As the due date nears, pregnant women go to great lengths to trigger labor. From eating spicy food, taking long walks to even bouncing on an exercise ball, expectant mothers try almost anything in a bid to help kickstart their baby's arrival into the world. But does any of this work? Can walking truly bring on labor or is it just another myth passed down by generations of mothers?
What Science Says
To answer that question, we first have to look at science. Many years ago, there was little research done on this phenomenon. However, modern science has made incredible advances over time and today we have access to more knowledge and data than ever before.
So what do researchers say about walking as a means of inducing labor? Well walking actually can be effective for some expecting moms but not all (there is no magic bullet when it comes to natural induction) no matter how much you walk.
Walking helps encourage your baby downward position and places pressure on your cervix which causes it thin out so gradually increasing the likelihood of starting contractions naturally with lower rates of C-section thus decreasing maternal morbidity rate although there are still chances that assisted delivery could still happen.
On other hand these results from scientific studies are mostly correlational rather than causal meaning that they associate between two things(variables)but don't prove any solid statistically significant relationship causing one thing because other happened.Of course further investigation is needed!
The Benefits
Apart from stimulating hormones like oxytocin(labor-inducing hormone), progesterone along with catalyzing pelvic engorgement resulting in various benefits:
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved sleep cycle
- Decreased risk gestational diabetes
- Improved digestion and bowel movements.
- Strengthens bones and muscles
Pregnancy matters most during this crucial period especially when routine activities feel bothersome; therefore knowing whether walking can help start labor should be a top priority.
How Much Should One Walk?
The general rule is that you will want to walk for 30-45 mins/day; Yet here's the catch - this trick relies on CONSISTENCY so walking 10mins in intervals thrice a day or as much your body allows depending on physical ability would suffice.
However, If pain worsens or interferes with daily activities please don't hesitate contact their OB-GYN: It's always imperative to ensure safety first and foremost because every pregnancy and walker is unique!
Why Walking May Help Cause Labor
Because of gravity!, This constant force assists the baby descend down into pelvis while stimulating oxytocin levels naturally ultimately lead contractions– release natural mechanism known as endorphins!
- Movements increase pelvic pressure
- Gravity plays key role.
- Hormone stimulation onset of contractions
Furthermore, unlike some induction techniques like nipple stimulation which cause uncomfortable side effects such vomiting along with diarrhea which trigger severe cramps regardless mother-to-be's medical history ,walking has no (or minimal) adverse effects hence truly natural way induce labour at hospital or home!
When To Start Walking
It doesn’t matter if you are overdue during conditions like preeclampsia (High Blood Pressure), Placenta not functioning properly(premature placental failure) nerve damage(correlated CVD risks). Danger arises when physician consult triggers Caesarean delivery by doing vaginal exams where cervical dilation might have not taken place yet but still necessary intervention helps protect both lives including Child’s .If expecting mothers notice unusual changes call doctor right away for further examination without struggling themselves after all they're carrying life inside them.
Therefore it’s best to start out earlier rather than later – ideally around week thirty-two (32) when the risk factors aren’t highest but soon enough stimulate labor once forty weeks gestation commence!
Signs Of Labor
Now most pregnant women are familiar with these signs however unaware about bodily changes to look out for before.True labor occurs after your contractions come regular along last 60 seconds at minimum. Alongside more intense epigastric and back pain, you can expect:
- A pressure or tightening sensation in your pelvis.
- Increased vaginal mucus
- Breaking of water(the amniotic sac ruptures releasing clear fluid)
- Unscheduled consistent bowel movements
- Uterine contractions every two minutes
If symptoms from pregnancy does not occur chances are baby might just need a little push (literally!) towards meeting mother when closer around full term which again shows 38 Week wonders - Walking!
Conclusion
So if looking for alternatives avoid pitocin as inducing labor is no walk-in-the-park! Maybe start The Walking dead series that special day or anything that keeps mind off the purpose: Even though this natural method has its own drawbacks, it’s still one of the safest gentle yet effective ways to get things rolling down there while waiting to see face fresh off(weird terminology)the devilish labour resulting blossoming newborn . Don’t forget – be sure listen body acknowledging every sign nature throwing way throughout pregnancy journey; It's important part ensuring success beautiful delivery inside according mama’ saying " better safe than sorry!"