Movement in Labor
Every labor and birth is unique. While there are many different ways to cope with labor, movement is universally beneficial. Historically, laboring individuals would manage their process with walking, squatting, leaning, swaying, rocking and a hands and knees position. Many of these positions shift the pelvis and help the baby descend and align properly. Freedom of movement has been shown to make labor more comfortable. While movement is unlikely to remove the pain of labor completely, it can ease it significantly. Movement in labor can decrease the use of pain medication, shorten the overall length of labor and increase the sense of control and satisfaction that one feels about their birth.
Movement and Perceived Pain
Physical movement stimulates receptors in our brain that decrease pain perception. As contractions become stronger movement stimulates those receptors to release endorphins which reduce our pain perception even more (Perez, n.d.). Labor is a rhythmic, productive pain. Our bodies instinctually want to move with “the rhythm of labor”. That movement is crucial in sending a message to our brains that we need pain relief. When movement is restricted, our bodies cannot send the message that relief is needed.
In 2011 a research study of 87 people found that those who were shown how to use an exercise ball during pregnancy and given access to one in labor reported their perceived pain as significantly less than those who did not have access to a birth ball. On a scale of 1-10 those using the birth ball rated their pain 2 points less than those who did not use a birth ball (Dekker, 2017). A birth ball can facilitate support and movement in labor. Sitting on the ball, gently bouncing, swaying or rolling your hips supports your lower back and encourages optimal positioning of the baby. A hands and knees position can be modified with a birth ball to take pressure off the hands and shoulders. This is a wonderful position to relieve back labor and makes room for baby to rotate. A birth ball can be placed on a bed and enable the birther to stand and lean, allowing them to maintain a supported upright position. Standing helps keep the pelvis wide and can help speed up labor if the birther has been lying down (Simkin, 2001).
Movement as Physical and Psychological Support
Most people find themselves cycling through various positions and movements throughout labor. As labor progresses; as the body moves the baby into position and down the birth canal, different movements will bring relief and comfort. These movements can also help move the baby into the proper position and help speed up labor if it has stalled. If your movement is restricted in labor your body cannot actively participate in progressing the labor. While this doesn’t mean your baby won’t be delivered vaginally, it likely means that your labor will be longer. A longer labor, without the ability to move and provide pain relief, will feel more agonizing.
Movement in labor is not only physically beneficial but emotionally beneficial as well. Naturally, the shorter and more productive your labor is, the easier it is to maintain a positive attitude about the birth. Making progress is encouraging and positive feedback from your caregiver and support team can help you feel confident and muster strength and resolve after hours of hard work. Emotionally, labor can be very draining. Lying in bed on your back decreases the opening of your pelvis and works against gravity. Upright positions, such as standing and walking, work with gravity and help you to feel more in control of your body. That sense of control will help maintain your confidence in your ability to birth. It is one thing to be told affirmative statements but another to physically feel that your body is capable and engaged in the birthing of your baby.
Freedom of movement in labor has many benefits. Even if you intend to get an epidural in active labor, using movement in early labor can help set your body and baby up for an easier, faster delivery. And if you intend to have an unmedicated birth, movement should be one of the many tools you use for progress and relief.
References
Perez. (n.d.). Labor Positions and Movement. Retrieved April 2, 2020, from https://www.lamaze.org/labor-positions
Dekker. (2017) Three Reasons to use an Exercise Ball During Labor. Retrieved from https://evidencebasedbirth.com/using-exercise-birth-balls-during-labor/
Simkin P.T., P. 2001. The Birth Partner. (2nd ed., pp. 111-115). Boston, Mass. The Harvard Common Press.