Is it responsible to try to induce labor?

Question

As I reach the last few weeks of my pregnancy I'm noticing how many posts there are about people wanting to induce their own labor. I have my opinions, curious about what everyone thinks.

Answer

I don't have any concern with women trying things that are natural and won't help unless you're ready anyways and don't do any harm. For instance walking, sex, spicy foods, drinking tea, etc. I do have issue with castor oil, and other harmful habits.

Answer

When people understand that full term is 39 weeks I don't really care what they do. As long as they really know the research and the benefits vs risks of what they're attempting and they know the risks of attempting too early.

Answer

I am on baby number 4 (38.3 weeks) and have never tried to self induce. However.... idc if other woman do or not. Not my body, not my baby and we all have our own wants/wishes. I selected at full term, which is 39 weeks because that's when I would do it myself if I wanted to.

Answer

Only at term and ONLY if the method is completely safe with no risks. You will find that things such as castor oil may work but you can also have your placenta abrupt from it which can be deadly to your baby. Also, black cohosh is said to help but drastically increases your BP. Walking, sex (if your bag is intact), red raspberry leaf, yoga balls... all ok AS LONG AS YOUR PAST 38-39 weeks. 
Note: Baby won't come on your cue unless baby already had plans to. 😉

Answer

I didn't try and induce my labor but I did things that would help kick start labor like bouncing in the birthing bath daily from 37 weeks on using clary Sage oil from 37 weeks on walking every day sex but I waited until 37 weeks to be super into all these things I always walked from the moment I found out I heard it would help have a quick labor and I was definitely wanting that lol! 
But even doing all these things daily I didn't have my son until 39 weeks 5 days! I had a quick all natural birth. Water broke at 1130 contractions didn't really start until 1pm and he was born at 140pm!

Answer

I think that decision is unique to every pregnancy. There's no right or wrong way to go through labor. There are risks and benefits to each.

Is it responsible to try to induce labor?

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