Ways to start dilation.

I went to my weekly dr appointment last Wednesday on the 6th and my OB checked me and said I was starting to thin out. She didn't say how effaced I was just that I was starting to thin and soften out. We discussed that if I am dilated before or on my last dr appointment on the 27th that I can get induced on the 29th. If not I get induced on the 1st. I really want to be dilated before being induced. What we some ways to help or what's helped anyone else ? I have sex and that brings on cramps but not bad. Some can be. Walking does the same. I am 36 weeks.