As the due date looms, a common question surfaces: Can exercise truly help nudge labor along, or is it just wishful thinking?
While medical interventions are the primary method for inducing labor, certain movements can indeed play a supportive role. These exercises can help prepare the body for the marathon of childbirth, potentially influencing the speed and ease of labor. The yoga warrior pose, for instance, alongside squats, is known to encourage the opening of the pelvis, potentially assisting the baby in finding the optimal position. Exercises like pelvic rocks can provide pain management and enhance the labor process, while squats are known for strengthening and opening up the pelvic floor muscles. Walking is also a simple yet effective method of strengthening labor contractions.
Before embarking on any exercise regime, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on individual health and circumstances. In this article, we will explore effective exercises that may help stimulate labor naturally, along with important considerations about when and why these methods may or may not be suitable.
Some exercises can be safely incorporated throughout pregnancy, providing comfort and preparing the body for the demands of childbirth. These exercises are designed to widen the pelvis naturally.
The birthing ball is a versatile tool. It shines in its capacity to manage pain, reduce fatigue, and facilitate labor, once the body is already in that stage. Scientific research supports the role of exercise in labor induction, with studies indicating that physical activity can act as a trigger for labor.
According to a study, 32% of women identified physical activity as the trigger for their labor. Consistent exercise during pregnancy has been linked to an earlier onset of labor and shorter labor duration.
Here are some practical suggestions for incorporating exercise into the labor induction process:
In the final month of pregnancy, aim to perform squats. Maintain good form and squat as low as comfortably possible. Hold the pose for about 5 seconds, then return to standing. Repeat this exercise approximately 10 times each day to help facilitate labor naturally.
Gentle exercises can also be a very good way to naturally induce labor.
The reasons why induction may not always be the best choice. Fortunately, there are various exercises that can prepare your body for delivery.
Here are some exercises to help induce labor naturally to help you prepare your body for delivery and reduce the chances of complications.
Regular exercises to induce labor are safe and natural ways to prepare your body and baby for birth.
These exercises have many benefits, such as stimulating the production of oxytocin. This is the hormone that triggers labor. However, there is no guaranteed method for inducing labor.
For the most part, you will just have to wait for your baby to be ready.
You can use a birthing ball for pregnancy exercises and to ease labor pain. You can also watch a short video with ten exercises to help induce labor naturally.
If your baby is ready to come to the world, the right exercises can help. Consulting with your doctor or midwife before trying any natural ways to speed up labor is advised.
Exercises to speed up labor can include walking or dancing, as these movements move the hips and facilitate the baby's head to sit low in the woman's pelvis.
Pregnant women should exercise throughout pregnancy and not just on the days leading up to birth. Using a birthing ball with specific exercises can help dilate and inducing labor.
The following table details exercises recommended by doulas, midwives, and mothers to get baby into the proper position for birth.
As a labor and delivery nurse, and within the mommy labor nurse community, there is a lot of discussion about methods, techniques, and stretches to induce labor and position the baby for birth. The Miles Circuit is one method that has gained attention and interest.
Exercise in water is a great way to relieve pressure from your joints. The muscle stimulation in your lower body can help start labor, which is great.
It's difficult to state whether exercise can definitely induce labor. In most cases, it won't hurt. It's important to talk to your doctor before trying to induce labor.
*Diaphragmatic breath work and core muscle relaxation practices help to soften and connect to your pelvic floor.
There are situations where pregnant women should not exercise to induce labor. Signs of organ damage and pregnancy complications are signs that tell you not to induce labor.
Some exercises like pelvic circles and tilts on a ball can help induce labor naturally.
Light aerobic exercise is highly recommended when nearing your due date to promote labor (although exercise is probably the last thing you want to do in the third trimester).
Here are some effective exercises that can help you induce labor.
Exercise | Description | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Walking | Walking is a simple yet effective exercise. Try walking around your home. | It encourages the baby's head to move downwards and can help strengthen contractions. |
Squats | Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body as if sitting in a chair, keeping your back straight. | Squats help open the pelvis, which can encourage the baby to move into the correct position for delivery. |
Pelvic Tilts | On your hands and knees, arch your back and then tuck your pelvis under, alternating between the two positions. | This exercise can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and encourage the baby to descend. |
Birthing Ball Exercises | Sit on a birthing ball and gently bounce, or do figure-eight movements with your hips. | Birthing ball exercises can help with pain management and can improve the labor process. |
Butterfly Stretch | Sit with the soles of your feet together and gently pull your heels towards your body while pushing your knees down. | The butterfly stretch helps open the hips. |
Yoga Warrior Pose | Step one foot forward, bend your front knee, and turn your back foot out slightly. | This position opens the pelvis. |
Dancing | Put on some music and sway your hips in a gentle, circular motion, or try any other kind of movement that feels right. | Dancing can encourage the baby's head to move downwards. |
Miles Circuit | This involves a series of positions and stretches to induce labor and position the baby for birth. This is often a series of stretches and positions. | Can help the baby into the proper position. |
Exercises to induce labor can include walking or dancing, as these movements move the hips and facilitate the baby's head to sit low in the woman's pelvis.
Some exercises, like pelvic circles and tilts on a ball, can help induce labor naturally.


