have my membranes stripped at 39 weeks and cross my fingers that it works, but I'm fully aware there is no guarantee. I would really like to avoid chemical induction if at all possible (will be discussing this with my OB today).
So my current plan is to have my membranes stripped and then spend that week doing all the insane (but safe) natural induction things. I don't care if they're wives tales of not. I'll eat all the dates and have all the sex. I get that the baby will come when he's ready, and that most of these things are anecdotal with no basis in science. I understand I might just spend a week being totally stupid for no reason and end up with pitocin in the end anyways, but I'm okay with that.
So I was hoping you guys would be willing to share even the dumbest ideas you've heard about "natural induction". Who knows, maybe I'll document with stupid selfies to entertain you all once I hit 39 weeks.
At the end of the day i think all the walking i did at the end and the stairs is what set me into labor finally. I say finally because R was born at 41weeks2 days and yes they said i would have to be induced by the end of the week if i didn't go on my Own. Dh wouldn't do the sex. But i also tried all the usual suspects-pineapple, spicy and hot food, etc. nada. I also had her strip my membranes when i hit 41 weeks.
Post by ladysnowblood on Jan 29, 2015 11:49:53 GMT -5
Okay. This might sound dumb, but last time, starting around 38 weeks, DH and I did the deed DAILY. I was determined not to go overdue, and I didn't. Coincidence? Probably. But you bet your ass I'm going to do it again this time.
Post by mommyofkaylin on Jan 29, 2015 11:57:42 GMT -5
I'm going to start acupuncture around 38 weeks for labor induction. I've read it can take a few sessions, but that it has a pretty good success rate. Other things I've read are: nipple stimulation and raspberry tea leaf
With DS I did the deed frequently, walked a lot, danced....he was still 2 days late.
With DD I did nothing because it wasn't time yet and she came on her own at 36 weeks.
I have heard good things about the big work out balls that you can sit on. I guess it can help open you up? They can be used during labor so I would assume they would help out before too.
Post by NatashaBromanoff on Jan 29, 2015 12:16:03 GMT -5
Look up evening primrose oil for cervix prep. I've been taking it since 34 weeks and am already 50% effaced. A lot of women do it vaginally but a midwife told me only taking it orally is fine.
Red raspberry leaf tea will get your uterus in shape. It's not going to induce you but you'll get more BH which will help the baby get into position.
Pelvic exercises. Check out spinning babies. Also sitting pelvis-forward as much as you can. It sucks because it puts a ton of pressure on your vagina and bladder, but it's better for your pelvis and keeps the baby in the best spot. (This is what sitting on a work out ball does but you can sit pelvis-forward in any chair)
Post by huggabugga11 on Jan 29, 2015 12:25:02 GMT -5
I had my membranes stripped at 38 wks with DS, but I was already dilated 4cm when that happened. Before that I just walked, A TON. Did stairs, pelvic exercises, ate all the pineapple (maybe that's why he has a sensitivity to it now...?), daily sex. After we did the membrane stripping I went into labor, but the contractions slowed and I wasn't making any progress. SO when walking wasn't working, we did the deed, and right after that my hard labor started. Coincidence? Possibly. But I'm gonna do it again!!
This is a good thread! I will be induced by 37 weeks - and not so happy about it.
My H is too creeped out by sex, so it looks like I am going to try to eat all of the pineapple core and spicy food that I can. I also hate to have my nipples touched but might also try that. Oh and castor oil. I'm a little scared for acupuncture. Walking and dancing aren't really options right now...
I had my membranes stripped at 38 wks with DS, but I was already dilated 4cm when that happened. Before that I just walked, A TON. Did stairs, pelvic exercises, ate all the pineapple (maybe that's why he has a sensitivity to it now...?), daily sex. After we did the membrane stripping I went into labor, but the contractions slowed and I wasn't making any progress. SO when walking wasn't working, we did the deed, and right after that my hard labor started. Coincidence? Possibly. But I'm gonna do it again!!
Orgasm releases oxytocin, which is all Pitocin is!
ETA skrittens you can still get the benefit of oxytocin from a little solo fun
So I know this isn't the most popular topic, but here's my situation:
With gestational diabetes they don't want me to go past 39 weeks (Currently 35 weeks). So I'll have my membranes stripped at 39 weeks and cross my fingers that it works, but I'm fully aware there is no guarantee. I would really like to avoid chemical induction if at all possible (will be discussing this with my OB today).
So my current plan is to have my membranes stripped and then spend that week doing all the insane (but safe) natural induction things. I don't care if they're wives tales of not. I'll eat all the dates and have all the sex. I get that the baby will come when he's ready, and that most of these things are anecdotal with no basis in science. I understand I might just spend a week being totally stupid for no reason and end up with pitocin in the end anyways, but I'm okay with that.
So I was hoping you guys would be willing to share even the dumbest ideas you've heard about "natural induction". Who knows, maybe I'll document with stupid selfies to entertain you all once I hit 39 weeks.
I don't know if this induced me but the night before I went into labor I sat on a birthing ball for a few hours watching tv. I also walked 4-5 days a week 2-3 miles each time in the few weeks before birth.
