Myth or Fact: Natural Ways to Induce Labor

You guys, I've gone two days, past my due date. Will I be forever pregnant?????
I'm starting to get desperate. There are a few myths floating out there on how to naturally induce labor. Some women swear by them, but I'm under the impression, that unless your body is ready for labor, these things may not be effective, BUTTTTTT if they are safe, I say why not give it a shot -- ESPECIALLY if you are past due.

I've heard, one way to naturally induce labor is to eat fresh pineapple. Mmmm. Done!

Here are a few more that I've heard helps to naturally induce labor:
1. Walking - YES! I've walked 8 miles in the last few days. I'm thankful I live close to a supermarket. Earlier today, instead of driving to buy the pineapple, I walked there and back.
2. Sex - sperm contains prostaglandins, which can ripen the cervix. No need to paint a picture for you folks. Annnnnnd that's the extent that I will talk about that....moving ON! 
3. Raspberry Leaf Tea: I don't know enough about this one.
4. Castor Oil - Something about lots of pooping and diarehhea - (that sounds like fun. NOT.)
5. Nipple Stimulation - Why would a woman want to do this, especially knowing that in a few hours you could be nursing a newborn? And if you know anything about nursing, you know it can be painful. I wouldn't want to willingly aggravate my skin like that...
6. Sweeping the Membrane - My doctor did this last week and obviously my body was not ready for labor. I had one hour of serious contractions, but after that they fizzled.
7. Eating Extra Spicy Food: NO THANK YOU. I don't want to deal with heartburn.

There are a few more, but those seem to be some of the common ones, I always hear about. So, what do you think about all of this????

I'll leave you with a picture of Trey. The other weekend we went shopping at the Cowboys Pro Shop. We are well stocked for football season, but I guess he wanted more clothes. Today, he got two more items. He spoils himself rotten.

40 Weeks Pregnancy Snapshot

It's one day past my due date....AND ladies and gentlemen, I'm still pregnant, with no signs of going into labor anytime soon.

The only benefit, if any, is all the extra sleep I'm getting. However, I'm doing my part to try to help mother nature speed things along. Today, I walked 5 miles, which is equivalent to a half marathon, in pregnancy world. If I could, I would run a half marathon -- right now. Earlier, I went to the mall, cleaned the house, and did several loads of laundry. As of now, I'm really thinking this baby will wait it out and I will be induced on Friday, the 15th.

Sleep
I've been sleeping so good, even I'm shocked. My body must know what's coming up, sleepless nights and all and it's giving me a break --- for now.

Comfort Level
I'm comfortable while I sleep, but getting around day to day, especially getting in and out of the car is a pain, literally. Sometimes just standing up, I can get dizzy or winded.

Food
Lately, every meal I eat, I feel like it's my last meal before I'm about to go into labor, so I usually eat big. Perhaps, I should stop doing that....
As far as cravings, I'm still craving warm cookies. Chocolate Chip!

Nice angle Trey....
This shirt, is actually a dress, but since my belly is so big, it looks like a mini-dress. That explains why I'm wearing pants.

35 Weeks Pregnancy Snapshot.

I look ridiculous! I'm not sure my frame can handle another added pound.

  35 Weeks with Dakota                            36 Weeks with Cheyenne
    
Looking at these pictures side by side, I'm convinced Dakota is laying down with her feet at my back and the top of her head facing my belly button. She's all spread out, compared to Cheyenne. Crazy Baby. And what's up with my stomach being all cone shaped? People who don't know me assume I'm having a boy. I guess, it's that old saying, "boys ride higher, than girls." Trey's mom thinks I'm having a boy, but then again she thought I was having twins.

So, I've been giving out the wrong information. This week I'm 35 weeks, but I thought I was 34, so that's what I've been saying... Trey finally said, that's not right and I pulled out the calendar. Sure enough, I'm 35 weeks. What's another week, she'll come when she wants to come. Besides, due dates are just rough estimates, the doctors don't really know and I can't gauge whether she will be early, late or on time. For those at home following, my due date is JUNE 8th. So, that's roughly a month from now. YIKES!

Cravings
LIMON Chips are still my number one. Trey bought me a bag Sunday and the bag is still in the pantry. It's not full, but still, there are chips left, (crumbs). Be amazed, people! I know, I am. Another craving is warm chocolate chip cookies, straight out of the oven...EndraFit Challenge? What Challenge? Oops!


Energy
This week, I've been nodding off, at work. Luckily, I work in a service department where people ask for assistance, so I won't be tempted to give in and fall asleep on the clock. I have too many interruptions for that...thank goodness? In this case, YES.


