If you are past your due date, even by one day, you are past due! Many women will carry their babies past their due date. Not only does this take a toll on the mother's emotional well being, but also on the unborn child. After about the 40^th week the placenta carrying nutrients to the fetus will begin to lose its effectiveness. The fetus may start to lose or gain weight, which is precisely the reason doctors induce labor.

Some doctors may use a gel that will ripen the cervix (thin out so it can dilate) or choose to induce labor. Talk with your doctor to find out what they do have available to help bring on labor.

Stimulation of the nipples may help bring on labor, but is considered risky. This should never be done before the 40^th week because it may begin labor. When the nipples are stimulated the chemical oxytocin is released and therefore may begin labor.

Walking may help bring on labor. If it is summertime or wintertime, go to your local mall and walk inside. You do not want to overheat your body or get too cold.