Updated: November 2, 2020
Originally Published: March 2, 2013
It’s a curious phenomenon how people suddenly become invested in your life when you’re expecting. Most of the unsolicited advice tends to come for first-time moms; subsequent pregnancies seem to grant you some kind of elusive expertise that makes their opinions less entertaining. But where’s the fun in that?
As your due date approaches, prepare for a barrage of questions about your labor status. These inquiries are well-meaning, yet they can feel a bit overwhelming—especially when you resemble a bull with a similar temperament. My sympathies go out to those who find themselves overdue.
So, how can you potentially induce labor? Here are some suggestions straight from your Facebook friends:
- Spicy Foods: “I munched on ghost peppers and was in active labor within minutes!” Spoiler alert: This likely won’t be your experience. Expect heartburn instead. A spicy burrito at 40 weeks is more likely to send you to the bathroom than to the delivery room.
- Intimacy: Seriously? This suggestion usually comes from your most daring friends, the ones who thrive on stirring the pot. They relish the shock value. Spoiler alert: This likely won’t do anything to speed things along.
Pregnant partner: “Babe, I think my mucus plug is loosening. Let’s get busy to rush this baby out!”
Nervous partner: “Did you say mucus plug?”
Cut your partner some slack here. - Sitting on a Balance Ball: I spent countless episodes of my favorite show bouncing on a stability ball, waiting for my firstborn. Spoiler alert: It didn’t do much to speed up the process. The ball, however, was quite nervous about the whole situation. “I have limits, you know!” Seriously, ball, stop judging.
- Walking: This one is hit or miss. You could walk to the ends of the earth and still find yourself just a couple centimeters dilated. You could even jazzercise, and if that baby isn’t ready to come out, he’s not budging. Personally, I found it more enjoyable to lounge on the couch and embrace my inner grouch as my due date approached.
If you’re feeling particularly desperate, consider begging for an induction. If that doesn’t work, enlist your more imposing partner to make the request. This could definitely ruffle the feathers of your more natural-minded friends: “Don’t even think about being induced! I prefer to pre-labor in a yurt in Mongolia. #namaste”
Good luck to all you expectant moms! And if you’re curious about home insemination, check out this Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo, which is a fantastic resource. For more on the topic, Healthline offers excellent information and guidance. You might also explore At-Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Fertility Boost for additional insights.
Summary
Inducing labor can be a mix of well-meaning advice and humorous suggestions from friends. From spicy foods to intimacy, walking to bouncing on a ball, every tip comes with its own dose of reality. Ultimately, every pregnancy is unique, and it’s essential to listen to your body. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask for medical assistance.
Keyphrase: how to induce labor
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]