Why does keeping active help bring on labour?

[stillhoping]

I don't mean when you are in labour, I mean the weeks leading up to it. Is there any proven research that by keeping active you will bring on labour rather than lying on the couch for the last few weeks?

Any thoughts?

Also I am now 4/5 head engaged, anyone been this and still gone over due date? I have one week to go.

thanks

[Dragonbub]

Good question! Maybe it is a Murphy's Law thing - if you are busy doing something else, then you are more likely to go into inconvenient labour, LOL. I suppose scientifically, movement allows the head to further engage, and facilitates any widening/dropping/opening that should be happening.

I know in labour it is very important. My GF laboured for about 10 hours flat on her back because she just didn't have the strength to get up (she had put on HEAPS of weight - that may have inhibited her movement?). They were about to do a forceps delivery so she had to stand and the head almost fell out!

Pre-labour it is supposed to be good as well for positioning, ripening etc, but I think this is mosty likely when you are already on your way, rather than beforea anything even starts.

Good luck!

[Trillian]

It is also allowing gravity to do it's work and keep bubs in a good position too and help the head descend further. It also helps your pelvis too. You will hear many women talking about 'walking in' contractions in the early part of labour to help get them nice and established.

[RhiChiChi]

I tried 'keeping active' during pre-labour but it made my really tired by the time I went into labour. When I was in labour, the midwife kept telling me when I was sitting on the bed to try to sit up tall/straight to help with gravity. My labour was induced (ARM & Drip) so I was stuck on the bed being monitored which IMO was no help with the progression of my labour. I would have loved to be able to walk around, hop in the shower/bath etc....

[SweetPea]

I think if you're upright it helps gravity, I was painting doors when I was 40 weeks I had to squat on a small footstool because it was to hard to get up off the floor! I was 2 cm at 39 weeks and at 41 weeks went to be induced, had the gel and waters broke and contractions started so was never put on the drip and I dilated very quickly, much to the surprise of the midwife (especially for a first baby, I had the midwives telling me that with number two it will be quicker again). I'm not sure if it was just me or staying active that helped, but I'd give anything a go!