Does walking in late pregnancy help with labour?

[maama0f3]

Had mixed messages from midwifes about this. What are your thoughts? Also heard being active during labour helps it progress faster.

Potentially?
I went for a walk on the Saturday afternoon and my contractions started Sunday morning.
But could all be a fluke really!
Went for a short walk during early labour & it made my contractions come closer together but they eased off as soon as I stopped walking.
I found laying down really difficult during labour, very uncomfortable so for me walking around, leaning over things or being on a ball or in a bath were far more comfortable and are all technically deemed 'active' compared to laying down.
That being said my labour was not quick but I honestly think it's so individual.

Helps start it but doesn't make it easier.

Hmmm I have a fairly active job, and walked 3-4 miles every day once I was on maternity leave. I live in an unusually hilly town as well.

I was still 10 days over. I went into labour naturally the day before my induction was booked.

Also spent a lot of time bouncing on an exercise ball.

I don't think anything I did helped my son arrive sooner, but I'm sure being active was better for my mental health 🙂

I walked for around an hour a day every leading up to and after my due date…I still went 12 days over, the walking was just for something to do really.

I also walked/paced during every contraction until 7cm when I was able to have gas and air as its the only way I was able to cope with contractions so I was pretty active during labour, still took 24hrs to get to 7cm (and another 8 hrs from then until baby born!) but this was first baby so that could have had an influence. Although it was long and tiring I wouldn’t have said my labour was particularly difficult, overall I actually enjoyed the whole experience.

I would probably do the same in subsequent pregnancies, nice to feel like you are doing something to help when overdue and I found the walking/pacing good for pain management.

Can’t really say whether it helped or not - might have been more overdue/had a more difficult labour without the walking but I’ll never know!

It helps to be fit and have good stamina during labour that's for sure. Walking would help for this, as would other exercise.
I found walking started my labour. But I had to walk further than I had been accustomed to, so that I felt really tired after. Just doing my normal daily walk didn't cut it! Of course it could have been a coincidence that it happened that day.

I’d say yes, personally. My first birth was traumatic (pre-eclampsia, induction, epidural, legs in stirrups, NICU stay) so for my second I was desperate for a different experience. I walked sometimes 5km a day (having a spritely toddler ensured this) and I also had 4 dates a day from 36 weeks. Positive birth affirmations around the house from 6 months and drank almost a gallon of water a day. I also did the perineal massages with coconut oil.

Now obviously, I can’t say whether those things helped for sure, but I had the most positive birth experience I could’ve ever wished for so I like to think something(s) from the above helped. My waters went naturally at 38 weeks (a few days before we’d done a big Long walk, about 7km?) and he was born in the birth centre, no induction needed and no tearing or pain relief. It was incredible. Althoguh I’d of absolutely taken on some gas and air had we had the chance (he was born 20 minutes after arriving at the hospital 😵‍💫😂).

@Confusedpapoose

I’d say yes, personally. My first birth was traumatic (pre-eclampsia, induction, epidural, legs in stirrups, NICU stay) so for my second I was desperate for a different experience. I walked sometimes 5km a day (having a spritely toddler ensured this) and I also had 4 dates a day from 36 weeks. Positive birth affirmations around the house from 6 months and drank almost a gallon of water a day. I also did the perineal massages with coconut oil.

Now obviously, I can’t say whether those things helped for sure, but I had the most positive birth experience I could’ve ever wished for so I like to think something(s) from the above helped. My waters went naturally at 38 weeks (a few days before we’d done a big Long walk, about 7km?) and he was born in the birth centre, no induction needed and no tearing or pain relief. It was incredible. Althoguh I’d of absolutely taken on some gas and air had we had the chance (he was born 20 minutes after arriving at the hospital 😵‍💫😂).

Wow sounds amazing. I'm struggling to walk a few miles baby's head feels so low!

I walked every day for a good hour in the weeks leading up to due date. Ate dates. Took raspberry leaf tablets. Ds was born on due date, 8 hours from first twinge. No painkillers etc