Doc said will need to induce early, can I do anything to 'help' go naturally early?

[AdiVic]

hello - My consultant has said that due to an echogenic bowel being picked up at 16 weeks (can be a sign of placenta not working in late pregnancy) they will induce at 38 weeks latest. I have been warned that I may end up having a CS if induction doesnt' work - which I REALLY don't want. I would prefer to bring things on naturally and pop it out like i did with my first. I was 10 days overdue with 1st and had to be induced and things went swimmingly. I had previously tried 4 sweeps, pineapple, raspberry tea, and long hard walk with the dog up hills, a hot curry and even made my poor husband give me one!! Me shouting GET ON WITH IT was apparently off putting. Anyway, I have heard cod liver oil can help - sounds gross, but I'll do it if it means I can help avoid a CS. Also apparently there are some bath salts that you MUST not bath in if P as they can trigger it - anyone know of these? I have also heard reflexology on the foot can help?? Any ideas gratefully received x

I'm planning to avoid a sweep/induction if at all possible via acupuncture, personally, but my midwife says that if your body isn't pretty much 'ready' that a sweep or acupuncture or whatever won't work anyway. Which I realise isn't much help - sorry.

I was induced at 38 weeks with DC2 and it went well - a bit slow, but got there eventually! Has sweep at 38 weeks with dc3 and went into get induced a couple of days later as they thought nothing was happening and while I was waiting to get induced, my waters went and that was it, all happened naturally from then on. So you never really know what will happen until you're into the process. I was like you and was keen to have them naturally but for medical reasons they had to come out early but all went well. Hopefully you'll be the same. I personally didn't find the induction too bad. Good luck!

Don't use cod liver oil it can stimulate your bowels (diarrhoea) which in turn may set off contractions BUT it can do the same to your baby and if they poo inside you and then breathe it in it's v v bad so don't do it. I don't know what to suggest. Have heard good things about reflexology.

You could try taking evening primrose oil - apparently it's a source of prostaglandins (the stuff in sperm and the stuff in the pessary they often give you to kick off induction). It may make your cervix more favourable, and therefore help the induction. Check out this site for some info.

Also birth preparation acupuncture can also help (check your hospital, they may offer free sessions - mine does). You could also try googling acupressure, as there are points on your hands and feet that you can press yourself to help. I bet there are youtube videos about it.

I'd also avoid cod liver oil. If you're not ready to go into labour, then all it will do is give you a bad bad case of the runs. If you are ready to go into labour then the bowel cramping may trigger contractions but sounds like a horrible way to get started (hours on the toilet pooing uncontrollably? no thanks!).

I have some friends and a SIL who were induced at 38 weeks and delivered vaginally, so it can be done. Fingers crossed for you!

Thank you:) Will try eve primrose oil, accupuncture and reflexology. I've read some awful things about drinking the oil, so will avoid that:)