How much walking induces labor

This information is for informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. All kinds of exercise and dietary changes are potentially dangerous, and those who do not seek counsel from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any injury which may occur.

Please read my full Disclaimer for more information. Also, this post may contain affiliate links : meaning I may receive a commission if you use them. With the help of gravity, the weight of the baby will be putting a lot of pressure on the cervix. In theory, this can put enough force on the cervix to make it start dilating. This is a highly individualized question, therefore, I have written an entire article on walking while pregnant. However, if you are already very fit, walking anywhere from 3- 5 miles a day should be healthy.

Similar to the protocol I published on running after pregnancy. You will need your energy for when you do go into labor. I really recommend against pushing to induce labor. Every time you bear down, you will be doing something called the valsalva maneuver. This valsalva will temporarily increase your blood pressure, decrease your blood flow, and cause you unnecessary strain.

That is the million dollar question. From what we understand, labor seems to be triggered by a few different things. First of all, we know that substances called prostaglandins can help get your cervix ready to dilate. Stimulating your nipples releases oxytocin and may help start labor. While it's a time-honored approach, more research is needed to determine how effective it is.

And because there's a possibility of overstimulating your uterus and stressing your baby , it's probably safer to try this in the hospital while being monitored. Castor oil is a strong laxative. Although stimulating your bowels may cause contractions, there's not a lot of definitive research showing that it helps induce labor — and you're likely to find the effect very unpleasant.

It can also lead to diarrhea and dehydration, so it's important that you stay hydrated if using castor oil. A self-administered enema works similarly to castor oil in that it stimulates the bowels, which releases prostaglandins compounds that prepare the cervix for labor into the body. Again, there's not much recent scientific evidence for an enema to bring on labor, but anecdotally, it seems to work in select cases.

Like with castor oil, an enema can lead to diarrhea and leave you dehydrated. A variety of herbs, including red raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil , are said to be useful for labor induction.

But right now there isn't enough evidence to prove that any of them are safe or effective at getting labor started. And some can overstimulate your uterus or pose other risks.

Walking and other forms of moderate exercise are safe during pregnancy and recommended for most women. Sadly, there's no evidence that exercise can bring on labor. However, once you are in labor , spending time upright could help shorten the process. Taking a drive on a gravel road or hitting a few speed bumps won't help start labor.

It also won't hurt your baby, since he or she is well protected from life's minor bumps by the uterus and surrounding fluid. Always err on the side of safety, however, and wear a seat belt, even in the back seat.

Despite the stories about babies born quickly after their moms ate spicy pizza or a certain eggplant Parmesan, no spice or food has been scientifically proven to get labor started. Some people theorize that spicy food causes contractions by stimulating the digestive system. Others suggest that spicy food increases production of prostaglandins, which can also help move labor along.

But while an upset stomach or diarrhea could release prostaglandins into the body and stimulate mild uterine cramping, that's unlikely to be enough to cause labor. This tasty fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is rumored to stimulate labor. However, there are no studies to prove this is the case.

There's no harm in eating pineapple to try and start labor you'll get a healthy dose of vitamin C but don't overdo it because too much pineapple can irritate the stomach. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles through the skin in strategic locations throughout the body.

Acupressure is similar, but uses pressure from touch instead of needles. Some people swear these techniques can be used to get labor started, or to shorten labor. A few small studies support this, but there needs to be more rigorous research of these techniques. Acupuncture has also been found in several studies to ease the pain of labor.

Lunges stretch the hips and open the pelvis, which helps the baby move into the ideal birthing position. Push back up to starting position, then repeat with the other leg. While experts often recommend regular exercise for low-risk pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG suggests discontinuing if you experience certain symptoms. They include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, regular painful contractions, amniotic fluid leakage , shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, chest pain, muscle weakness affecting balance, and calf pain or swelling.

Always speak with your plans to induce labor through exercise with your healthcare practitioner, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Consider discussing your plans with a physical therapist as well. By Nicole Harris July 23, Save Pin FB More. Pregnant mixed race woman exercising in park. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment