There are lots of myths as regards pregnancy that my people tend to believe in strongly, some of those myths sound realistic while others do not, but the one that caught my attention lately is the exercises that are done to help induce labor that some experienced mothers advise.
Once it is time for younger ladies to give birth and it doesn't seem like the baby is coming forth, older mothers over here advise younger ones to get involved in serious exercise, what we normally call exercises that help to induce labor, but how safe is it to induce labor and does it work? are questions I hope to answer through this post.
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First of all, it is very important to discuss every plan for labor induction and attempt to try it at home with your doctor. In addition to the induction of labor, there are other associated benefits of prenatal exercises. The baby should get in an optimal position, that is having the baby face downward. Here are some of the possible exercises that are advised;
Pelvic Tilts: During the process of vaginal delivery, the pelvic bone of the expectant mother pulls away, and gets separated to accommodate the head of the baby. The joints could lose through the process of pelvic tilt exercises. How do we do that? Lying on the back, placing the feet flat against the floor, bending the knees, and slowly lifting the pelvis until it becomes parallel with the torso. Hold on for 10 seconds, return to the start position, and repeat severally.
Walking: Walking is a regular exercise routine for pregnant women, but it i also an avenue of inducing labor as it helps with dilation and cervical effacement, it allows the baby to drop into the pelvis.
Squatting: Squatting is one of the most natural body movements that exist, it is one of the safe exercises that can be done during pregnancy. Squatting helps to build strength in different muscles in the lower back, abdomen, and thigh while the pelvis is getting opened up.
Squats are healthy all through pregnancy and it is even believed to help get babies into a safe position for delivery. While your back is kept straight, go down as though you are about to sit on a chair, you can either do a full squat by going all the way down or a half squat where you only need to lower your back below your knees.
Birthing ball: Using a birthing ball as a form of exercise is fun for a workout routine. Comfortably sit at the center of the ball with your feet placed flat on the ground and knees bent. With your feet, roll back and forth or bounce gently on the exercise ball.
Hip circles: Hip circles can help create change in the pelvis, this exercise helps to position your baby into a better position. Repeat this procedure for some time before changing to the next leg and then carry out the same procedure.
Get into the butterfly pose position: The butterfly pose popular with yoga classes will increase flexibility with pelvic joints, improve the flow of blood, and make childbirth easier. The pose is attained through sitting upright on the floor, bringing the soles of your feet together while the knees are bent. Pull your feet towards the body until you feel a stretch in your inner thighs and hips, breathing in in the process.
Lunges: Performing lunges is a good way to warm up the hips and help them open up, giving room for the baby to rotate and descend. This exercise routine is a natural way to induce labor, with both legs placed together and one big step taken forward, descend your lower back during the time you pivot on your front knee and the muscle in your back and hind leg stretches.
Climbing stairs: All muscles of the lower back and legs in this case are required. During the process of stretching, the movement of the hips helps to orient the baby's head downwards towards the direction of the birth canal.
While exercises are considered safe for pregnant women, it need to be stopped at some point when some symptoms are felt; chest pain, dizziness, abdominal pain, leaking fluid, headache, shortage of breath, constant and painful contractions, vaginal bleeding, and muscle weakness that begins to affect balance.
Conclusion.
Whatever decision you plan or hope to make should not be done alone, it has to also involve the consent of your midwife who will give you the go-ahead depending on the condition of your health.
References.
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/exercises-to-help-you-prepare-for-childbirth/
https://mylofamily.com/article/10-effective-exercises-for-easy-labor-safe-deli-43240
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/tips-for-having-a-normal-delivery_00384250/
https://www.apollocradle.com/blog/effective-exercises-for-an-easy-labour/
