37 Weeks....FULL TERM

I did it!  I made it to full term!!!!

So that is one goal complete, the next is to try and avoid a c-section so today I will be looking at potential natural induction methods....but first a bump shot:

Natural Labour Induction Methods

Now, given my experience the toddler terrors birth I am keen to not only avoid a c-section but a medical induction as well (that is even if they allow one!) I tried a lot of this last time and still ended up with a medically induced labour so I have no hopes but it was a fun way to make me feel like I have been doing something to help bump come and meet the world.

Please note that I am not a doctor and that this post is in fun for the things that I will personally try.  I do not recommend any of the below without consultation of your doctor or midwife.

Bouncing on a ball

As I have been under an OBGYN here the care has been very different to my midwife led care in the UK.  I have had scans, so I know that baby is head down and in the right position.  But I've not had bump measurements and checks.  So I haven't had the "ooh baby is one fifth engaged, three fifths engaged, back to one fifth" excitement.  

However one of my friends out here used to be a midwife in Ireland, so she had a quick feel of the bump.

Baby is not engaged.

So I am getting a ball to bounce that head down!

A glass of red wine

I've missed wine.  A lot.  And I am not even sure that this is a real thing, but one of my friends told me that red wine is *apparently* meant  to induce labour.

I am taking that.

And having a glass of red.

Yummy.

Sex

No.

Just no.

Not happening.

Walking

When I was pregnant with the toddler I walked a lot.  An hour a day.  At least.  I used to walk from Clapham to Chelsea and Westminster hospital which was fairly hilly.  I used to do star jumps in the middle.

My best friend took me on a walk round Dulwich Park and nearly had a heart attack when I went striding round.

Didn't work.

This time.  Its fairly hot for walking.  We are creeping into the mid 30's regularly.  And the toddler isn't always the most cooperative.  I have done 15 minutes here and there and will continue to do so.  But I don't think I have the energy to embark on any longer.

Spicy Food

I think this takeaway Thursday I may have to step it up from a chicken Korma....do you think a tikka masala would be spicy enough?

Evening Primrose Oil

Now apparently this helps to soften and thin the cervix if you take it orally, you can take it internally but I think I will pass.  Again, it is meant to help soften and thin your cervix ready for labour.  Hmmm.

I do actually have a jar in the cupboard which I used to try and combat my terrible PMT pre-pregnancy so now I am at 37 weeks I will be taking this until they run out.

I did this last time too, but obviously it didn't work, so I am not expecting much this time.

Clary Sage Oil

I have a little pot of this waiting.  But the scare stories on the internet are putting me off as it is fairly potent.  

I might just have a little sniff for now.....

And ask me again at 38 weeks, by then I could be massaging with the stuff and bathing in it.

Anybody have any other tips for me?