QuestionI am 38 weeks and 1 day and I am due August 25th I am sooo ready to go into labor...Is there anything I can do to make that happen???Any suggestions???
AnswerDear Brittney,
I know you're frustrated - as many women are as they near the end of their pregnancy (especially during the summer). But you really shouldn't even consider trying to begin your labor until you are around 40 weeks pregnant or overdue. That's because your due date could be inaccurate by a few weeks, and if you start your labor before 40 weeks, you might give birth to a baby that is not quite ready to thrive outside your body.
There are things that can be done that might make you have contractions and start your labor, but they'll only work if your body is ready. If your body isn't prepared to go into labor, you can try and try but you will only frustrate yourself.
If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born. Also, by standing upright, you're using gravity to move the baby down into the pelvis. Another plus: It usually feels good to walk when you are contracting and being more fit will help so much with labor, even if true labor doesn't begin right away.
Believe it or not, sex is one of the things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his semen (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions.
For decades, women have been using castor oil to help induce labor. In fact, many old school doctors and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor. You can take 1 to 4 ounces of castor oil mixed with 6 ounces of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You'll want to drink it quickly because of the unpleasant taste. But keep in mind that castor oil usually will cause your bowels to empty within about three hours.
Another method (although scientifically unproven) is spicy food. Many women claim that it was their spicy meal that stimulated their labor. However, it is important to remember that going into labor with a full stomach can often result in seeing that meal again in a not so appetizing manner!
Again, until you are a bit closer to your due date, I would recommend that you try to be patient and wait until your baby decides when it is time. You don't want to rush anything along that shouldn't be rushed.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a joyous delivery when the time comes! :-)
Brenda
