Mom's of the forums please read.

[gittyup]

Well, my wife is now 6 days past her due date. If the baby does not come out on her own by 8/6, they will induce my wife. Since this is our second, we were thinking the second would come sooner. Anyway, does anyone know any tricks to help start the labor process?

 

[Yeeny]

Walking, lots of walking. My mom stood on her head when I was overdue, that seemed to work.

And nothing is guaranteed. My first was right on time, my second was early, and my third was a week late. Guess who is not my favorite child now?

 

[gittyup]

Hmmm. Standing on the head. She has been walking every day now. The first was right on time. This one is just gonna be a stinker I guess.

 

[Geekbabe]

Have a nice, spicy meal, as for the evening's choice of activity,ahem... stimulation of the mammary
area, and/or orgasm has been known to help start labor

Btw, she should also ask her Doc or Midwife to strip her membranes.

 

[GagBag]

karate chop! to the abdomen. Or you could try putting some headphones around the abdomnal area and play some really crappy music like john tesh and it will be clawing its way out in no time...

oh wait i'm not a mom, sorry

 

[palad]

A friend of mine in the medical field recommended tweaking the nipples. Don't know if it's just an old wife's tale or not, but it's worth a try...

 

[Yeeny]

Ok, well also, my doctor told me to try mineral oil, in a glass of OJ. And seriously, nipple stimulation is a big help. You can always do that for her, if she feels uncomfortable.

 

[2ndhandnews]

I would hesitate to suggest anything crazy. Some people that I know do things like take lots of laxatives (it relaxes your muscles "down there", and in fact there are warnings on most laxatives that pregnant women should not take them without consulting doctor as it may cause miscarriage--but your wife is too far along for "miscarriage" per se). But it's not good for the baby or your wife to do any crazy home remedies like this--could dehydrate your wife, etc, etc, etc. Just not a good plan.

I think let nature take its course, and if nature isn't quick enough, then demand that the doctor induce her. I hate to say what I"m about to say because then I'll become one of those ppl who tell horror stories to expectant parents, and I never want to do that, but....my sister in law went too far past her due date. The doctor kept delaying inducing her, delaying inducing her, delaying inducing her. The baby wound up dying because it was inside for "too long". She had to have a c-section to remove her dead child. The doctor was devastated, as were my brother and his wife. So be pushy if you have to, but don't let it go too far, know what I mean? (no they did not sue the doctor, as they are religious and felt that if the baby wasn't meant to die, the baby wouldn't have died)

 

[gittyup]

The mid-wife had suggested applying primrose oil on the cervix to help soften it. Gonna go for a double shot of soaking in the garden tub while stimulating the nipples. Then, before bed, apply some primrose oil. Hopefully something will work before Monday...:Q


Edit-> All of the above actions are for the wife to do...

 

[ATLien247]

Six days past her due date, and the doctor hasn't induced her?

My wife's OB/GYN told her that he never let's anyone go beyond a week past their due date... and he's been delivering babies for well over 20 years. He's one of the most highly recommended OB/GYN's in Utah, FWIW.

Anytime you go beyond a week past due, the risk of the child having a bowel movement in utero is greatly increased. This is not a good thing!

If I were you, I would ask the doctor if she could be induced as soon as convenient...

 

[kassy]

gittyup - Homebirth Midwives generally suggest nipple stimulation, orgasms and the fluid that got you to the impending fatherhood stage.
The nipple stimulation will make the uterus contract, and the other two help soften the cervix.

 

[Jfur]

well, my husband was apparently eight weeks late. he did not want to exit

 

[Elita1]

My first did the same thing and I had to be induced.
We tried everything short of some type of oil they say can trigger contractions(I want to say Cod liver oil, but not sure---pregnancy sites like babycenter for info)
I guess sometimes the body needs a jump start. My body responded very well to the pitocin and I gave birth pretty quickly.
Good luck to you and your family! You will be in my prayers.

 

[pulse8]

Doesn't having sex help with that? I think it helps with something, but I don't remember if it's inducing labor or not. Oh well, good luck!

 

[myputer]

With my first I was 8 days overdue we tried everything the Dr. suggested, finally we just had to have it induced medically with pitocin. My second was 9 days overdue, on the 9th day I woke up in the middle of the night in heavy labor. They suggested nipple stimulation and sex, sperm can start contractions. Good luck, I hope she has the baby soon, there is nothing worse than being overdue

 

[Yo Ma Ma]

Actually I think the 40 weeks is just an average, there's nothing magical about it. IIRC anywhere from 38-42 weeks is considered 'normal', after 42 is overdue. Good luck anyway!

 

[konichiwa]

My mom went golfing when I was overdue. She drove the golf cart like she was insane, going over all the bumps at 20mph. Good strategy I think.

 

[Sluggo]

You scare them...um no.

You drink a glass of water...um no.

You drink a glass of water upside down...um no.

Hold your breath for a long time...um no.


Sorry, I only know how to cure hiccups.

 

[Phil21]

unprotected sex is the best way, and I'm not kidding. Semen contains a chemicals called prostoglandins, and if you can get her to orgasm it's even better, since then more prostoglandins are released by her body. (sorry if that was a bit graphical, but figure the context).

My first was born about 8 days late 3.5 months ago. This is what the doctor reccomended although she was in too much pain during the pregnancy to be able to actually do it. We went into the hospital for inducement, and all they had to do was break her water and it was ON. 10:00 -> 1:15 was start of labor until delivery.

So, go use this excuse to get some. You won't have a chance like this for a while! (oh, please believe me. sigh.)

peace,

-Phil