How to home induce your self

Morag - posted on 02/19/2012

2nd babies come out like a breeze my first I was in labour for 55 hours then he was in distress 3 times. my second was like a dream. went into the birthing pool and 30 mins later he was born. a lot easier !!!

Samantha - posted on 02/19/2012

never try the castor oil may said it works but its only because it make you poo so much it trigger contractions its horrible i attempted it my body wouldn't let me drink it. try walking nonstop go to the mall and sex. squatting and if you can get to a whole foods ask for help finding third trimester tea with red raspberry leaf in it. i walked everyday starting at 38 weeks and drank that tea then had sex only twice i was also 2cm and 90% effaced, get an exercise ball and just sit on it and move your hips back and forth for a little then bounce. i ended up going into labor the 22nd my due date two days after they said they were going to induce me on the 30th. and this is with my first child

Triana - posted on 02/19/2012

however as someone else said why does dr want you in labour now as 37 weeks is a prem labour prehnancy norm is 40 weeks

Sarah - posted on 02/19/2012

The baby isn't ready until you go into labor :) Your doctor might be going on vacation during your due date time, so he wants you to try to go into labor now, but the baby will come when the baby is ready ... haha ... doctors can be funny sometimes. We can't control when our bodies decide to go into labor. Most of the time, none of the above things contribute to going into labor; you can be in a dead sleep at 3 a.m. and the baby will come if it's time. Just relax and let nature take its course :)

Triana - posted on 02/19/2012

keep going with the sex as long as you are enjoying at least if nothing else happens you are having fun,one thing ive heard of that you havent tried is castor oil

Celina - posted on 02/19/2012

U could try a slow off road drive or boar ride if where u permits for the weather. Walking onerous on the sidewalk one one the road, worst comes to worst and u could have someone get u castor oil it's gross but it mixed right just shoot it back and let er go

Ann - posted on 02/19/2012

vaginally insert primose gelcaps for several nights....I believe it is 3 per night for 4 nights...you can google the exact prescription. An NP at the OB office wanted me to self induce my 2nd child, he was over 8 pounds at 38 weeks....anyway, by the fifth night, my water broke and went into labor!

Lesley - posted on 02/19/2012

You're ONLY 37 weeks pregnant. You're baby will come when it's time. Your body obviously is already doing exactly what it know how to do, and is preparing to go into labor. I am a midwife, and (without knowing anything about the rest of your history, of course) don't think there is ANY reason to push this labor sooner than it needs to start, and MANY reasons to allow your baby to go to term.

All the things you mentioned are fine. I would not advise you to do anything more dramatic, and to keep this doc at bay from pressuring you to force the issue.

All the best to you for a great birth!

Shannon - posted on 02/19/2012

Just let it happen naturally. Doctors are not always right. I had a greedy OB-GYN with my second child and she stripped my membrane at 38 weeks without telling me until after the fact she did it. I looked her in the eyes and said did you not hear me, I didn't want to go into early labor. She wanted to induce me since I was in the first trimester because my first born was 5 weeks early. She assumed my 2nd was going to be early and wanted to schedule a date for delivery at her convenience. Sure enough I had the worst cramping and bleeding the next day and my baby came. Despite the doctor saying that stripping the membrane might make me go into early labor and might now. She was DEAD WRONG! Just let it be and take it easy. It's your body and your baby! Good luck with everything and hope you have a safe/fast delivery and healthy baby.

Kathy - posted on 02/19/2012

Hi Amanda, I don't think there is any way... I tried everything with my first one as well and she decided she was ready at 41 weeks and that was that. Besides, studies show that babies who make it to at 39 do a lot better so unless there is a problem I am surprised your doctor would be recommending and early delivery. Good luck!

Kristal - posted on 02/19/2012

if you're trying things and it isn't working then baby really isn't ready. If he's ready it will work. Don't rush him.. screw what your doctor says what does he know about your body and what's going on inside it? U/S are so often wrong especially this late in the game.. and from the research I've read they tend to say that baby weights are higher than what they actually are. I say let him bake a little longer.. 37 weeks still isn't even considered full term.

Renee - posted on 02/18/2012

i also have big bubs (10lb7 8lb7 -2weeks early 9lb -1week early)number 4 is due in may and my dr is refusing to induce this time (last 3 were induced) so im with you! at 37-38 weeks i will be trying EVERYTHING! (except castor oil as it can make the baby poo inside and damage its internal organs) but ive heard loose bowels bring on labour, so maybe lots of foods that give you the runs or an enema? bouncing on an excercise ball too, it uses gravity to push bub down. pinapple you need to eat 7-8 fresh pinapple (like to see that done!) ignore all the negative comments. you know your body and its your life/birth/baby so do what is right for you..xx goodluck i just seen the date and havent read all the posts yet :/ i would love to know how you went tho.. :)

Kate - posted on 02/17/2012

Try bouncing up and down on an big exercise ball. Helped me before my water broke and also helped me to have a quick labour...

