Starting labor

[mapes10]

I am 37 weeks 2 days as of today, and at my dr's appointment yesterday he was teasing me about starting labor.  With my first, I was induced at 37 weeks 3 days, but I was already 3 cm and 100%.  This time I am "maybe a 1" and 50%.  He asked me what old wives tales I had heard about trying to start labor.  So I thought I would ask: anyone have any successful ways they "started" their labor.  I am going out of town this weekend, so I don't want mine to start yet but thought it would be fun to hear other people's stories!!!

[GRose]

There are actually a lot of pressure points that are supposed to trigger contractions. Google it! Also,  where I got my prenatal massage they told me I could come in when I am full term and get a massage or pedicure and they would press on the pressure points for me, they said 80% of the time they get contractions starting. You could call around to some higher end spas and ask!

[chantal21]

I went for lots of walks and had lots of sex! Like worriedbabe said, red raspberry leaf tea is suppose to help. I took it but not sure it did anything. Also my midwife had me take evening primrose oil about 3x a day. I was in labor basically for 2 days and my contractions would stop at night. but I was already 4-5cm. So the third day she gave me some castor oil to see if the contractions would become more consistent. Within an hour they were 2-3 min. apart.

[mapes10]

I have read a million things about it since the dr yesterday, but it's always interesting to hear from women who have actually tried these things.  I guess if he hasn't made his debut in a couple of weeks maybe I'll try something :)  Thanks for the input.

[worriedbabe]

forgot to say, bought it from a herbal/alternative medicines shop and the lady said eating licqourice was also effective. didn't try it though. and i guess we've all heard of the eating hot stuff ( spicy ). not convinced by that one personally...i've craved hot things in pregnancy and eating it has never brought anything on.

[worriedbabe]

raspberry red leaf tea. i avoided being induced by 4 hours by drinking it.

[kylesMom09]

I don't know that it actually started my labor, but i went for a lot of walks and my DH and I BDs as much as possible.  I had done this for weeks though and was 4cm and 90% for a couple weeks before i actually went into labor.  So personally i think it is all up to when baby wants to come out!!  Good luck!