Do it yourself induction (or my own personal experiences)
Dec 29 '00
If you are reading this because you saw the title and in your advance stages of pregnancy you have reached a state of desperate tendencies, please accept my sympathies. At the time of posting, I am 10 days away from my due date. Throughout this pregnancy I have suffered with severe morning sickness requiring home IV therapy as well as preterm labor. Yes, I am ready for it to end :)
This is my third baby, and at 36 weeks I was pleased to discover that the doctor felt the baby was mature enough to be born and anytime I went into labor nothing would be done to stop me. At my 37 week appointment, I was told that although my cervix was still thick I had dialated approx. 1 cm and that the thickness was normal for a multipara (subsequent pregnancy). I started getting my hopes up. On Christmas Eve the contractions started - and then they got more intense. When I arrived at the hospital I was contracting every 2 minutes and they were strong! I thought this was it - I really did. The nurse checked and said I was dialated between two and three centimeters. However, when she checked 2 hours later, I had not changed very much. So she gave me a sleeping pill and allowed me to go home at my request - I did not want to spend Christmas in the hospital.
Since that time, I have had nothing. No contractions, no symptoms. I went back to the doctor who confirmed a) I am still pregnant and b) I am not currently in labor. Thanks a lot, doc. So over the course of the past week I have gone to some desperate measures following advice from anyone and everyone who is willing to give it. Now I would like to share with you what I have tried and my experience:
a) Sex - This is what everyone has suggested to me - literally. I don't know if they were shaped differently when nine months pregnant or perhaps they didn't have the disadvantage of being on a waterbed for the first time in their adult lives, but when I tried this approach it was more like an excerpt from porno's bloopers and practical jokes. When the act was finally successful (after several nights of calling it off due to the hysterical laughing fits myself and my husband were having) the result was no baby. Oh well, this was definitely the most entertaining way I have heard of to induce labor and even if it doesn't work, it is worth the try :)
b) Nipple Stimulation - Nipple stimulation can release a hormone known as oxytocin, the natural form of pitocin, a labor inducer. I have stimulated my nipples over and over again, with the help of my husband at times, and as a result I have achieved very sensitive nipples and a cramp in my right hand. I will admit the contractions that I do have seem to become stronger and increase in frequency, however, no baby. Everything I read said this is one of the most effective methods *sigh*. Wish I could prove it.
c) Acupressure foot massage: If you rub between the big toe and the second toe it is supposed to be an acupressure point that will stimulate contractions. I was told that you will know it is the right spot because the area is very sensitive. Sensitive is not the word I would use - painful is more like it! We have tried this several times and, you guessed it, no baby.
d) Back Massage - My husband has been doing this for me about a week. I have also used a chair sized back massager that feels great. It is very relaxing and usually puts me to sleep. End result - drum roll please - no baby.
e) Castor Oil - YUCK! I actually got desperate enough to try this. All it did was make me throw up and sit on the toilet all night. Again, no baby - I highly advise against this. But if you want to try I was told two full tablespoons in a small amount of orange juice. If you do get this desperate I would also advice investing in a large bottle of witch hazel - my little bottom got very sore.
f) Red rasberry leaf tea - this tastes good but hasn't done much in the way of contractions. However, I am still using it because it is supposed to make labor a little more comfortable. It is a "uterine conditioner" according to the herbalists.
g) Blue/Black Cohosh - Been there - done that - no baby. I tried the tincture form of both of these and I also tried black cohosh in a tea form (yuck!) Also, I read a couple of scary articles on the internet about the blue cohosh. I would suggest only doing it if you know someone who knows about herbs.
h) Walking - All this has done is made me way tired!! However, it is
supposed to help put the baby in the right position over your cervix. I
will probably go to the mall today and see if I can walk this baby out! However, I have covered a lot of area in the city of Denver and I haven't noticed any really improvement.
In conclusion, I am glad to share my experience with all of you out there and I promise to update when the baby finally makes his appearance known. By the way...any suggestions I haven't covered here? I consider myself a human experimenter now, and am willing to try anything. If it works, I promise you my undying love!!!
BTW - Please don't see this article as medical advice, I would definitely advice checking with a physician before putting any substance in your body, even if it is herbal.
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hhassell99
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Member: Heather Sawyer
Location: Lakewood, CO
Reviews written: 56
Trusted by: 45 members
About Me:
Home Schooling, Breastfeeding, SAHM and a whole list of other qualities that annoy people.
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