Cathy - posted on 02/17/2012

Let nature take its course and get a new doctor!!

Gloria - posted on 02/16/2012

I went 43 weeks with my second, and he came at just the right time. 37 weeks is way to early to induce even by "natural means." I can tell you by my 42 and 43 week pregnancies that most safe and healthy means of inducing just won't work until the baby's ready (which he/she knows better than your doctor). Other more sure-fire ways like pitocin (my first was induced at 42 weeks) will work...sorta. Labor will start, but the baby will probably face more hazards like lowered heart rate, cord wrapped around neck or body and from my experience will not be as ready to thrive in the world. My first had a "good weight" but was scrawny for his length and was not as ready to nurse well and I suffered from milk supply issues with him and many other issues that were caused or made worse by being born early (at 42 weeks, mind you). My doctor let me wait longer with my second because of my history and because I gave a little chance my dates were off. We did fetal monitoring every other day after 42 weeks, and he came on his own 3 weeks past the due date. He was bigger than my first, but not too big. He came out strong and without any issues, nursed great and has always been healthier to this day. I don't understand why your doctor wants you to have the baby this soon unless you have preeclampsia or other health issues or the water has broken. By the way, I think I was dilated 2 cm both times a month or more before birth. Just think of it as "free" since you didn't have to get it with labor pain. :)

~♥Little Miss - posted on 02/16/2012

I wish everyone would stop saying caster oil already. Amanda, any news yet?

Kaye - posted on 02/16/2012

I took a good dose of caster Oil & it worked within 24 hours.

Raquel - posted on 02/15/2012

I had a third degree tear with my second baby - she had a tiny head so I know that the forced pushing did it. My third baby had a HUGE head, but my midwife had me breathe out, and otherwise let me do what came naturally. Tiny tear that healed in 2 days. The waiting before pushing, and letting the mom push at her own pace, is the key. A lot of changes take place down there during normal birth. Your doctors has A LOT to learn - perhaps he should take a midwifery course ;)!

Leanne - posted on 02/15/2012

castor oil (but be careful to stay hydrated and evening primrose oil

Valerie - posted on 02/15/2012

I am just curious, this post was originated on 2/5.. it's now 2/15... is there a baby to brag about yet?? I truly hope everything worked out well for you!

Vicky - posted on 02/15/2012

If your doctor really beleived it was in your best interest, and was okay for the baby, he would admit you to the hospital and induce you under controlled circumstances. The fact is that NO hospital will allow him to do that before 39weeks without a medical indication.

Terra - posted on 02/15/2012

I'm not sure if your doctor bothered to tell you this or not but an induction without the onset of natural labor increases your risk of vaginal tearing. Pitosin can cause contractions that are stronger and last longer then they would in natural labor. This can cause a baby to be forced out more quickly and not allow your body the chance to stretch naturally. In this case your doctor being "old" is not a good thing. He has a very old school way of thinking and appears to be ignoring all of the new research that has been done since he started practicing 20+ years ago. I understand that you trust your doctor but sometimes you need to do your own research especially when it seems to be going against the advice of so many others. It's better to be fully informed before you make any decision then to just follow blindly the advice of any one individual (be it your doctor or even the women here). If you've done your own research and feel that you are truly 100% informed as to the pro's and con's of your decision then then you can believe in the choice you made with no regrets one way or the other. Good luck mama. I truly hope that you have an amazing birth and that your precious baby is born healthy and without incident.

Allison - posted on 02/15/2012

Have your doctor sweep your membrane and see if that works! Good Luck!

Pamela - posted on 02/14/2012

Let Go and let GOD! Say a prayer to your baby and tell him or her that it's alright to come out (while stroking your swollen body LOVINGLY). Perhaps the child's energy has some reluctance from past life experience....who knows!



Speak to your body and the child and let both know that it's okay and that you are ready to receive the child in deepest LOVE!!



I have always believed in mind over matter!

Tracey - posted on 02/14/2012

get your dr to do an internal this worked on 2 of mine ,I also drank raspberry/cranberry tea and lots of nipple stimulation but was the internal that did it

Barbara - posted on 02/14/2012

My son was 36 weeks and had all kinds of issues his blood would not clot, hos lungs were not developed, he got RSV pnemomnia and that is very dangerous for a baby. He was 6 months old before he was really out of the hospital, there are many other health problems I did not mention, let it happen at gods time.

