Old Wives Tales...

Sex, walking, jumping (yeah right). I think spicy foods was my favorite. It did make me have some minor contractions, but that was about it. However, I like spicy foods so therefor it's my favorite.

My dr wouldn't do a vaginal exam in the last month because she didn't want to induce labor (obvioulsy that has the power to induce labor) I was almost a full month overdue and had tried driving over bumpy railroad tracks and castor oil and spicy food and nothing nothing nothing. So, I lied. I told her I had cramping and bleeding. She did a vaginal exam and I went into labor right there onthe table.

Also - my manicurist wouldn't turn on the vibrating chair or massaging jets inthe foot bath because that can throw you into labor - you can try a dr scholls foot bath and massaging back chair at home.

I've read that breast and nipple stimulation can throw you into labor.

So, get a massaging foot bath and massage chair going, have your husband spend a little time on your breasts, then give you a "vaginal exam" wink wink.

If all that doesn't work, it's not time yet, but at least you will be much more relaxed afterward!!!!!!

Well dehydration does work but you are almost always thwarted at the hospital with IV fluids.

I went into labor several weeks early with my first baby, and I swear it was because we watched something really funny on tv, and I literally laughed so hard I cried. Presto, within 3 hours I was in labor! (It was Robin Williams' stand-up routine where he talks about golf, if you want to google it... and hey, even if it doesn't put you into labor, at least you'll be amused!)

Hang up the wash/laundry. My doctor told me that one. He said his mother used to believe in an old wives' tale that you will go into labor if you raise your hands. His mom went into labor hanging clothes out on the wash line, which made her "swear" that the old wives's tale is true; even though, it's not. I don't believe in old wives' tales, but guess what happened to me? I hung out the wash and wound up giving birth to my son the next day....I went into labor in the morning and he was out by 12:33PM!

castor oil to induce heavy bowel movements?

I remember they told me go home have sex, drink wine, go for a walk... pacing did help a bit.

Hi K.,

Coming down to the wire, hmm? Is this your first? If you're already in the hospital and things are still moving very slowly, they could give you Pitosin. It works wonders for getting the contractions moving. When I had my second, it was the day after I went down a playground sliding board with my first on my lap. I didn't plan ahead and ended up falling over my son when we hit the ground. That inspired my daughter's birth the next day, I believe. Also, making love can do it, too. That happened with my third. The night before he arrived, we went at it. Too much for #3!

Lots of luck to you...have fun!
"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA

I have to go with the love making - and I mean all out full blown romping in the hay including nipple stimulation, massaging and anything else that loosens you up, relaxes you and lets you both enjoy those last moments "alone". Knowing you will not be together for about 6 weeks post-birth seems to make a man hungry...

Also, I found keeping busy helps tremendously both from a mental state and a physical one. Walk, clean, cook, take care of any existing little ones, etc. I think the less you lounge, the more you can speed things up.

Good luck. I wish you your best birth experience ever!
~C.