Do strong stomach muscles = difficult birth?

[rascal1979]

At my antenatal appt today my MW commented that I have very strong stomach muscles.

I was telling a friend (feeling rather pleased with myself) and she commented that this can make giving birth more difficult.

Is this true?

Not as far as I know (but I am no expert ). Maybe your friend is just jealous that your stomach muscles are firmer than hers .

I was told I had strong stomach muscles at a couple of points during my pregnancy. I was also told it could make for a difficult labour.

My labour lasted 6 hours, and DD was an OP presentation, so in my experience no. I hope you are the same.

Thanks for the speedy responses!

I mean I hope you have a short easy labour, not that your baby is OP.

noooo....i wouldnt think so!

i have strong stomach muscles and two easy peasy labours

no smugness intended (and strictly speaking i should use the past tense when talking about my muscles)

someone will come on now and produce evidence to the contrary now i bet!

lol Neverendingpileoflaundry I took your comment as intended!

Beansontoast - I'm sure you are right there is always one!

Not sure but I know 2 aerobics instructors (obviously with strong stomach muscles) and they both ended up with c-sections. I also had a c-section and was a bit of an exercise freak with good stomach muscles - but I am guessing you can't generalise on 3 people

It is probably just an old wives tale so am sure you will be ok.

Am guessing I am 'that one' then

Ceebee74 - if you don't mind me asking why did you end up with a c section - because of the stomach muscles?

lol ceebee

I never had a ny stomach muscles which did anything useful, I'm just glad I can now blame DS for their absense!
I worked as au pair for a gym teacher who was a bit ab obsessed, and her stomach muscles only made life difficult because she ended up needing 2 C/S, giving the surgeon more to cut through.
I'm sure you'll be fine

DS was 'back to back' (can't think what the proper term was) so he got stuck on his way out. Not sure it was anything to do with stomach muscles although maybe it is harder for them to move round if the muscles are strong (just guessing there).

hmm thanks Ceebee.
My LO is currently 'back to back' but I'm only 25+2 so plenty of moving to do yet!

I had strong stomach muscles before ds, and had a short and easy birth (5 hours).

They've gone to pot since though.....