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Friday, April 13, 2007

tell me something i don't know

Week 41: Ways to Bring on Labor
"Is there any way I can jump-start labor naturally so I don't get induced?"

"The problem with letting nature take its course is that nature can take its time. But if you're tired of playing the waiting game (and who isn't by the week 41?), there are plenty of natural methods you can use to try to bring on labor. Will any of them do the trick? That's hard to say and even harder to prove. While some women swear by them, none of the methods has been documented as consistently effective. (That's because when they do appear to work, it's difficult to establish whether they actually worked — or whether labor, coincidentally, started on its own at the same time.) Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try these at home (keeping in mind that none of these will work if your body and your baby just aren't ready yet):

Walking. Whether it's the force of gravity or the swaying (or waddling) of your hips that does it, it has been suggested that walking can help ease the baby into the pelvis. And pressure in the pelvis and cervix can, in turn, get labor going. If it turns out that your stroll doesn't jump-start labor, you'll be no worse for the wear. In fact, you might be in better shape for labor — whenever it actually does begin.

Sex. Gotta love this one! Semen contains prostaglandins, which can stimulate contractions — so hopping (make that very carefully climbing) into bed with your partner and doing the deed may be an effective way to mix business with pleasure. That said, it may not be all that pleasurable when you're a week overdue and the size of a small hippo, but at least you'll have a good laugh. Plus, it may be the last time in a long time that you'll actually be able to have sex — especially if it ends up working.

Even if these methods fail, remind yourself that you will go into labor — either on your own, or with a little help from your practitioner in a week or two. (Until you do, just be thankful you're not an elephant. Then you'd only be halfway through your pregnancy!)"

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

to help you have this baby. . . who knows if any of it is true - or more just coincidental - but from what i read when i was in your situation. . . i think it's more than just sex to help the baby come out, but the woman having an orgasm is supposed to be the key. when a woman orgasms, it releases some type of "-tocin". . . the natural kind. (unlike pitocin which is the drug they use to induce) so orgasm away emily. . . with help, with out help, whatever you gotta do. . . get those tocin's released!
someone also told me to eat a whole pineapple. . like an entire fresh pineapple. . in one sitting. . a little acidic, but yummy! :)
good luck to you! we can't wait to meet her!
danielle :)