Two weeks too long...

As I round the corner into my last 2 weeks before my due date, all I can think about it how I can speed up this dreadfully uncomfortable time. Of course I have fallen into the trap that so many before me have.... old wives' tales. Mostly I don't believe in their validity, but why not give them a try. Here is what I've come up with so far:

Walking - It seems that I've done plenty of this during my pregnancy already, being a waitress and all. But now that I am finished serving, I need to keep up my daily walks. Walking uses the force of gravity to help the baby get down further into your pelvis. So really, with every step you take, you're one step closer to holding your baby. And even if walking doesn't do the trick, it'll at least keep you in shape. *Must try walking stairs too.

Sex - While it may feel impossible to pull this off with a huge belly, chances are my man won't pass up the chance to pitch in, so I may want to take advantage of this. Sperm contains hormones that can help thin and dilate the cervix, getting it ready for delivery. If nothing else, it may relieve some tension... probably from laughing as I attempt the deed. :) Who knows, maybe the same thing that got me into this mess will get me out of it.  

Evening Primrose Oil - Many midwives suggest evening primrose oil for their pregnant patients, since this herb can help the cervix thin and dilate and prep it for labor. You can take evening primrose oil capsules, or rub the oil onto your cervix during the last weeks of pregnancy.

Castor Oil - This is one way that I really don't plan on trying, even though it may be one of the most talked about ways to naturally induce. It's a laxative (and not a very tasty one, either). If you take a shot of it, it can stimulate your bowels (by causing spasms in the intestines) and, in turn, irritate your uterus and cause it to start contracting. The downside: If you're not already showing signs of labor, taking castor oil can just give you a bad case of diarrhea (something I probably want to avoid this close to childbirth). Doesn't sound appealing to me. I'll take my chances and skip this method.

Acupressure - This is another age-old practice that entails putting pressure on specific points on the body to stimulate uterine activity. It is easy to do since I can use fingertips (mine or my partner's). Some pressure points to try: The webbing between my thumb and index finger, the lower back (above my butt), the large muscle between my neck and shoulder, and the inside of my leg about four finger-widths above the ankle bone.

Massage - Studies show that a massage can raise your body's level of oxytocin, that hormone that can bring on contractions.  Meditation and even just cuddling with your partner can help relax you, which might get your oxytocin levels pumping (it's no coincidence that the majority of labors start late at night, when an expectant mom is warm and cozy in bed — a state that triggers the release of oxytocin). I plan on scheduling my massage for early next week.

Bouncing - This could be either in a car on a bumpy road, or bouncing on an exercise ball. The baby might just need to be jiggled into place. :) Or perhaps just try some squats.

Foods that could help -

• Spicy Food - Some people believe that spicy food, like castor oil, irritates your intestines (but more gently) and that can cause your uterus to contract. 
• Pineapple - This fruit doesn't induce labor, but instead possibly helps ripen the cervix.
• Chinese Food - Who knows why this is said to work.
• Eggplant Parmesan - The true inducer really might be in the basil and oregano that are in this dish, but worth a try. Will definitely be trying this recipe.
• Basil
• Oregano
• Raspberry Leaf Tea - Thought to strengthen your uterus.

Two weeks left, which means two weeks to test out all these theories. I will keep you posted on my progress and let you know if there is any validity in any of these theories. :)