Going against the (my instinctive) grain -trying to get things going @38wks

[Pootletrinket]

I believe that babies will come when they're ready and if they're not, or my body's not ready to deliver, there's not much I can do about it.

That said, having put right a transverse baby last week (37+2), which has kept moving since - yesterday been in oblique lie and today scan confimed cephalic, the consultant just told me to 'get into labour' so am now wondering how and in what order!?

Started taking evening primrose oil today orally and will try the other way tonight!
Should I drink raspberry leaf tea as well? Not been a believer but is it worth a shot?!
I know that sex is meant to help, but I've been seriously off sex all pregnancy and the thought of having it makes me want to turn to the gin (maybe not a bad idea for a snifter?!)
I know curries are meant to help, but feel a little the same way as curries as I do about sex (!) - would Thai curries (ie chilli) do the same?
Am walking and using gym ball already

Should I try anything else?

[SelinaDoula]

Did you try the pregnancy belt to keep baby in a good position?
Thai curry should be fine.
If your baby is not ready though, you are unlikely to get things going whatever you do!
If you really want to give things a go I try these-
Firstly I follow these physical exercises-
spinningbabies.blogspot.com/2008/02/alternative-to-induction.html
I then do a massage using clary sage aromatherapy oil and utilising acupressure points-
acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/Acupressure/induce.aspx
I also get people doing some belly dancing, figure of eights and hip drops-
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTwChBGVUeY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nEdqIopqRY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xolwLOxzJkE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdT98i1YNEk
You could also try vigerous circles on a birth ball for 20 mins (10 mins one way, 10 the other)
Also hot food/curry and sex (if you cant face dtd a diy orgasm is better than nothing)
S x

[nocake]

Unfortunately there really is nothing you can do to bring on labour before your body is ready (other than the drugs used in hopsital for inductions). There are lots of things people suggest, like eating pineapple, drinking raspberry leaf tea and having sex but there is no scientific evidence that any of them work. I assume the consultant is worried about the baby turning again so have a look at the spinning babies website for tips on making sure he/she stays in the right position. Good luck

[Pootletrinket]

That's what I thought, really, if body/baby's not ready, not much luck - but will try!! Reckon starting now might help me avoid being overdue - didn't start any of this last time until I was overdue!

Selina, was advised against the belt but will see how I go with the rest of them. Remember clary sage from last time (yuk!) but will dig it outanyway and got some reflexology tomorrow again.

Believe me, my pubic bone is sore from all the walking, bouncing I've been doing and now I know it's head down again, will get back on the squats!

Unsure if baby's been OK all along (since ECV) and just midwifes were unable to assess, but consultant and her registrar were both very clear before they used the ultrasound.

[SelinaDoula]

Out of interest, who advised you against the belt and what was their reasoning for not trying it?
S

[easylife73]

The drugs that work in hospital to induce labour work because they contain prostaglandin (I think that's the right hormone!). This is why sex is suggested to induce labour, as semen contains prostaglandin too. Now here comes the really disgusting bit...when we were trying to get DS2 out, my midwife told me that prostaglandine can apparently be more effective if taken orally (nudge, nudge, wink, wink from midwife). In other words, performing oral sex and swallowing (!). Wasn't keen to be honest, but we were desperate! Anyway, had a show the following morning and DS2 born early hours of the following day, so maybe worth a try.....

[Pootletrinket]

aaaaagh easylife noooooooooo! That's worse, I think (DH is definitely not feeling the love around me!)

Selina it was my MW, but I can't for the life of me remember why now, will ring her in the morning and if it's not good enough, will see if I can get one. Don't know why I didn't challenge more - but also forgot to tell her about carpal tunnel syndrome and something else (that I forget now) - baby brain finally getting to me

[bessie26]

at easylife's suggestion!

I thought raspberry leaf tea was just supposed to make labour quicker (not start earlier) so don't think that's worth trying (although I got some from Holland & Barrett that actually tastes really nice!)

Other than curry, walking & sex, the only things I can think of are driving over speedbumps (my friend swears this is what started her labour), reflexology & acupuncture.

Will be waiting to see what else is suggested... I'm 38wks tomorrow, but DD arrived at 33, so I feel like I'm a month overdue even though I'm not!

Off to watch those videos now!