Mums Reveal The Odd Things That Kickstarted Their Labour | HuffPost Life

'A whole pineapple and sex.' 🍍🍍🍍

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

After nine months of pregnancy and waiting to meet their little one, no pregnant woman is ecstatic at the thought of being overdue.

Often, once they’re full-term, they’ll do everything they can to try and induce labour naturally.

Mumsnet user ABigWideWorld, who is 40 weeks’ pregnant, asked for advice on what other mums did to help get their baby out.

The responses didn’t disappoint.

Mumsnet

All images by Bettina Bhandari via Getty Images

1. Walking

“With my first, I went on a nice long walk along the beach, went into labour shortly after.”

2. Sex

“Well my waters went right after we had sex,” one mum wrote. “But it was my due date so maybe they would have gone anyway I don’t know!”

3. Certain Foods

“Two curries and sex brought it on for me,” one mum wrote.

“A whole pineapple and sex,” another commented.

JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images

4. Dancing

“I was in slow labour for two weeks. Eventually shifted the little bugger by going out dancing.”

Another mum agreed: “A party. She clearly thought she was missing something, so attempted to gatecrash. She’s now 18, and is still madly sociable and loves a good party!”

5. Activity Then Relaxation

“My last was a late one - 11 days over! On advice from a friend I went for a long walk and then had a soak in the bath before bed. The idea was activity coupled with relaxation. Went into labour that night.”

6. Foot Spa

“Foot spa, I’m sure it was. I was extremely swollen - my legs were the same diameter from ankle to thigh. My husband bought me a foot spa to see if it would help relieve the swelling. I used it at about 10pm one night, my waters went at 4.30am the next morning.”

vgajic via Getty Images

7. Gardening (And An Argument)

“I did some hardcore gardening the day before which included a lot of crawling about. Then had a blazing row with my husband before bed and went to sleep not talking to each other. Had to wake him a couple of hours later to tell him my waters had broken!”

8. Laughing

“I was proper deep belly laughing so much at funny classic threads on Mumsnet and my waters popped! I though I had wet myself at first until realisation hit and I stood up.”

9. Christmas Pants

“I put my Christmas underpants on. I thought there’s no way I could go to hospital in my Christmas underpants in the spring. But it worked and I went into labour.”

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

Related

uk parents parents-to-be Pregnancy mums

Suggest a correction

|