41 weeks and 3 days...need to get labor started before friday deadline set by OBs. Ultrasound measured a 9lb baby. have been contracting for days but once it gets rhythmical it tapers off...very frustrating...and latest internal check showed still posterior cervix and only fingertip dilation. my ds was born Nov 2008 and after 12 hours of cervidil i only dilated to 2 cm (he was born at 37 weeks, induced after ROM)...looks like my cervix is not opening up either this time, even if i'm one and half week past due date...i'm 50% effaced though...my OB said this morning that it doesn't look like anything is happening and i should start packing my bags for the hospital...hm...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">
running out of time: advise on natural induction methods?
1 - 20 of 33 Posts
have you been doing any membrane sweeps? whether you have or not this would be my first choice. Honestly... if you get down to them inducing within the next day or two, I'd go for the castor oil. The good news is that if you make it all the way to 42 weeks and you're still not in labor, it should only take a very gentle nudge to get you there.<br><br>
The good news is that it can -- and often does -- happen all of a sudden. I went in for my 41 week appt with high and closed cervix, but the following morning went into labor, and that night I had my VBAC.<br><br>
Have a talk with your baby too - and with yourself. It can help you make sure you're really ready to do this.
The good news is that it can -- and often does -- happen all of a sudden. I went in for my 41 week appt with high and closed cervix, but the following morning went into labor, and that night I had my VBAC.<br><br>
Have a talk with your baby too - and with yourself. It can help you make sure you're really ready to do this.
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I didn't go into labor on my own with my first, so I was determined to go into labor on my own with #2. I read something that you can use EVOO instead of castor oil. I was 5 days overdue. DH went out and got a big loaf of crusty bread which I used to sop up loads of EVOO with herbs,salt and pepper. YUM! The recommendation was to consume 1/4c EVOO every few hours. I started this at 9pm, consumed my 1/4c. At the same time DH massaged the accupressure point which is located above the ankles on the inside of your calf. I went into labor that night at 2am.<br><br>
Good luck!
Good luck!
Definately agree with membrane sweeps.<br><br>
Well, I think I would consider castor oil, but I think it's kind of like pitocin in the sense that if your cervix isn't ripe, it isnt going to work. Have you been using EPO? RRL Tea? Is there anything you feel is holding you back? I would also do lots of walking, lunges, anything to help baby get in good position. Also try lots of sex (natural prostaglandins)<br><br>
Id use castor oil as a last ditch effort.<br><br>
Also I dont know if your doc mentioned induction as an option. If you end up that route I'd ask for a foley bulb first --- that can open you up to a good 3-4. Then if it were me, I'd ask for a little more time, go home and have more sex, then do castor oil.<br><br>
GL and hang in there!! YOu will be holding your baby very soon.
Well, I think I would consider castor oil, but I think it's kind of like pitocin in the sense that if your cervix isn't ripe, it isnt going to work. Have you been using EPO? RRL Tea? Is there anything you feel is holding you back? I would also do lots of walking, lunges, anything to help baby get in good position. Also try lots of sex (natural prostaglandins)<br><br>
Id use castor oil as a last ditch effort.<br><br>
Also I dont know if your doc mentioned induction as an option. If you end up that route I'd ask for a foley bulb first --- that can open you up to a good 3-4. Then if it were me, I'd ask for a little more time, go home and have more sex, then do castor oil.<br><br>
GL and hang in there!! YOu will be holding your baby very soon.
I agree with the above as well as acupuncture. In addition, does going to the hospital mean an automatic repeat c/s for you? Would the doc be wiling to try to foley catheter? Thats what happens at my 42 week deadline and I've heard they can work wonders with VBAC inductions.
I am just offering my support. I don't really have any advice. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/hug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="hug"><br><br>
I went to 42 weeks with DS and even with a "huge nudge", his induction led to a c/s. I am so afraid this will happen again...<br><br>
Anyway, my thoughts are with you...<br><br>
Remembering what my mw told me the first time around, I would try the EPO. Do you have a breast pump? What about nipple stimulation?<br><br>
Good luck!
I went to 42 weeks with DS and even with a "huge nudge", his induction led to a c/s. I am so afraid this will happen again...<br><br>
Anyway, my thoughts are with you...<br><br>
Remembering what my mw told me the first time around, I would try the EPO. Do you have a breast pump? What about nipple stimulation?<br><br>
Good luck!