I'm Feeling...
Lately, I'm an emotional basket case. Yesterday, I went to Wich, Which, to redeem a free birthday sandwich and apparently, my coupon was only valid at a specific location and guess what --- I went to the wrong location. When the cashier told me, she couldn't give me my birthday sandwich, my eyes started to tear up. What is wrong with me????? It's a freaking sandwich. Trey said I should've pulled the pregnancy card. I was too embarrassed I was about to break down and start sobbing, so I said OK and left. F- That location. Yeah, I said it. Well, not really, but whatever.

I'm still hurting --- That's the story of this pregnancy. With all this pain, it's hard to believe that I was running up until 24 weeks, pain free. I miss it. Sure I was slow, but at least I was clocking some miles.

Sleeping
I'm starting to get heartburn in the middle of the night. I've also started waking up around 1 am, needing to vomit, but I don't -- it just feels like I need to. I don't like to sleep in one position all night long, but when I go to shift, my body it's so heavy. Oh, and I grunt a lot....shifting in bed, bending over, cleaning, getting in and out of the car. It's like I'm an old person.

Now, everyone is thinking -- pregnancy sounds terrible. Well.....It's just getting harder because I'm getting bigger and I'm so active. I should probably chill. I need the doctor to prescribe me some chill time or I need more hours in the day.

What Am I Doing Here? & THIS SPA is Totally FAB!

Yesterday, I walked by the full length mirror in my hotel room and I had to do a double take. I looked at myself head on and then turned to see my profile. I asked myself, "What in the world are you doing in Las Vegas? You are 2 months away from giving birth to a child!" Some drunk guy saw me walking around the lobby and yelled, "BABY ON BOARD!" Yes, sir -- you are correct. I just smiled and kept walking.

You'd think people would be polite to a pregnant woman, but that's not always the case, some people will be jerks no mater what. For example, I was waiting to board the bus --- it was mad chaos and some man cut right in front of me and acted like nothing. Doing that to anyone, pregnant or not is rude. I asked him, "Are you in line for bus 10?" And he responded with a firm, yes. I was hoping for an answer something like this: "Oh, I'm so sorry -- I didn't realize you were also in this line." (And then he would move to the back. BUT NO.) RUDE. I made the cut for that shuttle by 3 people. If I would have missed the bus by 1 person, I would've been irate.
Okay, enough of the pregnancy and raging hormones. Let's talk about the NABShow. I attended the opening reception and heard the CEO talk. Desperate Housewife star, Terri Hatcher was the MC at the event, but I didn't get a photo of her. My camera battery, died at the very moment I went to take her pic. Awesome!

For dinner (yesterday), I enjoyed vegetable rice from the Dragon Noodle. The restaurant is conveniently located at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. I sat at the bar and drank water, as I waited for my food. I took my food back to my hotel room and enjoyed a quite evening eating, calling and talking to Trey and Cheyenne, watching TV, and playing on twitter. It was just what I needed after a full day of going non-stop.

My Chinese Fortune.

Since I got a good nights rest, I woke up refreshed and ready to workout. One of the main reasons, I picked the hotel, I did, was because of the gym. I didn't know it was a "spa gym." It is sooooo NICE! I had to walk through the spa just to get to the gym area. There were massage rooms, sitting areas, a sauna hot spot, locker room, super chic shower area and a spa/pool.

This is the spa

This is what I call fancy water, located in the sitting area. It has fresh fruit in it. This is the type of place I want to stay at and just read a book, get a massage, lounge, whatever....I just want to be pampered. I took a spa brochure and I swear my wallet slapped me! There is no way, I can afford a $115 dollar massage. Oh, well. I'll go back tomorrow, workout and then sit in the sitting room and pretend I'm rich. :)

Here are the sessions I've attended, the last two days, at the NABShow. I need more time!!!!! I haven't had a chance to make my rounds to the exhibit hall. As soon, as I get out of my last class, I'm heading over. I'll only have one hour before it closes. I'll see about getting here early tomorrow and going before my first class starts, but even then, I'll only have 45 minutes....

PS. Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary to Trey's parents. 30 years, that's amazing!!!!

30 Week Pregnancy Snap Shot

My baby bump is more like a basketball. Do I really have 10 more weeks of growing to go?

How I feel:
It depends on the hour. At the moment, my back feels achy. There are moments, I feel fine and other moments, the pain hits me like a pain wave. It's mainly abdominal and lower pelvic. My legs feel fine and I haven't had a bad case of heartburn in about 3 weeks.

Sleeping Habits: 
I'm sleepy, but that's my own fault. Just because I can function on 5 hours of sleep, doesn't mean that I should on a regular basis.  On the weekends, I've been doing ok, getting rest, but on the weekdays, I get by on 5.5, 6, 6.5, or if I'm lucky 7 hours.

