Menu: Pregnancy
Inducing Labor: Insights from Your Social Media Network
by Taylor Johnson
Updated: November 2, 2020
Originally Published: March 2, 2013
As the time approaches for you to welcome your little one, it’s fascinating to observe how many people become invested in your pregnancy journey. Most of the advice tends to flow generously from those who are first-time parents, as they’re still navigating their own experiences. Once they feel they’ve mastered it, they might just offer you a knowing smile instead of tips.
About a week prior to your due date, you’ll likely find yourself inundated with questions about whether you’ve gone into labor yet. These inquiries are well-meaning, yet they can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re feeling massive and irritable. For those who go past their due dates, my sympathies are with you.
If you’re curious about how to induce labor, here are some suggestions—at least according to your Facebook friends:
- Spicy Foods: “I devoured spicy peppers and was in labor within minutes.” Here’s the reality: heartburn is more likely your outcome. Consuming a fiery burrito at 40 weeks won’t send you rushing to the hospital; instead, it may just lead to a dash to the restroom.
- Sex: This bold suggestion typically comes from your most daring friends. They relish the opportunity to stir the pot. However, chances are slim that this tactic will actually be effective. The conversation might go something like this:
Pregnant partner: “I think my mucus plug is loosening. Let’s speed up this process!”
Nervous partner: “Did you just say mucus plug?”
Cut your partner some slack; they probably didn’t sign up for this! - Balance Ball: I spent countless hours bouncing on a stability ball while binge-watching shows, and it did nothing to expedite labor. The ball might be silently judging your weight, too—“I have my limits!”
- Walking: This method’s effectiveness is questionable at best. You could walk to the ends of the earth and remain only slightly dilated. Even an energetic jazzercise session might not coax your baby out if they’re determined to stay put. Personally, I prefer to lounge on the couch and embrace my grouchy side as my due date nears.
If all else fails, consider requesting induction, or have your partner advocate on your behalf. This may ruffle a few feathers among your more holistic-minded friends, who might gasp and say, “You should embrace the process naturally!”
Good luck to all soon-to-be mothers!
For more insights on the home insemination process, check out this informative piece on intracervical insemination. For reliable products, see Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination kit. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent resources on pregnancy and insemination.
Summary
Inducing labor can be a topic filled with suggestions from friends and family, ranging from spicy foods to more intimate approaches. While some methods are based on personal anecdotes, their effectiveness can vary. Ultimately, the decision lies with the expectant mother, and it’s important to find what feels right for you.