I had my membranes stripped at 38 wks with DS, but I was already dilated 4cm when that happened. Before that I just walked, A TON. Did stairs, pelvic exercises, ate all the pineapple (maybe that's why he has a sensitivity to it now...?), daily sex. After we did the membrane stripping I went into labor, but the contractions slowed and I wasn't making any progress. SO when walking wasn't working, we did the deed, and right after that my hard labor started. Coincidence? Possibly. But I'm gonna do it again!!
Orgasm releases oxytocin, which is all Pitocin is!
ETA skrittens you can still get the benefit of oxytocin from a little solo fun
I wish I would have been able to orgasm, but DH was as not into it as one can possibly be not into sex while having it.
I'm thinking the whole sperm-softening-cervix thing helped at that point.
Post by starsailor26 on Jan 29, 2015 13:03:04 GMT -5
I walked daily my entire last pregnancy, and the last few weeks I took short walks twice a day. I didn't really do anything else to induce labor, and I went into labor at just shy of 39 weeks.
Post by cwbandthenewbie on Jan 29, 2015 13:20:42 GMT -5
I did all the things last time- including a membrane sweep at 40 weeks. Sex, walking, spicy foods, etc. I went into labor naturally at 40 +6. Wish I had better news for you.
ETA- I also did acupuncture at 40 + 1 for induction.
Nada.
But I will share my plan for this time:
1. I will not pack my hospital bag until I'm actually in labor.
2. I will travel the 1.5 hours to work each day until I go into labor (through a tunnel, mind you)
Short of taking castor oil and drinking teas, I ate spicy food, DTD, walked a TON, ate pineapple, and nothing worked.
The one thing that seems like it's more medically-legit vs old wives tale is nipple stimulation. Even if you don't want them to be touched, you could always try pumping to see if that triggers contractions.
Short of taking castor oil and drinking teas, I ate spicy food, DTD, walked a TON, ate pineapple, and nothing worked.
The one thing that seems like it's more medically-legit vs old wives tale is nipple stimulation. Even if you don't want them to be touched, you could always try pumping to see if that triggers contractions.
The sperm thing is legit. Sperm contains prostaglandin which can ready the cervix for labor. Also true about orgasms releasing oxytocin. Both are used to induce labor (prostaglandin as a suppository).
I had my membrane swept at 40 weeks and it did nothing but cause spotting and cramping. Plus, it hurt like a bitch. My friend who is a massage therapist came over and massaged all my pressure points in my feet and legs at 41 weeks. Labor started that evening. Coincidence? Maybe, but she credits herself with getting things going and I'll give it to her!
Guys, ask your doctors before starting evening primrose oil. And if I remember correctly castor oil can cause baby to poop which isn't good so I'd avoid that..
I did all the things last time- including a membrane sweep at 40 weeks. Sex, walking, spicy foods, etc. I went into labor naturally at 40 +6. Wish I had better news for you.
ETA- I also did acupuncture at 40 + 1 for induction.
Nada.
But I will share my plan for this time:
1. I will not pack my hospital bag until I'm actually in labor.
2. I will travel the 1.5 hours to work each day until I go into labor (through a tunnel, mind you)
3. I will plan a night out for 40 weeks + 1 day.
Those things should do the trick, right?
I'm sure we've talked about this on TB -- I drive 1.5 hr to work, too! If you start labor at work are you just going to drive yourself home? I want to, but my co-workers are freaking out and saying they will drive me.
My friend did castor oil after she PROM'd (to protect her home birth plans - had labor not started by 24 hrs she was going to have to go to the hospital for pit) -- she was MISERABLE. The diarrhea was hellacious & she was soooo miserable with it . Once it ended & labor started she was much better.
Membrane stripping at 39-40 weeks is my plan. As much sex as I can tolerate. I have heard great things about dates for easing labor & EPO for softening cervix - I might look into those. But I canNOT have baby before 38&4 (H out of town) so I'll start after that.
Guys, ask your doctors before starting evening primrose oil. And if I remember correctly castor oil can cause baby to poop which isn't good so I'd avoid that..
Castor oil is also a pretty powerful laxative. You have to be super careful.
I'm being induced at 39 weeks, if I make it that long and he turns head down.
One thing I'm definitely planning to do is book a super fancy, signature pedicure, that includes a long foot massage. If it works, awesomesauce! If not, dude, it's luxurious pedi.
When I was induced with DS at the hospital I had cervadil, which is a prostaglandin cervical ripener. That was all it took & I was in active labor, no pitocin needed. That being said I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get the ball rolling with sex & nipple stimulation this time when the time gets closer.
I did all the things last time- including a membrane sweep at 40 weeks. Sex, walking, spicy foods, etc. I went into labor naturally at 40 +6. Wish I had better news for you.
ETA- I also did acupuncture at 40 + 1 for induction.
Nada.
But I will share my plan for this time:
1. I will not pack my hospital bag until I'm actually in labor.
2. I will travel the 1.5 hours to work each day until I go into labor (through a tunnel, mind you)
When I was induced with DS at the hospital I had cervadil, which is a prostaglandin cervical ripener. That was all it took & I was in active labor, no pitocin needed. That being said I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get the ball rolling with sex & nipple stimulation this time when the time gets closer.
In our class the other night, the instructor told us they don't use Cervadil much anymore because a lot of women are allergic to it and there's no way to know until they put it in.
Then Comes Family, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising
program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.