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Original poster

If you believe you successfully induced your own labour, how did you do it?

95 replies

TheWorldIsCrushingMe · 01/12/2025 12:51

That age old question!

The consultant just told me that he'll likely schedule a c section in Christmas week and I would really rather not! If I can get the baby out naturally just before then, that would be amazing.

So what really worked for you?

OP posts:
Justmadesourkraut · 01/12/2025 12:58

Raspberry leaf tea. But there are some warnings online about how/ when to use it/ not use it.

Could be coincidence, of course. But I gave birth to ds2 at 38 weeks, two weeks after starting the rlt - and have a very short labour with him.

Best of luck.

Hawkmoth · 01/12/2025 12:59

This: https://ebay.us/m/IIpWW7

I'm not sure I would recommend it!

SJM1988 · 01/12/2025 12:59

Driving down a bumpy road - I was 41 weeks though. 100% that last pothole kick started labour with my first.

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Justlostmybagel · 01/12/2025 13:02

A long walk up and down an extremely steep hill. Then sex that evening.

My waters broke the next morning as I was getting out of bed! Movie-style too, in a big messy waterfall.

somanyspottydogs · 01/12/2025 13:02

Friend of my daughter's borrowed her pony and went for a trot ( she was a rider), her baby arrived that night!

Btowngirl · 01/12/2025 13:04

Agree with raspberry leaf tea! My labour was so quick. Also a sweep, despite not having faith in them, I did start labour 7 hours later. I was 10 days over by that point though!

Sixesandsevens67 · 01/12/2025 13:05

Raspberry leaf tea, reflexology, sex, curry, walking around including walking up and down the stairs.

Greenpeanutsnail · 01/12/2025 13:07

For me, it was completely and totally accepting that I would have to be induced. Both times, once I’d accepted that was what would be happening, I went into labour the following day.

Hoppinggreen · 01/12/2025 13:09

Rage
I had severe sickness so spent the whole 9 months hangry.
I went for a routine chck up a couple of days before my due date and ended up being told to go to hospital because my proteins were high and it could be pre eclampsia
Waited for hours to be told they had to induce straight away - I called DH to bring my bag etc and asked if it was really necessary to do it now
Was told yes and if I didn't agree it could be dangerous
Sat around for a couple more hours to be told there was no bed so I had to go home and come back tomorrow
Phoned up to be told no bed so just wait at home
Got a phone call to say come now
Got there - no bed
Got told to go home and call tomorrow
I said I was going to go into Labour and THEN they would have to BLOODY DO SOMETHING
4 hours later I did
The rest of it was a farce as well but I am convinced that pure rage causd me to go into Labour

BertieBotts · 01/12/2025 13:11

Not me, but a friend of mine thinks that one time when we got together and laughed so much it sent her into labour.

Maybeitllneverhappen · 01/12/2025 13:12

I didn't particularly "do" anything, but my best friend was due at the same time as me (first babies) and her husband phoned to tell me she'd had their daughter . He was obviously a bit in shock still (😅) and it suddenly made it real. I was going to have a baby!!! Shock and fear pushed me into labour I think!

8008isbest · 01/12/2025 13:14

Nipple tweaking with ds2. I wish I'd tried it with ds1, he was 15 days overdue. I was induced with him.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 01/12/2025 13:17

I was staying with DPs, was watching a really hilarious film - laughed so much that my DM said ‘You’ll start your baby off,’ and lo, my waters broke at about 2 am. Dd born that afternoon.

(Dh was an 8 hour flight away, in case anyone’s wondering.)

ShesTheAlbatross · 01/12/2025 13:18

I think the only thing that’s been really shown to induce labour is nipple stimulation. But you have to do quite a lot I think.

8008isbest · 01/12/2025 13:22

ShesTheAlbatross · 01/12/2025 13:18

I think the only thing that’s been really shown to induce labour is nipple stimulation. But you have to do quite a lot I think.

Yes and use something to stop them getting sore.

Justlostmybagel · 01/12/2025 13:24

ShesTheAlbatross · 01/12/2025 13:18

I think the only thing that’s been really shown to induce labour is nipple stimulation. But you have to do quite a lot I think.

I also read this and spent loads of time expressing colustrum to try and induce labour. Did nothing for me, unfortunately.

MidnightPatrol · 01/12/2025 13:24

I had a sweep which I think really got things going.

My midwife was happy to do this from 39 weeks (I was previously induced and wanted to avoid this).

TheRolyPolyByrd · 01/12/2025 13:25

Serious walking with two of mine. Walk much further than you are accustomed to and push yourself to walk faster. Get knackered. Then go home and get into a relaxed frame of mind. Convince your body that you are safe and comfy and this is a great time for a baby to emerge.

Also tried curries and sex but they didn't work.

Velvian · 01/12/2025 13:27

Not recommended, but went for a rural walk, got lost and walked a few miles, some of which carrying a toddler. DH and in laws were with me.

MsPossibly · 01/12/2025 13:28

Not one I've shared widely (!) but nipple tweaking worked like an on/off button. Baby born 4 hours later.

AmberBeaker · 01/12/2025 13:30

1st, waters broke at 37+5 right after doing the deed- because it was early I feel convinced that started it.
2nd was overdue at 40+3 I had tried absolutely everything with no effect but on the day I started I walked really far like 10km. But I'm less convinced on that one because he was overdue so would have started soon anyway.
The first time I definitely feel I inadvertently brought labour on early.

SirChenjins · 01/12/2025 13:31

Reflexology - that and the fact I was ready!

Statesider · 01/12/2025 13:37

I am sure it was the pineapple I ate. I went into labour only a couple of hours later.

ReallyShortAttentionSpa · 01/12/2025 13:40

Had a shag. Went into labour the next morning.

dailyconniptions · 01/12/2025 13:42

Raspberry leaf extract tablets from Holland and Barrett. Take religiously daily during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. More effective and less faffing about than tea. Nipple stimulation and eating fresh pineapple around due date.