Bringing on labour naturally

[c307]

I'm 38 weeks and just wondering- is there actually anything that brings on labour realistically?

I've heard of most things people say but has anyone actually had success with them? I really don't want to go overdue but I know it's a strong possibility.

I don't know if I had the sudden urge to clean the patio doors because my labour was imminent, or if the cleaning brought on the labour, but it worked.

Sperm! Sadly this also involves sex which at 38 weeks is probably not on your list of favourite things to do right now haha.
I tried all the old wives tales with no effect.
Sperm is a natural prostaglandin and can help to soften and irritate the cervix.
Closer to your due date also allow gravity to help. Walking and staying on your feet as much as comfortably possible.

@c307

I'm 38 weeks and just wondering- is there actually anything that brings on labour realistically?

I've heard of most things people say but has anyone actually had success with them? I really don't want to go overdue but I know it's a strong possibility.

If there was a failsafe method then there wouldn't be a need for inductions.

Apparently lots of walking and sex is supposed to work!

I did walking, sex, drank raspberry leaf tea, ate loads of pineapples and a ridiculous amount of very hot curry (not all at the same time) All my babies were very late. I think that is just the way I am built. I had good, healthy natural births. I have one friend who gave birth to two babies on their due dates. That's actually really rare.

Let your baby and body decide when the time is right (within reason, obviously, if there is a serious need for an induction or a c section please do that).

I do believe walking or keeping active helps the baby settle down into the cervix though so try to keep mobile.

Sex for the reasons above, and scrubbing the kitchen floor apparently.

I believe sex (though you have to orgasm) is the only proven way of having any impact.

The baby will come when it's ready. Put your feet up and relax.

Nipple twiddling can really help so I'm told

Stewed apricots worked both times for me!

I did some 'labour inducing' yoga off YouTube. I went into labour the next evening after doing some more 'labour inducing' labour.
Hard to Sat if it was the yoga or if we were just ready though as I was 39+6 when I gave birth

The midwife said 'hot curry and hot sex'. Then added that walking is good too.

I believe there is some limited evidence that colostrum harvesting, sex, and raspberry leaf tea can all reduce your chances of going overdue. And possibly dates, but I might be misremembering that one...however obviously we are talking about a reduction in the chance of going overdue, not a failsafe way to ensure that you don't.

Reflexology, nipple stimulation, sex, walking, bouncing in birth ball.
Good luck