What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Can Walking Help a Baby Drop?
As you approach your pregnancy due date, the anticipation can become overwhelming. Your tired body and mind may be looking for any way to speed up the process. Fortunately, there are natural ways to attempt to induce labor. Walking can help your baby drop and stimulate the cervix to contract, which may initiate labor.
Lightening
Lightening, or when your baby drops, is a sign that you are going into labor. Your body knows what to do to prepare for childbirth. One of the first steps is dropping the baby into your pelvis to prepare for the journey downward. If you suddenly notice the pressure is off your diaphragm and lungs and you can breathe again, you may be experiencing lightening.
- Lightening, or when your baby drops, is a sign that you are going into labor.
- One of the first steps is dropping the baby into your pelvis to prepare for the journey downward.
Walking
How Much Weight Do You Lose on Average After a C-Section?
Learn More
There are many ways women try to induce labor -- and walking is one that may actually work. A brisk walk may help your baby drop into place. The rhythmical movement of your hips can be enough to shimmy your baby down further into your pelvis.
Mechanism
A baby dropping can induce labor. The added pressure of the baby's weight on the cervix may be enough to stimulate contractions. If you have been having false contractions, this pressure may make them actually do something for you.
Other Benefits
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Kicking While Pregnant?
Learn More
Getting your baby to drop through a natural way like walking can help you avoid medical induction. If you go beyond two weeks from your due date, your doctor may consider inducing labor. Staying pregnant longer than this can increase labor-related complications 1. Even if walking does not help your baby drop, at least you will be preparing your body by staying in shape for labor.
- Getting your baby to drop through a natural way like walking can help you avoid medical induction.
Related Articles
How Much Weight Do You Lose on Average After a C-Section?
Learn More
How to Tell If Your Baby Is Kicking While Pregnant?
Learn More
What Exercises Can I Do So I Won't Tear During Labor?
Learn More
About Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
Learn More
Signs of HCG Increasing
Learn More
Breastfeeding & Leg Pains
Learn More
What Does it Mean to Be 80 Effaced?
Learn More
Is It Good if Your Baby Moves a Lot During Pregnancy?
Learn More
Is It Safe to Exercise With Braxton-Hicks?
Learn More
Red Raspberry Leaves During Pregnancy and While Breast-feeding
Learn More
References
Writer Bio
Laura Niedziocha began her writing career in 2007. She has contributed material to the Stoneking Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Lambertville, N.J., and her work has appeared in various online publications. Niedziocha graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. She also has her Associate of Arts in communications from the Community College of Philadelphia.