2006-07-14 05:15:26 · 31 answers · asked by RACHAEL H 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
First of all, let me say something about the other answers. 39 weeks is full term. If the baby was born now, there would be no problems with development. Don't listen to the yahoo's who say there could be something wrong. Second, what ever you do DON'T DRINK CASTOR OIL!!!!!!! All it does is cause horrible stomach cramps and diarrhea, it can also cause vomiting. It will make you more sick then start labor. Also, don't try nippel stimulation unless you are under the care of your doctor while doing it. It can cause really bad contractions that do nothing for dialation and effacement.
K.. now that I've said that, let me tell you what you can do to help your labor, might not work, but it's worth a shot.
1- walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. The more the better. It moves the babies head down lower in the pelvis and can help with dialation and effacement. Also, walking releases endorphines which will make you feel better about yourself, even if labor doesn't start.
2- Have sex. Really, honestly, it has worked many times. Semen contains prostoglandins which help soften the cervix and help with dialation and effacement. Orgasm for you can help start contractions. Plus, it's fun and it will be the last time for a while, so give it a shot!!!
3- Reflexology is a good one to try. There are 2 spots that may help. The first is between your thumb and first finger. There is some skin between there. Pinch that skin between your thumb and first finger of the other hand, hold for 15-20 seconds and then release. Do this for 20-30 minutes at a time. There is also one 2 finger widths up from your ankle. You will feel an indentation on both sides of your leg. Pinch in those indentations. You will feel your tendon right there. If you feel that, you are in the right place. Do it the same as you did for your hand. You will know on both spots that you are in the right place if the spot is sore to touch.
4- Try raspberry leaf tea. It has to be raspberry leaf, not just raspberry. You can get it at the grocery store by all the other tea. You have to drink 3-4 glasses a day. It tastes pretty good, so even if it doesn't work, at least it wasn't nasty.
5- Evening primerose oil is a good one too. It can be bought in either the caplets or just the oil. If you use the caplets, you can take them orally, or you can insert one in your vagina, up by your cervix before you go to bed. It will dissolve and can help to soften the cervix to help dialation and effacement. If you use the oil, you can rub it either on the perinium, the skin around your vagina and rectum, or on your belly. Either way, it seeps into the skin and can help relax the muscles.
I hope some of this helps!! If all else fails, talk to your doctor. Good luck!!!
2006-07-14 05:50:24 · answer #1 · answered by odd duck 6 · 12⤊ 0⤋
No one method has been proven to work. In fact, many of them may even be counterproductive. The thing is, you can maybe get yourself to have contractions, but unless the baby has released a hormone, too, you won't go into actual labor. It is a combination of the mother's hormones and the baby's that facilitates labor.
Don't try castor oil or other herbs. Most herbs haven't been tested on pregnant women, so you could be poisoning yourself or your baby for all you know. Castor oil can make you have diarrhea, which causes dehydration, and the dehydration is what starts contractions. Dehydration is not a good thing!
So relax, try to distract yourself, and good luck going into labor soon! I am almost 39 weeks, and I do feel your pain! :)
2006-07-14 07:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by Laurie F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
me, too! I am 39 weeks, 4 days, and going bonkers! Nothing has worked for me at all. I am not even getting Braxton Hicks. Sooooo, instead of trying to induce labor anymore, I am just distracting myself. Yesterday, I went out to dinner with my husband, today we are going swimming and grilling with friends, and eventually, my baby will be here. I really liked Miranda's answer on how to induce. So the only thing I would add would be to stop TRYING to induce, and TRY to enjoy life. I get depressed and frustrated when these methods don't work. It is more fun to have fun than to try to coax a stubborn baby out of the womb.
2006-07-14 06:36:03 · answer #3 · answered by mountain_laurel1183 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do ALOT of walking that will push the baby down further into your pelvis.I was the same way you were and my dr told me to have sex because there is a chemical in semen that works like oxytocin does which is a drug that speeds up labor they give you in the hospital if your contractions slow down or stop all together.I dont know but I know I went right home and had some good sex and later that night I was going into labor.But if i was you i would just relax because in not to long your beautiful baby will be here and you will not have much time to do much of anything.Take sometime for yourself wether its catching up on sleep or watching tv or doing last minute shopping good luck to you
2006-07-14 05:24:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't rush! The baby may not be ready, the lungs and kidneys may need that xtra week+.
Other than that I just did alot of walking, straight into a nice warm/hot bath and drank chamomile tea. This was recommended by a friend, and I had my baby 2 days after doing this. Be patient!
2006-07-14 05:24:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to walk alot it will help the babies head fall into place and help you dilate.
And watever you do don't eat herbs. Some people think they're good for abortions and going into labour but no one has tested the effects they have and could really harm your baby.
2006-07-14 05:54:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a reason why you aren't in labor yet. Its because the baby isn't ready to come out. Just be paitent. You could try going for a walk, that is suppose to help, plus its healthy for you. Good luck!
2006-07-14 05:45:13 · answer #7 · answered by elab213 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, sweetie. I've been in your position before. I really don't think there is anything you can do. I was 42 weeks before I delievered. I walked every day and did practically everything else, nothing worked. Baby will come when baby is ready!
2006-07-14 05:44:07 · answer #8 · answered by oremus_fratres 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they say having sex helps you along, especially if you have orgasim, as it contracts your muscles down there. you could also try having a hot bath, as hot as you can bare it, dont try the old wifes tale of cod liver oil i did and i was up all night sick and with stomach cramps,and it never worked. my baby was 11 days late after trying all these things, lol so maybe best to just let nature take its course, good luck with your new arrival. x
2006-07-14 10:55:06 · answer #9 · answered by shirls m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk
2006-07-14 05:18:23 · answer #10 · answered by Scotch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