Ways to prepare my body for a successful induction?

[PotreroHill]

I have preeclampsia and I'll probably be induced early, possibly at 37 weeks. This is my first baby so I know that my body may not be ready at that point. Is there anything I can do now with 3+ weeks left to help get my body ready to have the baby? Can I try blue or black cohash? EPO? Any suggestions mamas?

[MammaB21]

Well, I haven't BTDT, but my main goal would be to make sure baby was in the right position for a vaginal delivery. So lots of walking, squatting, lunges, hands and knees, and pelvic tilts.

Secondly, I would do all of the natural things to ripen my cervix. You can eat lots of pineapple, DTD as much as possible , walking again, evening primrose oil, and more DTD....lol.

Then, I'd probably try all of the typical natural ways to induce actual labor before going the medical route. So at the middle of week 36 start the black and blue cohosh and continue all of the above. I've never had Pre-E so I don't know if any of these things could have any negative effects.

I would personally stay away from stripping of membranes because for me I think it had a reverse effect. However, I'd ask to try prostiglanden gel before a pit induction. Also, some docs are willing to turn the pit down or off if contractions pick up and stay regular on their own. GL.

[PotreroHill]

Thanks Mamma for your suggestions. I'm supposed to keep my blood pressure down, so lots of walking is out. Hands and knees and pelvic tilts are doable, as are maybe a few squats and lunges. I'm a single parent so dtd is out too

[belltree]

I'd try acupuncture and acupressure as well. And with all the exercises don't forget to rest and eat well, so you have strength for your labor.

[SarahKatN]

Not sure what your doc's plan is, but when I was induced with DD1 at 38 weeks, we did two rounds of Cervadil (because the first round didn't "take") and it really did the trick. I needed no Pitocin at all. My body took over from there. Good luck!

[thedenverduo]

Just wanted to chime in and second the Evening Primrose Oil suggestion! I started taking 2 a day at 36 weeks, expecting a full term babe. My midwife explained that it works over the course of several weeks, so if I were you I would start it at 32/33 weeks.

[GolfAddict]

What does the EPO do?

[judybean]

Originally Posted by GolfAddict

What does the EPO do?

My understanding is that EPO makes the cervix more 'putty-like' and therefore more favorable for getting things moving in the right direction