Barbara - posted on 02/14/2012

Casteroil will work it tastes very bad but it will work or do as my daddy did to me ride around in an old beat up ford truck it will bounce you around-lol

Gretchen - posted on 02/14/2012

I would want to know why my doc wants to induce before 40 weeks! I know it's not an exact science, but doctors don't have all the answers, and inducing even 3 weeks early could be detrimental. I had a friend whose doc told her that her baby was 9lb+ at 37 weeks, so decided to induce, which lead to an "emergency" c-section. Baby was born at 5.5 lbs and had so much trouble breathing on her own that she was in the NICU for 2 weeks.



Know the risks, get a second opinion, and tell your doc to relax unless there's a medical issue that's forcing an early birth (such as preeclampsia).

Catherine - posted on 02/14/2012

My first son was induced at 41+5weeks, if I had left him until he was READY he would have died. My second son was born at 36+4weeks, he was NOT classed as premature but full term! So honestly it her decision, she not doing it off her own back, doc said it what she should do! Castor oil starts your bowels working causing cramps but if you cervix not ready you will be in a lot of pain! If you are dilated your cervix is ready! But I would use castor oil! It way more painful, messy and if you deliver while still under influence! VERY embarassing!! But at end of day it up to you x

Joanna - posted on 02/14/2012

your baby is not ready.Why your doc isin the hurry? Wait till labor starts naturally or your reach 40 weeks. I was induced with my baby no2 in the hospital due to health issues of the baby (40 weeks). It was easy and nice. just relax

Kate CP - posted on 02/14/2012

Again with the castor oil.



I really don't see the appeal of hours of shitting your guts out followed by possible hours of pointless contractions (meaning they don't lead to labor).



I'll let you in on a little secret: NO ONE knows what exactly triggers labor. Yes, we know the hormones that cause uterine contractions, but what causes the secretion of those hormones remains a mystery. Another fun factoid: there are studies linking preterm birth to a uterine infection.



Bottom line here...LET THE BUN FINISH BAKING!!!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 02/14/2012

Btw, I know of doctors who will schedule inductions or c-sections to fit in their schedule, not because mom or baby are in trouble.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 02/14/2012

Doctors are not God and shouldn't try to play God. You should inform yourself of your choices, get second opinions , weigh risks and benefits and then make a decision. I would never recommend blindly following one doctor's advice for something this serious. This isn't a recommendation for a vitamin. This is a baby's life. Being born even a little bit early can cause lifelong health issues.

Victoria - posted on 02/14/2012

I was 36 weeks pregnant when my wayer broke. The midwives gave me option of cod liver oil mixed with oj or being transferred from birth center and being induced in hospital. I opted for cod luver oul first. Drank it at 11am baby was born at 4 pm.. She wAs little but happy and heAlthy born underwater. I was very glad to have avoided a hospital induced birth.

LaShonda - posted on 02/14/2012

In my personal opinion, your doctor is just that, a doctor. If my doctor, who I trusted with my first successful child birthing, were to tell me to try to naturally bring on my labor, I would trust his medical opinion. He does not benefit from placing either myself or my child in any harm. Additionally, you may be further along than 37 weeks, determining conception is not an exact science. If I read your post correctly, you were asking for suggestions on inducing not opinions on your doctor's advice. I don't mean to offend anyone here but there just seems to be a lot of unnecessary judgment and added stress to the situation.

In response to the actual question; I dont know any tried and true way to help induce, but I did have success inducing my own labor when suggested by my doctor. It is not very pleasant BUT you can try it if you're desperate. Here it is, I was told that a tablespoon of castor oil and a glass of orange juice would work, so, at 2 cm dilated, I did it and, sure enough, on came the labor. I wish you the best of luck and a happy, healthy baby!

Mary - posted on 02/14/2012

Sometimes 37 weeks does not make a baby ready to be born. If you are not having health issues, wait for labor to start. Continue to walk and enjoy each others "company" but don't do anything to compromise your baby's health

Mary - posted on 02/14/2012

Sometimes 37 weeks does not make a baby ready to be born. If you are not having health issues, wait for labor to start. Continue to walk and enjoy each others "company" but don't do anything to compromise your baby's health

Aimee - posted on 02/14/2012

37 weeks is actually late preterm. 38 weeks is term according to ACOG. Also, without medical indication, of which a large baby is NOT one, no one should be induced before 39 weeks. This is standard of care and good advise. I see lots of 37 and 38 seekers in my NICU with problems because they weren't ready.

Catherine - posted on 02/14/2012

I know it sounds bad, but firstly wash your hands and scrub your nails put your finger inside and feel the next of your cervix run your finger around the inside of your cervix this is what is called a sweep. Do this in a warm bath it may need more than one try!

