I almost feel cruel mentioning it so close to the end, but soft cheeses are 100% safe, as long as they're pasteurized. Go get yourself some brie and goat cheese!
The pedicure was nice, and now I have lovely blue toes for when my baby boy arrives
I skipped the manicure. I always chip them five minute after they're done, and I can still reach my fingernails if I feel like doing it myself later.
I finally had to cave and take off my wedding set. It isn't really tight, I don't think I'm at any risk of the rings getting stuck or anything, but they were getting a little less comfortable, especially since so many of the places I go now are so hot. I can't believe I made it this long, I kind of hate to admit defeat so close to the end!
I hit a new level of tired today, too. I didn't sleep well or enough last night, and the midwife appointment took a lot out of me (the cervical exam was not fun), and once I added in the pedicure and a light lunch and a very very brief grocery stop, I was ready to pass out on the couch for a couple hours. Even after napping, I'm feeling ready for bed, and even during pregnancy I'm usually a major night owl, but lying down for a couple hours did help with the mild cramping and BH I was getting after the exam. I'm getting more hip pain as baby engages, too. I don't want to get too miserable, but I welcome a little more discomfort and inconvenience because I think it's one of the things that really makes women welcome the unknown and the pain of labor.
It also occurred to me that this baby, who was almost definitely conceived on Friday the 13th, has a very high chance of being born on Friday the 13th. Average for 1st babies is 41 weeks, and I'll be 41+1 on the 13th... Pretty cool, but it would be cooler if conception date was actually something it wasn't weird as hell to share
So, the advice from the midwife to promote labor. To start, the ones I'm approved to try:
Evening primrose oil: 500mg vaginally, 1500 orally
"#1 Aid: SEX" (they must really love this one!): No sex after water breaks, and in addition to the prostoglandins from the semen, female orgasm will release oxytocin. Really not sure on the logisitics of this right now, to be honest 　
Pedicure: Professional, full treatment pedicure including foot massage - stimulates acupressure sites, and also just a nice way to spend your last few days. Had one after my appointment, but didn't get the super deluxe version. I do have cute blue toes now 　
Reflexology: "To stimulate the uterus - apply pressure or massage the inner aspect of the feet above the heel. To stimulate pituitary gland - massage the ball of the big toes."
Fresh Pineapple: Enzymes in it are said to cause contractions (can't do this one, either it's too acidic for me, or I have a mild allergy - makes my mouth feel funny)
Mesclun salad with balsamic vinegar dressing (no explanation here, I think it's the balsamic)
Eggplant Parmesan: they said to ask the midwife for a recipe or enjoy a night out. I've heard good things about this particular recipe and will probably try it next week: https://www.scalinis.com/main-babies.html
Dates: 7 dates/day starting at 36 weeks are said to shorten labor duration and the length of pushing phase. I wouldn't mind trying this because I like dates, but I'm not sure how much good it would do me at 39+6 　
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: 1-4 cups/day starting at 36 weeks. I think we're all pretty familiar with this one by now
Acupuncture: See a certified acupuncturist - I may look into this if I'm facing down a second week...
Aromatherapy: A daily gentle massage with a blend of jasmine, lavender, and clary sage (one drop of each in 5ml of base oil) should stimulate uterine contractions. Seems simple, but I'd have to buy even more oils...
Bach Flower Remedies Rescue Remedies: If you're fearful of labor, Rescue Remedy or Mimulus, and add Walnut for protection. DH uses RR with animals at work and speaks highly of it, but I've never tried it.
Stuff I'm not supposed to do yet:
Sweeping membranes
Castor Oil (they're very firm on talking to them first and only doing this under supervision): 2-4oz in the morning, followed by 1-2 quarts of water, it will cause diarrhea, and if you're not ready, that's all it will do.
Enema (fun!) - releases prostoglandins
There are also some homeopathic remedies, but they're extremely firm that you should not try them if you're not specifically instructed to by the midwife, so I'm not gonna type up all the details here.