I love sleeping on my stomach, but that's almost impossible during pregnancy. I think I've managed to find a comfortable position that is close enough to the real thing. I was searching for an image to depict how I sleep and this is the best one I could find (see image below). But I don't sleep with a giant pillow-- that's creepy. As long as I put most of my weight on my side and prop my leg up, the baby is comfortable and momma can sleep.

This Annoys Me: 
It's not uncommon for me to wake up at 2 am in excruciating pain. Hello, Charlie Horse pain or leg spasms, whatever you want to call them, they hurt like a MO_FO! Last night was the worst. My calf is still tender.

Cravings: 
Last night I, NO -- DAKOTA, sent Trey to the store to get cookies and Limon chips. It's been a while since I've had cravings and I figured I only have 10 more weeks to take advantage of the situation, so I might as well cash-in.

Kicking & Punching: 
Dakota is a mover and shaker. Cheyenne's movements, in my womb were gentle. Dakota's movements are violent. During a work meeting she started moving and I told my co-workers, "Hurry, look at my stomach." Right then, my stomach moved like an earthquake. She is probably 3 lbs, which has me wondering --- What are her movements going to feel like when she's 6 lbs?????!!!! I will try to capture her activity on video.

Turkey Day Plans & 11 Week Pregnancy Snapshot

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving! Here are my plans for the day: run, eat turkey for lunch and dinner, watch the Cowboys game, visit with family and spend way too much time looking at Black Friday ads.

This photo is from Thanksgiving 2006, when my mom helped me make my first turkey. She was at my house, overseeing my work, but she refused to touch the bird. She wanted my hands on it and there you have it, my first turkey.


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Pregnancy Snapshot 
Hello, bubbly belly. You are making an early appearance. Body, pace yourself, this is not a sprint, it's a marathon. I'm showing much faster this time around, see for yourself.
 
 12 weeks with Cheyenne

From Pregnancy

Yesterday, I had an eating breakthrough, my spring salad looked and tasted great. Maybe I can start packing them for my work lunch again.

Pregnancy Snapshot at 38 Weeks

So, I have 11 more days until my official due date. I thought that maybe Cheyenne had dropped, so Trey took a picture so we could compare.

October 21.........................November 17

It looks like my stomach is sticking out more, but not much dropping going on. This picture here is also from today.

I'm trying to speed things along by walking. Last week, I logged 12 miles on the treadmill and plan on the same amount, or more this week. I even ran 3 quarters of a mile, hoping that would do something, but apparently, I'm still here. I've tried nesting, packing my hospital bag, and even pleading with her. So, I've concluded, that no matter what I do to try to speed the process up, she will come when she's good and ready.

Pregnancy Snapshot at 9 Months

9 months doesn't look any better than this...

at least that's what I keep telling Trey. The truth is, I can barely fit in this shirt. You won't catch me wearing it out in public that's for sure, it's strictly for photography continuity.

Well, I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only four more weeks or maybe sooner, until Trey and I bring home a baby girl.

My peers are telling me to expect the worst in the last couple of weeks. Aches, pains, restless nights, frequent bathroom runs....but I'm trying to stay on the positive side. I'm still working out. Instead of working out 4 nights a week, I'm back to 3. I've noticed that cutting back, just one day, has reduced the pelvic pain and pressure.

Well, the whole family is ready to meet Cheyenne. I wouldn't mind if she decides to come early, as long as she's healthy, but I have a feeling she'll go full term. If so, I'll have to take another pregnancy snapshot. That's a scary thought. I can't imagine getting any bigger. I'm done gaining all the weight, it's Cheyenne's turn to pork up :)

At my last appointment the doctor said, she's gaining weight fine and her heartbeat sounds strong.

Pregnancy Snapshot at 8 Months

Can you believe it? I can barely believe that in a few weeks, I'll get to hold Cheyenne in my arms and not in my belly.

Last month, I felt the pressure of not having any baby gear, but after a few showers and purchasing furniture, I feel more prepared. Some loose ends that I still have on the to do list--- is sign up for a lamaze class.

So far, I'm getting a good nights rest. I've heard that as the pregnancy progresses and I get bigger that may change. Trey is really good about giving me space on the bed and I make sure to surround myself in a sea of pillows.

This week I'm going to consciously make an effort to slow down and take it easy. Some good advice I received from a midwife, is to prop my legs up at the end of the day. It sounds easy enough, but you can ask Trey, sometimes when I get home, 2 or 3 hours may go by before I sit down to relax. I'll walk in, clean up, cook, work out, get ready for the next day, and then take it easy. This week will be different.

Snapshot at 7 Months

Wow look at us grow!

So far, pregnancy has been great. I'm starting to notice the obvious effects of prenatal vitamins; long nails, shiny hair, and nice skin.

