Does exercise make labor easier?

[m0mmyCool]

I've been taking over 3 mile walks a few times a week trying to get baby to engage but it doesn't seem to be working. Its good exercise but I'm wondering if I'm just wasting energy.

 

[GingerNut]

I've heard people say that having strong core muscles helps with the pushing stage. I don't exercise at all really and my pushing stage last time was grand, so I'm not convinced.

I had been taking raspberry leaf capsules a lot though and they're supposed to help with that stage too.

They do say that second babies often don't engage till labour has started so if I were you I wouldn't worry about it. Relax and save your energy for the toddler-and-newborn days : )

 

[Loui1001]

I exercised all through my pregnancy - stopped going to the gym round 24 wks because I was worried about my placenta being low lying but continued to walk 3 miles a day right to the bitter end. I don't know that it made any difference to my labour (went 10days over, induction failed and ended up having an emergency C Section) but it seems to have made my recovery much easier, I've had no pain following the section and was mobile v quickly after the surgery, to the extent that all the midwives and physio commented on it.

IMO the exercise will pay off for you and I'd keep at it as long as you feel able, it certainly can't do any harm

 

[x-TyMa-x]

I have been wondering this too, I heard that walking & exercising in pregnancy can help towards the birth, Not sure exactly how true it is but i figure its worth a try, its got to be benefitting you in some way ... so weve been walking around 2miles everynite, weather depending.

 

[Seity]

I ice skated right up until my due date. I had a very fast labor and pushed him out in 3 pushes. I drank RLT from 33 weeks on as well.

 

[motherwants]

I read on books that exercise helped, if you want I can show you some books you can look for