Ok, so old wives tales for starting labour don't work, I know that. But life would be far easier if I went into labour this weekend. Give me an infallible list of things to try!

[robino]

I'm nearly 39 wks pregnant. DH works 300 miles away and we have 2 DDs (just turned 4 and 2.5). Both DDs came 5 days early, if this one did the same it would arrive this weekend which would be perfect in terms of logisitics. What do you reckon my chances are?

I'm beginning to get very concerned that if this one isn't obedient then I have a consultant appointment on Tuesday and they'll give me a sweep there and then. I've just tried to call my MW to talk this through and whether she might do me one on Friday or say it's ok to tell the consultant to leave it, she'll do one nearer the weekend but she's off sick.

So - I'm going out in a while to buy raspberry leaf tea and maybe some clary sage oil. I am going to blow my birthing ball up. My mum is here tomorrow and Thursday, I may have someone with me on Friday as well so I figured that as of tomorrow I may as well give "operation give birth at the weekend" a shot!. All ideas welcome.

Whatever happens, please post an update after the weekend

I was so desperate with DS2 (even though he was early but not as early as his brother) that went for reflexology, spicy supper, glass of champagne and then dragged DH upstairs and "forced" him to do the business. Sure enough as soon as turned the light out I had my first contraction.
Would definately give reflexology a try as agree that is most pleasant even if doesn't work.
Even if your baby is ready to come, you have to be mentally ready too. If you're waiting for DH to come home then chances are that labour won't start until he's around and you feel that you can "let go".

And if you can't be bothered with all those orgasms, just a bit of nipple twiddling will increase your oxytocin levels, and maybe you'll tune into Radio 4 at the same time

The reflexology point on the big toe is good during labour to relieve pain. The place that stimulates the womb is under the ankle bone in the fleshy part between the ankle and achilles.

My sister in law swore by smarties and a bottle of coke for bringing on both her labours and I tried it and went into labour about 4 hours later. However I had a 40 hour labour so maybe the baby didn't really want to come out then. I'd also been religiously taking raspberry leaf tea capsules but they obviously did sod all to make the contractions more effective.
Good luck.

Right - full scale action plan starts today! Looks like DH isn't going to be home til 10pm - am not happy, you'd think that your wife being 39+wks pregnant with two other children would be a good enough excuse to tell work that you were going to leave a bit early, wouldn't you?

Anybody care to enlighten me as to whether the foul mood I'm in today is a good sign about imminent labour? Kate Bush on the radio has just nearly tipped me over the edge of reason

No I'm due next week I was in a foul mood all morning yesterday and no sign of anything except crippling shooting pains down my leg, which obviously did nothing except put me in an even fouler mood. Kate Bush not recommended during late pregnancy. Or any stage of pregnancy come to think of it.

Sorry no helpful suggestions but the reflexology has got to be worth a go!

Evening primrose oil capsules up the fanjo, overnight so it marinates your cervix. You need long arms and a sanny pad for the morning. Job done.

Have not had a chance to read the thread so not sure if already mentioned but worked for me. Might sound odd as i had never heard of it in england. but moved to nz and seems to be the thing here. evening primrose oil tablets (the oral kind) up the you know where behind the cervix. seems they contain prostoglandins . three nights was all it took me and i had tried everything! AND im a midwife!!! Good luck!

Hi Robino, I went for a curry (not in order to bring on labour, I was a coward about that) and went into labour about half an hour after getting home. Although I was already 3 days overdue and had had a doctor prodding and poking around that day.

I too was in a funny mood that day. Couldn't settle to do anything, everything seemed wrong.

Good luck.

Oh it was a Friday night as well... Good luck!

Agreed that northing can start labour but can't help feeling you could push it a day or so earlier if it is imminent anyway? I did acupuncture with DD - seemingly very effective. Did 2 treatments, one 3 days before birth the other 24 hours before.

Robino - I am in a similar position to you. I am 39 weeks pregnant with my second. We have just moved far far away from all family and friends. The only person we have lined up to take care of my DD when I am in labour is going away in 9 days so I need baby to come before then or we will literally have to bring her with us!
I have eaten 2 fresh pineapples today, 4 huge mugs of rasberry leaf tea, walking up stairs sideways,sex... basically everything to no avail.
I am so tired of hearing all these stories of how labour started for some women 5 minutes after eating a kebab.... does not help!
I am feeling so frustrated/moody/impatient and driving myself and DH nuts.
I think I'm going to book in for reflexology appointment on Monday as have been doing lots of research into inducing labour this evening and it seems to come up a lot.
I was induced with my last pregnacy so I just don't feel like a natural start to labour will ever happen for me.
Good luck and I will let you know if reflexology does the trick

RoaryBear - it's a bit nervewracking isn't it ? I am now more pregnant than I have ever been (DDs both arrived 5 days early, which would have been yesterday) and unless something miraculous occurs in the next 10 hrs DH is back off to work miles away. I do have plans B and C but I want DH there - he was so bloody fab during my last two births I don't want anybody else there.

Thinking of going out for lumch, I think I should scrap the idea of cheapy, child friendly but edible carvery and book in somewhere really posh - that would guarantee my waters broke .

Good luck, have heard lots of good stories re reflexology; may book in some myself for next weekend if we get through the week without DH doing a 5hr emergency dash!

Well, you're all useless . He's gone. Better let plan B know they're back on stand by and figure out how to entertain the DDs for another week without expending too much energy.......

Bump!

Robino, tell us you've popped by now?!