Any tips for getting labour going?

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

I’m 39+1w pregnant and have so had enough. I feel like I’m walking with a ball between my legs and quite frequently feel a lot of pressure down in my pelvis and between my legs. TMI probably. Sorry.

I had a lot of cervical mucus today. Quite thick and snot-like which I read (ad saw pictures online) could be my mucus plug.

This is DC2 and DD1 came at 40+5. DH and I DTD then I had my bloody show not long after. I had a bath in clary sage oil and bounced on my birthing ball a lot and DD was born 17 hours later.

Any tips on getting labour started? What worked for you?

Anyone?

My (old school) midwife for my first pregnancy recommended pineapple including the core. Apparently a bit chemically similar to prostaglandins?

Sex

Anything to boost your oxytocin (love hormone).

We’ve tried sex a couple of times but might need to make it a more regular occurrence. DH will be so disappointed.

Harvesting colostrum! It's not recommended before 37w as can bring on labour. I started trying once a day at 37w and to my surprise went into labour at 37+5 (first baby came on his due date).

@pjani

I can give that a try.

@pjani

Did you do it with a breast pump or by hand?

Fresh pineapple, sex and harvesting colostrum. Worked for me. And you need to harvest by hand. Tonnes of videos on how to harvest on YouTube.

Both of mine finally arrived after a very brisk walk...

Walk, squats, more walks, more squats, some sex!

Castor oil and orange juice.

Very small amount of castor oil

Ive tried everything over my last four pregnancies. The only thing I think that worked was reflexology. And even if it doesn't work for you, you get a lovely foot massage 😂

Thanks all! I’ll give nearly anything a go right now.

@passthemustard I have a massive hatred of feet (my own and other people’s) so the thought of a foot massage fills me with horror.

@BeingATwatItsABingThing by hand. Think it's too sticky for a pump. It's no fun, I got very little, but I hope it works for you! I did it once a day for about 30 mins.

Thank you.