Walking during labor can make the process easier and more comfortable for both mother and baby. Walking helps to increase blood flow and to reduce tension in the pelvic floor muscles, which can make labor more manageable.
It can also help to break the cycle of labor pain and fatigue, and promote a relaxed mood. Walking is a great way to get moving and prepare for childbirth, whether you’re at home or in the hospital.
Let’s take a deep dive:
How does walking help during labor?
There is a lot of debate over whether or not walking makes labor easier. Some people believe that the pressure from walking can help with labor, while others think that it just tires you out and makes the process longer. However, there is some evidence to suggest that walking around between contractions does have benefits during labor:
Helps with pain
People who walk during labor may experience less pain than those who don’t. Walking can also help with other aspects of labor, such as breathing and relaxation.
Walking can help you distract you from labor pain, making it easier to get through labor. It also helps relieve back pain.
Shortens labor
Some people believe that walking around can speed up labor, while others think it’s just a distraction from the pain.
However, walking during labor can cause more stress on the pelvic floor and help speed up delivery. The pressure from walking can help move the baby and put pressure on the cervix.
Walking can help you stay upright, breathe better, and reduce the intensity of contractions. Keeping your feet active may also help stimulate the release of oxytocin, which can help shorten labor.
Reduces stress
Walking can be a helpful way to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. The act of walking can help you get your body and mind moving, which can help you to focus on the process and reduce negative thoughts. Walking also provides an opportunity to connect with your labor partner.
When you are stressed, your body reacts in ways that can negatively impact your labor experience. Exercise releases endorphins which improves your mood and helps you feel better overall.
Further reading: How do you mentally prepare for labor?
Helps with recovery
Walking helps to improve pelvic circulation and reduce swelling. It can also help to relieve stress and promote rest, all good things for helping you recover faster after giving birth.
What is the best way to walk during labor?
Labor can be a long and difficult process, but there are ways to make it easier. Walking is one of those methods that can help ease the intensity of labor and keep your labor progressing.
However, walking during labor can be difficult. Some women walk between contractions while others try to walk through their contractions. Everyone is different so do what helps you feel better.
Try to remain upright as much as possible. You may also want to avoid walking on uneven surfaces, as this could trip you up. Wear non-slip socks as hospital floors can be slippery.
Make sure you are wearing clothes that don’t bare your bum for the world to see. Hospital-issued gowns have a tendency of doing that.
Is it safe to walk during labor?
Walking during labor is safe for most women. In fact, it’s encouraged. While walking can be a great way to help labor progress, it is not without risk. For one, if you are not used to being active during pregnancy, you could end up overexerting yourself and making the process more difficult.
Some situations make it risky to walk. For example, if your water broke or if your baby was in distress, walking could put both mother and child in danger. Always check with your doctor or midwife to make sure it’s OK to walk about while in the labor room.
Some women find that walking during labor helps them to feel more comfortable and in control, while others find that it makes the process more difficult. It is important to listen to your body and follow its cues as you go through labor.
If you do choose to walk during labor, be sure to avoid pushing yourself too hard. It’s not about achieving a walking goal, it’s only about keeping your body moving. If you feel you need to rest, stop immediately for a break. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and adjust your walking routine accordingly.
As your contractions get more intense and frequent, you may need to stop walking and that’s OK. As with most things related to labor, it’s important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.
What should I do if walking doesn’t help with labor pains?
If you’re in labor, and walking doesn’t seem to be helping with the pain, there are other things you can do. You could try using a birthing ball, or getting in the shower. If those don’t work either, your doctor may give you some medication to help speed up the process. Remember to stay hydrated during labor, as that will help keep you feel better.
You may be interested in Painless labor: How to give birth naturally without drugs.
Does walking during pregnancy make labor easier?
Walking is generally considered safe during all three trimesters of pregnancy. It’s a great form of exercise that keeps you fit and helps control your weight. Plus, it’s low impact so it won’t put too much stress on your body. Walking can be helpful both mentally and physically.
If you’re a beginner – someone who has never exercised before -walking during labor is a great way to start. It’s slow and steady, which is perfect for someone who is just getting used to the idea of exercising. As your pregnancy progresses and you get closer to your due date, reduce the number of days that you walk each week.
Walking will also keep your heart strong throughout the pregnancy and build your stamina for labor and delivery.
Labor is an intense process that can be made a little easier through walking. Walking helps to strengthen pelvic muscles and soften tissue, making the delivery process less painful.
There are a few general guidelines you can follow. Beginners should walk a shorter distance and at a slower pace. Start by walking around the block every day, progressing from there as you feel up to it. If you’re feeling sick or have other health concerns, take that into consideration when setting out your walking goal for this time frame.
You should also wear a comfortable but supportive maternity sports bra. Even though walking doesn’t cause much breast bounce, your breasts are larger, heavier and more tender during pregnancy so good support is necessary.
It’s important to consult with your doctor before embarking on any physical activity during pregnancy, even something as seemingly innocuous as walking. That said, if everything is going well and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, there’s no reason why a little lightwalking couldn’t help things move along smoothly.
Further reading: Painless labor: How to give birth naturally without drugs
To wrap up
Walking during pregnancy and while in labor has been shown to help make labor easier. Walking helps to open up the pelvis and position the baby for delivery. If you are in labor, try walking around or spending time in water to help speed up the process. Walking is a simple, free, and easy way to help with labor, so try it to see if it works for you.
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