Bradley Method birthing coach Lora Schwacke always prompts her
patients to walk during the end of their pregnancy, if they have had a
healthy and risk-free gestation. While many experts differ as to how
important walking is for easing labor, she has witnessed through the
years that walking really does help alleviate the pains of labor. Also,
for women who have reached or past their due date, and want to induce
labor naturally, walking is one of the best alternatives.
When an expectant mother walks before giving birth, the gravity placed upon the baby helps move them toward the birth canal. The movement also impacts the muscles in the pelvis, getting them ready to deal with contractions. For first time mothers, and any woman who is anxious about their upcoming birth, walking helps to curb their anxiety, as the physical exercise helps to release endorphins into the brain.
For women who have gained a lot of weight during their pregnancy, or are simply carrying a large child, they can become incredibly uncomfortable in the last trimester. They often deal with sore legs and backs, and do not always move around as much as they should because of the discomfort. Walking helps to stretch the muscles in the legs and back, easing the tension and stiffness. If a woman can walk long enough or quick enough to work up a sweat, the act of perspiring will tell the body to produce Oxytocin. This is a good way to trick the pituitary gland into secreting the hormone, which then causes labor to happen.
When an expectant mother walks before giving birth, the gravity placed upon the baby helps move them toward the birth canal. The movement also impacts the muscles in the pelvis, getting them ready to deal with contractions. For first time mothers, and any woman who is anxious about their upcoming birth, walking helps to curb their anxiety, as the physical exercise helps to release endorphins into the brain.
For women who have gained a lot of weight during their pregnancy, or are simply carrying a large child, they can become incredibly uncomfortable in the last trimester. They often deal with sore legs and backs, and do not always move around as much as they should because of the discomfort. Walking helps to stretch the muscles in the legs and back, easing the tension and stiffness. If a woman can walk long enough or quick enough to work up a sweat, the act of perspiring will tell the body to produce Oxytocin. This is a good way to trick the pituitary gland into secreting the hormone, which then causes labor to happen.
