Is 39 weeks too early to try a long walk for labor purposes?

[JanB]

I love that I can ask this kind of question here and not get a bunch of responses saying, "Um, I was induced at 38.5 weeks, why are you even worrying about this?" :

Anyway, I'll be 39 weeks on Sunday and I thought maybe I'd call my mom and see if she wants to go shopping and see if walking around all day is enough to kick-start these contractions into high gear. I mentioned it to DH and he said it still seems a bit early to him for trying to get labor moving. But I figure a walk is pretty low-grade as far as induction goes and if I'm not ready it won't do anything... right? WDYT?

[Eaglevoice]

If nothing else it's always good to get up and get moving around. I've been trying to go for walks as often as possible just because I think it helps my body and the swelling etc.

[Pepperdove]

Never too early for a nice long walk, especially when you are 39 weeks!

[veganbaby]

I see nothing wrong with it at all. I see it more as a chance for excercise than getting labour to start.

[Meg_s]

Walking wouldn't make the baby come if it wasn't ready!! I find walking helps with leg cramps at night anyway. I've been hoping since 37 weeks that the little one would decide it would be nice to come out :

[Jilian]

I think it's a good idea and it can help build your endurance for labor.

[ananas]

Well, if the baby's not ready, a walk most likely won't do anything. If baby is ready, it might speed things up a bit, so yeah, go for it!

[megviolet]

Of course it's not too early! Walking is a great thing to do! It's not like it's going to actually induce you and start your labour at all.
Walking will help move the little one down and will loosen and relax the pelvic floor. Also, it might tire you out so you can sleep well that night.
I've been going on looooong walks and walking the stairs (155 of them) at the sports centre place nearby, and i've been doing it for weeks and haven't gone into labour yet. I feel great and healthy though!