Hey there! So, you’re nearing the finish line of this beautiful pregnancy journey. Feeling a little less than magical? Perhaps your feet are making squelching sounds with every step due to water retention? Are strangers stopping you to say you look “ready to pop”? Don’t stress if you haven’t hit that point yet; trust me, these tips won’t naturally kickstart labor, but they will definitely test your patience.
Here are some of the popular suggestions you might stumble upon while scouring the internet for ways to get that labor rolling. I can relate; I’ve been there, trying them all and getting increasingly irritated when the same ineffective advice kept popping up. Let’s dive in:
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Eggplant Parmigiana
Ah, the notorious eggplant! There’s a myth that this dish can send you into labor. Seriously, who came up with this? I’m not looking to lay an egg; I want to deliver a baby! Honestly, I didn’t even try this one because I had zero clue what an eggplant was—total mom-fail right there.
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Acupuncture
I decided to give this a shot a few days after my due date. I asked the acupuncturist if she could help get things moving, and in a moment of naivety, I questioned her success rate. She confidently claimed she had never had anyone stay pregnant forever. True enough—I eventually had my baby, just not on my timeline!
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Spicy Foods
If you’re not a fan of spice, don’t put yourself through this torture. Even if it works, you’ll just end up giving birth with a side of indigestion. And if it doesn’t work? You’ll have a night of tossing and turning while your system deals with the fiery aftermath—potential gas included!
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Bouncing on an Exercise Ball
They say this can lower the baby into position. I found it mostly made me need to pee every five minutes. So, I guess I learned why they check for amniotic fluid when you say your water broke.
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Stair Climbing
I tried every variation—one step at a time, two steps at a time, and even just sitting on the stairs with my chin resting in my hands. Let’s be real: sitting there was as productive as anything else.
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Twerking
Ever seen a pregnant woman twerk? I felt more like a fridge than a dancer. My hips were definitely not cooperating. How can anyone expect cute moves when your bladder’s on high alert? Rage level: high!
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Scrubbing the Floor
Seriously, who thought this one up? I mean, cleaning around the toilet where there’s a high chance of mishaps? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. Thanks for the encouragement, but I’d rather not risk it.
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M&Ms and Movie Nights
I thought watching a ‘Transformer’ movie while snacking on M&Ms would do the trick for labor with my first child. It was a no-go the second time around. I’m not sure if it was the movie or just my body being stubborn.
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Walking
Ah, the age-old advice! Sure, moving around is good for you, but every time I walked to encourage those Braxton Hicks contractions, they would just… stop. If I get pregnant again, I’m investing in a Segway. Take that, walking!
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Bumpy Car Rides
Let’s just say my husband’s driving gave me motion sickness instead of labor. I’m still not sure how one can get car sick on land, but I can assure you, it’s entirely possible.
You might have better luck than I did. As my acupuncturist wisely said, “You will 100% have this baby at some point.” Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon enough. If you’re eager for more insights on the journey of pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on CDC’s infertility FAQ. And if you’re interested in boosting your fertility, Make a Mom has some great supplements to consider. Remember, patience is key!
Summary
If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy and looking for ways to induce labor, be prepared for some common myths that are likely to frustrate you more than help. From eggplant parmigiana to bumpy car rides, these tips have been tried and tested, often with little to no success. Just remember, your baby will come when the time is right!