Regarding the castor oil, are you at all constipated? Sometimes taking a SMALL dose of castor oil to help with constipation is enough to get things moving. I took 2 tsp just the other morning to help with some major constipation that I was having. 2 tsp was just enough for me to allow for me to have one GIANT (and very healthy) bowel movement, and absolutely no diarrhea.<br><br>
There are many things that can slow down (or stop) labor, constipation being one of them. Long hot baths, and sometimes even laying down, are a couple others.<br><br>
I'm a firm believe in letting the BABY trigger labor. Get that head nice and low to put pressure on your cervix. Ripen that sucker up naturally (or with the added aid of EPO or sex). If you induce before your body is ready, it can often lead to very long, painful labors, with an uncooperative (unripe) cervix. The bottom line is unless your cervix is ready (soft/thin, and dilating), the baby's not going to come out.<br><br>
My suggestion is to do everything you can to prepare your cervix before attempting any type of induction, and then use gravity to your advantage.<br><br>
As for the membrane sweep, I had 5 with my first child, and she was still 13 days past due (and she was planned, so we KNOW the date of conception). I also ended up with an emergency c-section after 26 hours of hard labor.<br><br>
My waters broke after drinking the cocktail (I was desperate but still only took half of the recommended dose and ended up in the bathroom for hours anyway - NOT fun), but STILL didn't go into labor and ended up having to be induced at the hospital anyway. That said, I do plan to have it done again at LEAST once with this baby (I'm due on the 21st, but am in a LOT of pain - early would be better).<br><br>
Just a warning that these things can sometimes work against you. But they're worth a try! GOOD LUCK!!
There are many things that can slow down (or stop) labor, constipation being one of them. Long hot baths, and sometimes even laying down, are a couple others.<br><br>
I'm a firm believe in letting the BABY trigger labor. Get that head nice and low to put pressure on your cervix. Ripen that sucker up naturally (or with the added aid of EPO or sex). If you induce before your body is ready, it can often lead to very long, painful labors, with an uncooperative (unripe) cervix. The bottom line is unless your cervix is ready (soft/thin, and dilating), the baby's not going to come out.<br><br>
My suggestion is to do everything you can to prepare your cervix before attempting any type of induction, and then use gravity to your advantage.<br><br>
As for the membrane sweep, I had 5 with my first child, and she was still 13 days past due (and she was planned, so we KNOW the date of conception). I also ended up with an emergency c-section after 26 hours of hard labor.<br><br>
My waters broke after drinking the cocktail (I was desperate but still only took half of the recommended dose and ended up in the bathroom for hours anyway - NOT fun), but STILL didn't go into labor and ended up having to be induced at the hospital anyway. That said, I do plan to have it done again at LEAST once with this baby (I'm due on the 21st, but am in a LOT of pain - early would be better).<br><br>
Just a warning that these things can sometimes work against you. But they're worth a try! GOOD LUCK!!
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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Grace and Granola</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15395400"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I didn't go into labor on my own with my first, so I was determined to go into labor on my own with #2. I read something that you can use EVOO instead of castor oil. I was 5 days overdue. DH went out and got a big loaf of crusty bread which I used to sop up loads of EVOO with herbs,salt and pepper. YUM! The recommendation was to consume 1/4c EVOO every few hours. I started this at 9pm, consumed my 1/4c. At the same time DH massaged the accupressure point which is located above the ankles on the inside of your calf. I went into labor that night at 2am.<br><br>
Good luck!</div>
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This interests me!! And scares me a little too. That is a LOT of EVOO! But I'm horribly constipated, and I like the idea of using EVOO instead of castor oil.<br><br>
Does the EVOO help to soften the cervix, or just empty the bowels? We're going to the grocery store tonight and I think I might ask the husband unit to grab me a large bottle (we're low anyway). And seasoned crusty bread! YUMMY!!
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>Grace and Granola</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15395400"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I didn't go into labor on my own with my first, so I was determined to go into labor on my own with #2. I read something that you can use EVOO instead of castor oil. I was 5 days overdue. DH went out and got a big loaf of crusty bread which I used to sop up loads of EVOO with herbs,salt and pepper. YUM! The recommendation was to consume 1/4c EVOO every few hours. I started this at 9pm, consumed my 1/4c. At the same time DH massaged the accupressure point which is located above the ankles on the inside of your calf. I went into labor that night at 2am.<br><br>
Good luck!</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
This interests me!! And scares me a little too. That is a LOT of EVOO! But I'm horribly constipated, and I like the idea of using EVOO instead of castor oil.<br><br>
Does the EVOO help to soften the cervix, or just empty the bowels? We're going to the grocery store tonight and I think I might ask the husband unit to grab me a large bottle (we're low anyway). And seasoned crusty bread! YUMMY!!
