thinking about labour...what helps getting things going..experiences?

[confuzed90]

So I have a while yet, I'm 30 weeks. I went 11 days over with DS1 and was induced due to preeclampsia, I am so scared to be induced again. I don't plan on more children so would love for it to be as natural as possible, with a few home helps. What would you recommend? I've heard of rosemary oil being good..capsules one swallowed one put inside on cervix which helps dilate. I wouldn't do that other oil, can't remember which one it is. That causes an upset tummy. I'm just trying to think in advance so I can make sure I have what ever is needed in, I really am scared of going overdue, induced wasn't a nice experience. Was long and very tiring. Would really love it to be as natural as possible.

It might have been coincidence because you know how so many people say, you can't actually bring on labour if you're not about to go anyway but I ate a whole pineapple every day for 4 days when I was in my 39th week and went into labour on the 4th night.
Contractions were regular 1 minute long every 5 minutes from the start and I'm convinced it was due to all the raspberry leave tea I was drinking from 32 weeks.

ditto MrsHuxtable

I also did lots of walking, kept active and carried shopping right to the end.
day before I went into labour I did a few miles around a lake.

Labour was quick and easy. coincidence maybe, will never know for sure, but I think it helped.

Reading blurb out there all say don't put your feet up tooo much (though of course listen to your body) as being active will help baby get into right position and help cervix shorten and widen when labour is due. I also think resting lots (unless you need to) doesn't prepare you for the running around you have to do once baby arrives, think I felt less run over by steam train cos I wasn't accustomed to inactivity.

Well I am hoping to go to a racetrack near by and have a good jog! Lol. Heard from someone that she was 39 weeks, she got into a big argument and ended up chasing after someone! Wierd I know..anyway few hours later contractions started. Is rasberry leaf tea nice? Not quite sure I could stomach stuff like that..will definatly start with the pineapple.. From about 35 weeks have one pineapple a week and then go onto every couple of days when I reach 39 weeks? I know a lot of people will say just let things happen naturally..but I really can't. if I have to be induced for this one to..I will never know what it actually feels like to go by myself as I don't want anymore. I'm only young, 21. This is my second but I am currently studying in the medical career, and have many ambitions in life.I want to live in australia with a good job and I believe 2 children is enough for me. Although I know that the future will not always plan out right. Anyway what am I blabbing on about :D is second labours true..to be more painful? I am nervous but excited to.I know what to expect with pain, and I ended up at the end with just gas and air as diamorphine had worn off (long labour-24hours).

Raspberry leaf tea is disgusting which is why they make it in capsule form which you can get from places like Holland and Barrats - only one swallow to get the necessary dose instead of 20 yucky ones. :)

however your labour happens will be fine in the end - we have limited control and have to accept that. Doesn't mean to say you can't try to give nature a helping hand though does it. :)

Love that you know where you are going in life - I certainly didn't at 21 and would have made a big difference. Good luck with baby and beyond into Oz-land. :)

They're right about keeping active.

I had acupuncture, which seemed to set off labour with dd. I was induced with ds, so desperate for that not to happen again. This time I'll try acupuncture again, but I'll wait until I'm at least a week over.

OOOoooo I nearly forgot! I had a massage for pregnant ladies which was to assist the pelvic bones to widen/seperate as they need to. It was from sports physio - massage therapy place. When I went I was still pretty tight but the massage (basically a back massage all around the lower back area) helped it to loosen which can't have been a bad thing for helping things along. I went into labour 3 days early with 1st after that. :)