Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

really help put you into labor?

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

If I could do any of those, I would.

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

In sat. I took a 5 mile hike with DH and my pup and NOTHING, nada, zippo, zilch - baby is still high and holding court in my ribs.

I figure if 5 miles doesn't do the trick, than nothing else will! Oh and later that day I ate fresh pineapple too (which is another old wives tale)

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Posted by waterspout4

If I could do any of those, I would.

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

I don't think it helps start labor, your body will do what it wants when it's ready but my midwife said those exercises are really good to do to make labor easier

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

My Doctor said that if your body is not ready to go this will not help BUT IF your body is getting ready to go it will DEF. speed things along. I have been walking on the treadmill and doing squats my whole pregnancy. At just about 36 wks I was 1cm dilated and 50% effaced and was nervous about going that early - the dr. told me that toning down my exercise could help to slow things up a bit and that keeping doing what I was doing would speed things along. I stopped and had no progress at my 37 wk appt - could be just a coincidence though

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Posted by waterspout4

If I could do any of those, I would.

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

I did squats for days starting at 37.5 weeks b/c I just couldn't take being pregnant anymore. One of the girls on the boards swore it would make my water break and sure enough at 39 weeks it did and I went into labor. I truly think those squats helped!

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

physical activity brings on uterine activity, in some people more than others. this is why i am on bed rest - all i have to do is walk to my mailbox and i will start contracting. if the contractions become severe/frequent/organized enough, there is a risk of my going into pre-term labor.

so yes, physical activity can definitely help bring on labor, especially as your body is getting ready to go into labor anyway.

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

My Dr. said they were all myths.

Re: Does walking, taking the stairs, doing squats.....

Not for me. I have been having contractions for three weeks and have tried all the "myths" and nothing. i am going to the Dr tonight to possibly induce tonight or tomorrow morning.