Ways of Inducing Labour

[Lia1977]

Apologies but this is ANOTHER thread about how to induce labour naturally.
Im 40 weeks tomorrow (1st baby) and getting very desperate now because apart from a few BH, I dont have any signs whatsoever of impending labour!!!
*Despite the fact that i bounce on the ball everyday and go for long walks, baby has been 3/5 engaged for the last month and hasnt moved. I cant stop thinking that maybe there's something preventing my baby from engaging further and that labour wont start until baby is fully engaged. Am I right to think this?

• Ive been taking Red Raspberry tablets (2400mg a day)for a month now. This morning I bought Evening Primrose Oil tablets and Im planning to insert one "down below" each night before I go to bed. I would also like to take these tablets orally (1000 mg a day)but I worry that Ill be on too many pills. Does anybody know if this is a real issue or should I just get on with it?
• I would like to try out acupuncture or reflexology as so many MNetters have positive stories about it. The only problem is that today when I went to my high street enquiring about acupuncture to induce labour, they didnt seem sure about what I was talking about and suggested an appointment to decrease anxiety levels re: labour. Can anybody recommend any acupuncture/ reflexology practice in North London (Finchley, Mill Hill, Islington, Camden)?
• I have a sweep booked for next week when Ill be 41+2 (obviously Im hoping that baby will make an ppearance before then). Will the MW use a speculum (the instrument that is used in smears)?

I know that baby will come when he's ready but Im so scared of being medically induced that Im trying everything I can to prevent it:(

You don't have to be medically induced unless you want to so stop worrying. I refused a sweep too. My HV was stressing on the morning of my due date and my DP got so cross he told her to go away and leave us alone. In the end I had DS at 40 +6

The baby will come when it's ready. I tried fresh pineapple and just ended up having a horribly long labour. I suggest you relax, put your feet up and eat chocolate biscuits or your indulgence of choice. Unless there is a pressing medical need to get your baby out early, don't let your worries spoil it, you'll be fine.

Congratulations btw.

Sex!! honestly, if you can stomach it at all.

You have just made me laugh BarbieLovesKen:) Im in a bit of a mood with my DH and can hardly move (bump is huge!!) BUT I will definitely give it a go!!
Kathyjelly thank you for your advice. I know i need to relax...

Oooh I know!! its horrible! I was actually really annoyed with DH too around my due date. I made him have sex with me anyway - (PML - that sounds terrible)

You cannot be induced against your will. You can ask to be monitored. A normal pregnancy is 37-42 weeks, you have time. You are not overdue.

And none of the ways of inducing labour work. They are old wives' tales.

Do not worry about how engaged your baby is. Some babies don't engage until you are in labour. It's not a barrier to labour starting naturally.

Please try not to worry so much. You're going to have a baby very soon.

Congratulations.

Orgasm - your DH may, or may not get involved .