Walking to help prep for labour

[flowerchop]

Is everyone doing this ?? I'm 37 weeks now and being active is the last thing on my mind. I was not too bad up till 35 ish weeks and now I just want to lay in bed... and I can because I'm off leave and this is my first child.

I just wonder if I really am making it harder for myself by being so inactive - family always nagging me to go on walks but the fact I need to pee all the time is another huge obstacle lol

I’m currently 39 weeks and haven’t done anything to try and induce/prep for labour. This is my 3rd and with my first 2 i tried just about every trick in the book and was still 2 weeks over with both and induced.. so I’ve come to the conclusion that babies come in their own sweet time.

In the past I’ve done long walks, curries, raspberry teas, pineapple, curb walking, ball bouncing, sex, sweeps, the lot and nothing brought on labour for me. I was like a demon possessed trying to get baby evicted and all I did was exhaust myself and feel really deflated that it didn’t work.

I say just relax and put your feet up, only advice I do have is try not to be ‘slouchy’ on the sofa or you could make baby turn back-to-back.

The only thing that could bring on labour is a sweep and nipple stimulation. Semen can help soften your cervix.

Rest! Honestly rest. Make the most of this time and conserve your energy.

Walking is good for the mind and body but not necessary unless you want to.

I'd say rest if that's what you feel like! I had my first earlier this year and went on maternity at 38.5 weeks and was still walking to work at that point which was 50 mins. On maternity leave I still went for walks and swims as was hoping this would be encouraging baby into the best position as well as using the birthing ball but also lied on the sofa most of the evening! At 39+3 I went swimming and lots of walking, the following day my waters broke but contractions didn't start so I was induced with the drip anyways! An easy pushing stage and delivery once things finally progressed though. Do you have a birthing ball maybe try that?

Walking can help baby’s head move down into the pelvis and get into a good position but won’t really help labour start, that’s down to oxytocin flowing which needs you to to be relaxed and happy. Just make sure you aren’t slouching back as that can make baby turn. Bouncing on your ball can do the same thing as walking. You don’t have to walk miles but getting out for a little walk every day can be beneficial for your mental health