Vicky - posted on 02/14/2012

It is not size that matters, it is gestation. Babies are born at 40 weeks for a reason. Babaies born before 38weeks are NOT full term!!!! Just because your baby is big does not mean that his lungs are fully mature. Size has nothing to do with that. Unless there is a medical reason inducing labor before 38( most doctors go by 39) weeks is against the medical standard and could be unsafe for your baby.

Aimee - posted on 02/14/2012

So not a good idea! Babies born at 37 weeks can have a lot of complications due to immaturity. I admit them to my NICU all the time. Better to have the c-section than a sick baby!

Raquel - posted on 02/14/2012

Your baby will come when your baby is ready to come. Enjoy these last few weeks of your pregnancy, and remember that babies usually come anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks. There are a lot of methods of getting a big baby (assuming that your doctor is right about this one, they are often wrong on this count) out vaginally and safely, including squatting during the delivery and no forced pushing. Here is a fabulous article that hopefully will provide you with great encouragement for this birth! http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/p...

Dianne - posted on 02/14/2012

if your doc is worried about size you can always get an ultrasound when you do go into labour (hopefully when your baby is ready, in that i agree with most women here in waiting) to get a size estimate and if he is huge then elect a csec, i had one done and they estimated 3.6kgs, he came out 3.53kgs, not always that accurate but will give you a better idea on what youre in for

Lee - posted on 02/14/2012

When I was 38.5 weeks pregnant, I believe I self induced! I did nipple stimulation for around an hour, and also found acupressure sites and pressed those on and off for a couple of hrs. During the night I'd wake up feeling twinges but thought nothing of it. When I woke in the morning and got up and about, I was definitely in labour. We went to hospital at 8am (I had wquick labour with number 1 bub), and she was born 4 hours later drug and intervention free!

Margarita - posted on 02/13/2012

Has your doctor given you a reason why you need to be induced early? I remember a friend whose doctor convinced her to be induced at 38 weeks, at the hospital, because her baby was going to be "too big" and after many, many hours and every instrument she'd been shown in birthing class, her baby was delivered via C-section, with some nice dents and bruising from the instruments, and weighing about 7 lbs. So much for "too big."



Interestingly, when talking to the genetics counselor (they had me go 'cause I would be giving birth after turning 35) she mentioned how much harder it is to determine size and due dates the further you are into your pregnancy because the baby is larger and more "squished."



It is one thing to have to be induced for medical necessity (high blood pressure on mom, respiratory distress on baby, peri-partum depression, gallstones, etc) but inducing because you think the baby is ready seems like an unnecessary risk.



I know you probably feel like you're not getting the advice you "need", but when you ask a bunch of people, sometimes they'll give you the advice they feel you "need", even if it's not the advice you WANT.



As for ways to speed things along, I'd say sex is your best bet. Not too risky, and at least you'll have fun!

Mandy - posted on 02/11/2012

No matter whos says your baby is ready, it's not until your baby is ready and go into labour!! I was 42 weeks, 2 weeks over when my Son wanted to come into this world. If you are low risk and there is no reason to be induced, then your baby will come when it's ready. I was 2 cm at the same time as you, I was in slow labour for 3 weeks, I went into labour 4cm and it took only 1 hour to get to 9 cm yes my birth was only 3 hour long from the frist contraction. Why the rush??? The baby is not ready until you go into labour, only your baby knows, not the Doctor or anyone ells!! Please talk to Midwifes and do research, if induced when your baby is not ready, it may need oxygen, lights etc. x

Shauna - posted on 02/10/2012

He doesn't need to come out yet! He'll come out when he's ready not when the doctors ready! Just think if the doctors were wrong on your due date by 2 weeks, then your baby would only be 35 weeks. Waaay too early...My son was exactly 8 lbs 3 oz and I didn't tear at all. I don't mean to be rude but I fear your doctor is rushing things. Just try to relax before baby gets here. Take walks and drink lots of water.

Katherine - posted on 02/10/2012

*******IMPORTANT*******



Please note we are all all moms on here not doctors. Any advice you take is not the responsibility of CoM. I advise you to take any and all suggestions with caution.







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Deborah - posted on 02/10/2012

he'll come out when he's good and ready hon. Good luck.

Jen - posted on 02/10/2012

You know a lot of women take ergot to get the whole thing in motion and most of them were perfectly fine. Yeah, some died but hey, most were ok.



For those who are incapable of recognizing sarcasm, I'm point out now that no, a person should not take a potentially lethal herb/plant just because someone online suggests it. It's just my reaction to people using potentially dangerous things such as castor oil with the excuse of , "Well it worked for me and I'm just fine."



Sometimes ergot worked perfectly ok too. Sometimes it killed both mother and child.



Just saying...