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Childbirth

Induction looming... Keen to avoid... What worked for you?

11 replies

Underwood2013 · 30/06/2013 21:00

Hi all,
I'm 40+6 awaiting the arrival of ds1... Been reading the threads on here recommending all the 'usual' trends to speed things up aka curry, sex, pineapple, walking, castor oil, etc.

Wondering if anyone has gone down the acupuncture route with any success? And/ or reflexology? Been doing reflex and had a false start last tues but then nothing since except (tmi alert) now a few days now of loose bowels. So now I am booked in for acupuncture tomorrow in the hopes that this will kick start things properly...

I'm suffering with spd and horribly swollen legs/ knees/ ankles / feet so would really like this baby to come out but I am also keen to avoid induction if possible as I just hear so many less than positive experiences...

Any comments / thoughts / advice very welcome!!

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catherine19 · 30/06/2013 21:17

Oh dear. I went 13 days over and it was hell! Those 13 days were worse then the labour it's self so u hav my sympathies. I ate loads of pineapple, drank raspberry leaf tea, bounced on a gym ball, ate spicy food, had sex (who ever said that helped just wanted a laugh!) had 3 membrane sweeps, walked lots, cleaned the kitchen floor and jumped up and down singing baby come out! I honestly believe it was just time that actually worked! I started contractions 2 days before induction was booked but kept slowing down, I had to hav my waters broken but avoided a full induction but at that point I wud hav done anything!
Good luck x

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sandiy · 30/06/2013 21:24

Tried everything I've been induced twice first time for twins.Its not so bad actually normal deliverys both times.Disadvantages are very strong quick contractions I had epidural for twins hospital policy as second baby was breech Natural for second.Both labours quick three and half hours for twins from first real contraction to placenta delivery and two and half hours second time.I sympathise though last two weeks are hell.

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Underwood2013 · 30/06/2013 21:25

I think you are right about the time bit... As much as I am hoping for a magic wand to get him moving south...

I had a consultant make an attempt at a sweep (failed) this past week and it was so much worse than I expected - which has now completely put me off internal exams & sweeps unless really necessary.

Hence my veering towards homeopathic methods....

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ditavonteesed · 30/06/2013 21:27

sex, lots of sex, I was induced with both of mine, but with dd2 we had a lot of sex (mainly to try and avoid induction) I had one pessary and she was born about 4 hours later, plus if it doesnt work you can at least have fun.

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busyboysmum · 30/06/2013 21:29

I'm a big fan of sweeps, started things off for me each time, and internal exams got things restarted when contractions had slowed down. Anything that jiggles the insides I think which is why I think sex works (hah as if!)

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Startail · 30/06/2013 21:31

Sex here too.

DD1 was small for dates and I think she agreed with the consultant that it was time to get out. Anyway I went into labour in the early hours of the day she was due to be induced.

Sorry probably not what you feel like after a non to gentle sweep.