Tips To Start Off Labour?

[TheLionessShare]

Hi

I was due yesterday and so far nothing is happening. I had my last midwife appointment on Thursday where I was supposed to have a sweep, however they said this couldn't be performed as my cervix was still closed although they did state that my cervix was soft, midway presented and baby was very low, likely 3/5 engaged. I believe I was scored between a 2 and a 4 (whatever that means).

They discussed that if nothing starts naturally by upcoming Friday I will need to go in to be induced though this process will likely be very slow depending on priority. The induction process they discussed also sounded horrific with talks of drips and balloons being inserted to force things along. I live quite a distance from the hospital and don't have access to a car so I don't really want to be in a wild goose chase position of needing to go back and forward if a space happens to become available and then needing to leave or whatever if nothing happens as they need the beds or something.

Is there anything I can try to hopefully get things started? Ive tried several of the old wives tales like curry and a really long walk, etc yesterday.

I really want things to be as natural as possible especially with the process they talked about sounding quite invasive and painful.

I've got nothing but the standard tips I'm afraid - stay active and walk a lot, spicy curries, doing the deed, I'm sure I heard something about pineapples too!

Sex and constantly bouncing on your birthing ball

My midwife said; hot curry and hot sex and raspberry leaf tea.

Sex
Curry
Raspberry tea
Trip to IKEA

Just the standard Im afraid

I did all the usual things people recommend: long walks, express colostrum, lots of sex (a challenge with a 9 month bump😂), spicy curry, curb walking, raspberry leaf tea.

None of it made the slightest bit of difference and I still had to be induced

No, I don't think any of these things work very well, and having been very late with my pregnancies, I have tried them all! If anything, they make it all more stressful as you are anxiously monitoring for signs and symptoms - thereby making it even less likely that labour will start naturally. Just stay moderately active and relax!

First babies are notoriously late to the party! Spending time up and active, doing the ball exercises, squats and lunges all help baby descend into the pelvis.

Just to note inductions are usually a recommendation and worth asking for benefits, risks and alternatives of. I just turned down one my Dr. offered for my due date in a few weeks, because after chatting through it didn't feel like the right option for me this time. Totally personal depending on each situation so great to have a proper discussion with your health care provider on pros and cons.

Best of luck getting that baby moving!

@TheLionessShare

Reflexology
accupunture
pregnancy massage
sex - this has been proven to help
bouncing on the ball
walking up the stairs sideways
yoga positions
walking
swimming
raspberry leaf tea
hot curries
sweeps

this is just my opinion, but if you can avoid an induction for as long as possible, do! I had one and regret it.

good luck OP xx

You definitely don’t “need to be induced”. Induction is an offer and an option, and one I personally think should be avoided unless you want it, or there’s a proven risk to baby. If you have time, read Sara Wickham book “Time”, it makes you realise how due dates are very randomly decided, and how induction is pushed far too much by the NHS.

Thanks for all these suggestions. I can give most of them a try over the next couple of days. Though sex is out the question as I'm essentially flying solo on my parenting journey.

I can just pray my body is kind to me by Friday 😅

Trip to IKEA - honestly
Worked for me and least 3 of my friends

In reality- keep active