CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

How to Deal With the Late Pregnancy Waiting Game

Going crazy waiting for baby to come? Here's what you can (and really shouldn't) do while counting the days 'til baby's arrival.
save article
profile picture of The Bump Editors
Updated May 9, 2017
Hero Image

Going crazy waiting for baby to come? Sorry to say, there’s not much you can do about it.

Tricks to trigger labor such as walking, having sex, eating spicy food and mopping the kitchen floor are harmless—but most often ineffective. Other strategies (think herbal supplements, nipple stimulation and castor oil) can work, but might bring on killer contractions that can be dangerous for baby and super-painful for you. Don’t try anything without your midwife or doctor’s advice. Most doctors will recommend inducing labor by 41 or 42 weeks, so the end is in sight.

You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: Use this time to take care of you, before you have to take care of baby. Sleep, read, go to the movies—anything that distracts you from the Big Waiting Game. Oh, and it’s a good idea to turn off the ringer on your phone and let voice mail take the calls. Nothing’s more annoying right now than 101 calls asking where that baby is.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman pushing during labor
How to Push During Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on birthing ball
How to Use a Birthing Ball in Pregnancy, Labor and Beyond
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
line of diverse pregnant woman holding their bellies
Black Moms More Likely to Undergo Unnecessary C-Sections, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman touching breast
The Benefits and Risks of Trying Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman's feet walking on curb
Does Curb Walking Help to Induce Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman walking outside
How to Naturally Induce Labor: Truths and Myths
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on birthing chair
What Is a Birthing Chair—and Should You Use One During Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman hooked up to monitors at hospital
When and How Is a Foley Bulb Used for Induction?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mom looking at newborn baby with vernix caseosa
What Is Vernix Caseosa and How Does It Protect Baby?
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
woman giving birth in hospital; baby crowning ring of fire
Ring of Fire: What Does Baby Crowning Actually Mean?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of pregnant belly at home
What You Need to Know About Losing Your Mucus Plug
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
man driving pregnant woman in car to hospital for labor and delivery
When to Go to the Hospital for Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in labor at hospital
Pooping During Labor—Will It Happen? (and How to Get Over It)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman receiving an epidural during labor and delivery in hospital
Epidural 101: How It Works
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Newborn baby resting on mother's chest after labor and delivery
The Best Labor and Delivery Gowns, According to New Moms
By Christin Perry
pregnant woman in hospital bed before delivery
What Happens at the Hospital When You Deliver
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
black pregnant woman in hospital bed for labor and delivery
These Are the Best Hospitals for Black Maternal Care, US News Reports
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Jason Kelce poses for a photo with Kylie Kelce during the Kelce documentary premiere at Suzanne Roberts Theater on September 8, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jason Kelce Shares 4 Delivery Room Essentials All Dads Should Have
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman talking to doctor in exam room
What Is Cervical Effacement?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in hospital bed during labor and delivery
13 Common Labor and Delivery Fears (and Facts to Quell Your Concerns)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List