Past Your "Due Date"? How to Get Things Rolling...

First and foremost, know that going past your due date is totally normal!  Average first time babies come 8 days after their due date (so a lot come later than that too!) and second babies come an average of 3 days past their due date.  Totally normal.  It’s even not that unusual for a second baby to come later than the first baby.  That’s particularly difficult because you expect things to be similar the second time around.  I know this is not what you want to hear.  You want to have your baby here and in your arms and for all these pregnancy symptoms to be behind you.  But.  Sit back.  Relax.  Your baby will come.  Your body knows what to do.  You will actually go into labor.  I promise.  Unless there is a complication, there’s no big rush!  Babies come when babies come.

But…there are few things that can help things get rolling or at least give you something to do that might help so you don’t feel quite so frustrated by the waiting game.

1. Get moving!  Take a walk, get moving, go about your day.  Scrub floors, be on your hands and knees, rock on your birth ball.  Firstly, staying busy keeps your mind off still being pregnant.  But being upright and moving helps baby move down and put pressure on that cervix.  Being in forward leaning positions, like hands and knees, helps encourage baby towards optimal positioning.  I have written before about prenatal exercise.  Even at the end it's beneficial.
2. Go to a chiropractor.  Many a baby has been welcomed quickly after a chiropractic adjustment.  Sometimes those hips need some opening and balance and suddenly, baby is ready to come!  Here's a whole post about chiropractic care.
3. Try some acupressure points.  There are a few acupressure points that can be used to prepare your body for and to promote labor.  Debra Betts is an incredible resource for acupressure both before and during labor that you, your partner, or your doula can learn and do relatively easily.   
4. Have a session of acupuncture.  A session with a trained acupuncturist may be just what your baby needs for his or her grand entrance!  Acupuncture can also be helpful to convince a breech baby to turn.  We are fortunate to have several great acupuncture options here in in the Indy area, including Cardinal Acupuncture & Natural Wellness and Indiana Reproductive Acupuncture.
5. Clary sage.  Depending on how receptive your body is, clary sage essential oil, especially when paired with rose and jasmine can help bring about labor and intensify existing contractions.  These oils are considered contraindicated for VBAC women because of the potential for intensity.  Therapeutic grade, reputable brands are of course best (this is my favorite) but even the lower quality options available for walk in purchase can be helpful.
6. Sex.  For some of you, this is easier to think about that actually accomplish but the natural prostaglandins in semen help ripen your cervix, orgasm and nipple stimulation can create contractions, and the whole process releases your natural oxytocin.  This might be your last opportunity for bit anyway.

These are all options to try that “can” get things moving. These can help increase the hormones in your body that prepare it for labor and bring about birth.  Ultimately, until baby is ready and your hormones have reached that necessary peak baby’s not going to come.  Be patient and if you have any questions or concerns related to your specific situation always talk to your care provider.

Interested in doula services?  I'd love to work with you!