In the realm of pregnancy, reaching the 40-week mark without signs of labor can lead to some unconventional methods of inducing childbirth. Take the story of Jessica Thompson from St. Paul, Minnesota, who, at 40 weeks, decided to put on her swimsuit and hit the wakesurfing waves in hopes of speeding up the arrival of her baby.
Experiencing two pregnancies that extended to 42 weeks, I can relate to her sense of urgency. In my case, I tried everything from spicy foods to acupressure, but nothing seemed to work. However, Jessica’s choice was much more exhilarating.
“Maybe wakesurfing will do the trick,” she shared, capturing the moment on video. “Come on, little one. We’ve had our fun, but we’re eager to meet you.” By this point, she was nearly at the 41-week mark, and I can assure you that waiting that long feels like an eternity.
Jessica explained to a local news outlet, “Wakesurfing is different from wakeboarding or water-skiing. While wakeboarding might have you zooming at 25 miles per hour, wakesurfing is much slower, around 9 or 10 miles per hour, and is designed for safety.” She emphasized that if she were to fall, it would be similar to splashing into a pool.
Of course, the internet trolls came out in full force, critiquing her parenting choices and claiming she was endangering her child. It’s always fascinating how predictable online reactions can be.
Five days after her wakesurfing adventure, Jessica welcomed baby Emma into the world. While the activity likely had no bearing on her labor, Emma will always have this incredible story to share about her adventurous mother. “She’s truly a miracle,” Jessica reflected. “I was told I might never conceive, so this feels surreal. Plus, she has the longest hair—definitely my little surfer girl!”
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In summary, Jessica’s wakesurfing attempt highlights the lengths some expectant mothers will go in the hopes of encouraging labor. While the effectiveness of such methods is debatable, the joy of welcoming a new life remains the ultimate goal.