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I did castor oil with my first VBAC and wouldn't recommend it unless I was going to the hospital the next day. A little bit like mentioned above might be helpful.<br><br>
I have been reading about cervical massage-it seems to be very effective in certain situations..<br><br>
With VBAC #2 I did acupuncture, had baby less than 24 hours later.
I have been reading about cervical massage-it seems to be very effective in certain situations..<br><br>
With VBAC #2 I did acupuncture, had baby less than 24 hours later.
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1,573 Posts
double post
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1,573 Posts
<div style="margin:20px;margin-top:5px;">
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>sgmom</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15396147"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">This interests me!! And scares me a little too. That is a LOT of EVOO! But I'm horribly constipated, and I like the idea of using EVOO instead of castor oil.<br><br>
Does the EVOO help to soften the cervix, or just empty the bowels? We're going to the grocery store tonight and I think I might ask the husband unit to grab me a large bottle (we're low anyway). And seasoned crusty bread! YUMMY!!</div>
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1/4c really went down quickly and smoothly when eaten with yummy bread. I did not find it a chore at all. Also, I do not remember there being any effect on my bowels. It's been 3 years though, so who knows!<br><br><br>
BTW, to your EVOO, add some salt, pepper, oregano/basil, garlic, whatever you like!
<div class="smallfont" style="margin-bottom:2px;">Quote:</div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">
<div>Originally Posted by <strong>sgmom</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15396147"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">This interests me!! And scares me a little too. That is a LOT of EVOO! But I'm horribly constipated, and I like the idea of using EVOO instead of castor oil.<br><br>
Does the EVOO help to soften the cervix, or just empty the bowels? We're going to the grocery store tonight and I think I might ask the husband unit to grab me a large bottle (we're low anyway). And seasoned crusty bread! YUMMY!!</div>
</td>
</tr></table></div>
1/4c really went down quickly and smoothly when eaten with yummy bread. I did not find it a chore at all. Also, I do not remember there being any effect on my bowels. It's been 3 years though, so who knows!<br><br><br>
BTW, to your EVOO, add some salt, pepper, oregano/basil, garlic, whatever you like!
thanks everyone for your reply. well, i'm glad i didn't do castor oil because right now it's about 2.30 am in NY and i'm having the worst diarrhea. my doula says "that's great" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"> never thought i'd celebrate diarrhea in this way but apparently this and the shakes that i'm experiencing alongside my brick hard tummy is a sign of labor for some...need your prayers and strength ladies. this may be IT, hopefully! earlier today my mucus plug released...love and thanks for all the support. i really hope to bring good news to the website soon<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/treehugger.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Treehugger">
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I will be thinking of you! Good luck.<br>
p.s what is EVOO?
p.s what is EVOO?
EVOO = extra virgin olive oil<br><br>
I ate more than the 1/4 last night btw, and so far, nothing. No labor, and still backed up. But it was YUMMY, so I'll eat more of it today. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br><br>
valkyrja: YAAAAAYYYYY!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy">
I ate more than the 1/4 last night btw, and so far, nothing. No labor, and still backed up. But it was YUMMY, so I'll eat more of it today. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/thumb.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="thumbs up"><br><br>
valkyrja: YAAAAAYYYYY!!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/joy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="joy">
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keeptryst-thank you for the great link.
2 things that thelped me:<br><br>
1. sex - very uncomfortable, verry strange, but it really did help!!!<br>
2. stimulating my nipples. i was determined to start my labor and did it for a few hours, and it helped!!! it helped a lot too during labor when i would dialate - i would just do it in between contractions, and went from 1.5 to 4 in an hour!<br>
good luck!!!
1. sex - very uncomfortable, verry strange, but it really did help!!!<br>
2. stimulating my nipples. i was determined to start my labor and did it for a few hours, and it helped!!! it helped a lot too during labor when i would dialate - i would just do it in between contractions, and went from 1.5 to 4 in an hour!<br>
good luck!!!
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