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QUESTION: What are some things I can do to get my contractions going?
“I am 37 weeks and two days pregnant. I’ve been away from home, my kids, and my common law for two months now due to being sent out early with my pregnancy. Today, I had a doctor’s appointment and was told I am 4cm [dilated and my] cervix is at 80% thinned, I’ve tried walking around lots, I’ve tried raspberry leaf tea, squats, literally anything to get my contractions going, I am homesick, I miss my kids. What else is there to help me get my contractions going if I don’t have my baby over the weekend? I will be getting induced, and it’ll be my first time, and I am scared, I need help, any tips? ***PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST CASTOR OIL***“
Community Answers
The following top answers have been selected by a moderator from hundreds of responses to the original question.
“Nipple stimulation was the only thing that brought on contractions for me but it didn’t put me into labor. I was scheduled to be induced with both of mine or else I wouldn’t have even tried to bring on labor. Baby will come when he/she is ready.”
“Pumping will cause contractions.”
“I ate a whole fresh pineapple on Saturday afternoon and [by] Sunday afternoon, I was in labor.”
“Sex. Lots of walking. If you have a peanut ball or just a large body pillow, place it in between your legs and rotate from one hip to the other about every 30 mins. [It] helps work the baby down. [It] worked with my stubborn daughter. I was 8 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and the doctor still couldn’t reach the water sac to break it. And 1.5 hour with a peanut ball. She about shot out. 3 pushes out.”
“You can try nipple stimulation, warm baths, orgasms, or an exercise ball; sit on it and bounce while rotating your hips. If you don’t have an exercise ball, the corner of your bed should do.”
“I was a week late and uncomfortable so I decided to get induced and it wasn’t bad! I had him in less than 10 hours, first baby.”
“I have tried everything, girl. Nothing works. Just have to wait till your baby is ready.”
“You’re already in labor. I don’t think sex would work. Walk and rest!”
“Aw I’m sorry. I was in the same boat. I know it’s hard to be away from your other kids plus all the extra hormones. The baby should come out soon. I was told spicy food helps kickstart labor.”
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