Lately, Cheyenne has been real active. She likes to kick and punch me. It doesn't hurt, in fact I like it. It lets me know that she's in there doing her thing.

Snapshot at 6 months

I just realized, for the first time, I'm pregnant! HA!
"What? I'm having a baby?"

I'm really shooting out now. I don't know if I can make it another month in this shirt.


Well, as you can see, my stomach has grown overnight. I feel just like everyone told me I would around this time....like my old self (minus the stomach). I'm passed the morning sickness and most of the nausea associated with the first trimester. And even the heartburn is starting to decrease and back pains....What back pain?

I'm still working out, but not really running because it has been so hot. I'm hitting the elliptical at least 4 times a week for an hour each time. This week I've noticed a drastic difference in my breathing. It's become harder during work out sessions to take deeper breaths. I guess everything is getting scrunch and shifted, including my lungs.

My latest craving has been chocolate covered pretzels. I'll eat a bag and then tell Trey, "Okay, that's it, no more pretzels. Don't ever buy those again." And what does he do? He comes home with 2 more bags thinking he's helping. I'm sure Cheyenne doesn't appreciate all the sugar, so I better take it easy.

Snapshot at 5 Months

Hello little belly.

From Pregnancy

I'm so thankful for elastic waistbands now that I'm starting to show----more.

And I can't believe I'm 5 months/20 weeks into pregnancy. Only 20 more weeks to go.

Snapshot at 4 Months

From Pregnancy

Looks like my baby bump is starting to show. For the most part, I'm still in normal clothes. However, I did purchase one pair of comfy work pants, which are 2 sizes bigger than I normally wear. I want to make sure I have room to grow and no I don't wear them everyday...not yet :) Yeah, gaining one pound since the second doctors visit, is definitely a thing of the past.

I've noticed my appetite and cravings have increased. For the most part, I pace myself throughout the day. High fiber breakfast with fruit and a small glass of orange juice, an apple mid morning, lunch, another snack at mid-day and then dinner. I stay hydrated throughout the day, but then again I've been toting water with me for years, so that hasn't changed. It's pretty easy to stay on my food routine during the work week, but the weekends can be unpredictable.

I'm still eating as healthy as I can, in fact, I've increased my vegetable and fruit intake. For the last 5 weeks, I've been eating two apples a day. Don't get me wrong, I'm human and I do succumb to some of my sugar and fast food cravings. Last week, Trey ran out at 9 pm to get me some Mc Donald's fries and the other day I HAD TO get my Taco Bueno fix.

While Trey and I were eating at Taco Bueno, I was practically moaning. I tried to explain to him that food tastes better when you're pregnant. He didn't get it. Maybe it doesn't taste better, but there's nothing like obsessing over food and then finally getting to sit down and eat it.

I'm still exercising. Now that I'm into the second trimester, I feel like running again and my doctor says it's good for me and the baby. My running pace is a lot slower, but nonetheless, I'm moving. The most I've ran in one single work out is 2 miles, which takes about 30 minutes. Last week I ran a total of 4 miles and walked 2. It feels good to be running and walking again because during the first trimester just the thought of running would make me nauseous.

I think my running during pregnancy makes some people nervous. Every time my neighbor, Wendy, sees me running she yells out, "Aren't you suppose to be walking?" I usually yell something back like, "It's okay, the doctor says it's fine, it's all good." But the bigger my belly gets the more uncomfortable it may be for me. Right now, I'm not that big, but I may have to start walking in the weeks ahead. I'm not really looking forward to that, but I'll do whatever I need to, in order to stay comfortable for the baby.

Snapshot at 3 Months

From Pregnancy

Yesterday, I asked my doc, “So, since I’m 3 months along, this is the time I should start showing, huh?” He got a good laugh out of my question and assumption. He replied, “No, you’ll start to show around 5 months, not 3. It may feel like you're showing in your lower stomach, but yeah, 5 months is when you really start to show.”

I guess he’s right. According to last month’s weigh-in, I only gained 1 pound in 4 weeks. That’s crazy because it feels like I’ve gained 5. What is it going to feel like when I really start to gain? I’m not sure if I believe that scale because when I look in the mirror and see this picture, it looks like I have a belly and it sure does look like more than 1 pound.

Well, other than taking pregnancy pictures, I had a chance to regain my workout confidence. I successfully ran 2 miles yesterday. The whole time I had my eyes glued to the ground looking for my damn earring, which I didn’t locate.

After my workout, Trey and I jumped on the scooter to fill her up at the gas pump. Too bad our SUV doesn’t get 80 miles to the gallon like the scooter. We also had a chance to stop at a snow cone shop before heading home. Nothing says summer like scooters and snow cones.