Old wives tales?

Question

Does anyone know any old wives tales that work to start labor?

Answer 1

Induction is not something that should be taken lightly. Just because some say that it is okay for the baby to come after 37 or 38 weeks doesn't mean it is best for the baby or you.

The safest naural ways are:
-Walking, especially up & down stairs, sideways.
-Drinking red raspberry tea
-Sex
-Nipple stimulation
-Some say spicey foods

Here are somethings I have learned recently (I am studying to be a doula)...

Average first pregnancies are 41 weeks 1 day, and the average length of pregnancy in a woman with prior births is 40 weeks 3 days. (Paraphrased from "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer)

"2/3 of all babies are born within 10 days of their due dates, but only 4% are actually born on their due dates."-Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn...by Simkin, Whalley & Kepler


"Some tests are less reliable than others. (For example, estimation of gestational age & fetal weight is less acurate late in pregnancy.)" In regards to Ultrasound testing.
-Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn...by Simkin, Whalley & Kepler

"True post-maturity is rare even in babies born two weeks or more after their due dates." -Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn...by Simkin, Whalley & Kepler

Patience is always best if your baby is not on its way there is probably a good reason, thes/he is not ready yet or that you are not ready yet. Enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Answer 2

All of the old wives tales in the world will not work unless you and the baby are ready. I, personally, have tried many in my 5 pregnancies. Some have worked and some have not. The ones that did work only did when I was overdue and the baby was in position. If I had left it alone, I would have gone into labor anyway, just a couple hours later. Just relax, get some rest. You'll need your strength later.

Answer 3

Old wives tales are not reliable sources of information. They are ignorant tales made famous by people with lack of knowledge concerning, in this case, pregnancy. I have yet to hear an old wives tale that has been useful. Some are actually quite dangerous. The only way to get your sources correct, is to contact your provider or do research in medical reference books.

Answer 4

Everyone said it and I tried everything and with all 3 me and my husband would have sex with the first we did it once and the other 2 it took few but hey its fun. Before I knew it we'd be on our way to the hospital. The doctor said that it has something to do with whats in the *** and I was at least 35 weeks before it would make me go in to labor. Good luck hope it works for you.

Answer 5

Here's what you do. Ithas worked everytime I tell someone to do it.

Go out dancing, I mean really dance, cut up a rug like this is the last night you will ever dance in your life- i'm talking break a sweat. Then go home, shower and have sex.

Don't ask why, but I've told people to do it and, I've seen it work twice on my sister, and she had almost 4 years inbetween her 2 pregnancies.

Try it out. But I definielty agree with everyone else - HAVE SEX!!!

Answer 6

I'm 39 weeks pregnant and I walk daily, having been having sex daily, and have been craving spicy foods. lol. These are all supposed to bring on labor apparently. But, I'm still pregnant. It all depends on when your body is ready. I know how miserable you must be, cause I am too.
Congrats and hopefully you have an easy and quick labor!!

Answer 7

I've heard of having sex, eating spicy foods. Taking walks. Driving down bumpy roads in your car. Etc.

I think the one that supposedly really does it is having sex. Just make sure anything you do is pre-approved by the doctor.

Good Luck.

Answer 8

this is maximum actually previous different halves thoughts. this is the type of asserting that gets surpassed down from one technology to a distinctive. some are genuine and a few at the instant are not. If uncertain, refer to a "clever" person.

Answer 9

There are plenty of them, but I suggest you allow nature to take it's course. The baby will come at the right time when it has developed to the fullest extent. Good luck.

Answer 10

Castor oil.
Sex.
Walking alot.