By now you’ve packed your hospital bag, the baby’s room is as ready as it’s going to get, and your aches and pains are robbing you of sleep. Baby’s pressure on your body makes it a struggle just to get up and go to the bathroom in the night.
Face it, this is not an easy time. Even when you’re awake, it’s hard to stay in one position for very long. While you’re suffering through this final stage of being enceinte, it can be very tempting to beg your doctor to induce you, to find your own home remedy, or to agree to an elective cesarean section.
None of these options are optimal you or your baby. Chemical induction or an elective c-section, one that isn’t performed for a serious medical reason, could cause your baby to be delivered before he’s ready, making him more vulnerable to lung problems and could land him in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A c-section is abdominal surgery, which will also expose you to a greater risk of infection, problems with your placenta in subsequent pregnancies, and will almost certainly commit you to having this same surgical procedure for any babies you have after this one.
Some parents are tempted to try castor oil or an herbal remedy to jump start labor. Neither of these choices are very wise. Castor oil causes severe diarrhea, and may make you vomit. If it actually works, you’ll not only have to deal with the pain of labor, but you’ll have to experience it on the toilet with your head in a sick bucket. Herbal labor inducers have not been medically proven to be safe for mom or baby, and in some instances they can interfere with medications or affect your baby after birth.
No matter what you may read on the Internet, or what others urge you today, unless you or your baby’s health is really threatened, waiting until your body goes into labor naturally is the truly the healthiest and safest option!
Before you get too antsy and try to jump start your labor, keep in mind that most first-time babies often run late, and that’s perfectly normal. Your healthcare provider will start to become concerned when your baby doesn’t arrive 10 to 14 days after your due date.