The process of childbirth involves cervical effacement and dilation. Effacement is the thinning and softening of the cervix, measured in a percentage. Dilation is the opening of the cervix, which must expand to ten centimeters before the pushing phase begins. Many people seek methods to encourage this progression, and movement like walking is frequently considered a natural way to support labor.
The Mechanics of Movement in Labor Progression
Movement supports the physiological forces that facilitate labor progression. When a person remains upright, gravity helps the baby descend deeper into the pelvis. This descent is necessary for the baby’s head to press firmly against the cervix. The pressure from the baby’s head acts as a natural wedge, encouraging the thinning and opening of the cervix.
Changing positions helps the baby navigate the pelvic structure. The pelvis is not a fixed bony ring, as its joints have a small degree of flexibility. Pelvic rocking, swaying, and walking introduce subtle movements. These movements can slightly increase the size of the pelvic outlet and help the baby rotate into an optimal position for birth.
Walking and Cervical Dilation: Current Evidence
The scientific evidence on whether walking accelerates the rate of cervical dilation is varied, but it supports an active approach to labor. Research comparing upright positions, including walking, to lying down often shows that mobility can lead to a shorter first stage of labor. For some, this reduction in labor time has been reported to be approximately one hour.
While movement may not dramatically change the speed of dilation for every person, it supports a more efficient process. Being upright encourages the baby’s head to maintain pressure on the cervix, activating the body’s hormonal response, including oxytocin secretion. Maintaining an active posture during labor, rather than being confined to a bed, is associated with fewer medical interventions.
Determining Safe Timing for Walking
Walking is most comfortable and productive during the latent phase of labor, before the cervix reaches about six centimeters of dilation. Short walks can help strengthen contractions and provide a welcome distraction during this time. It is important to conserve energy by taking frequent breaks for rest and hydration.
As labor progresses into the active phase, or if medical conditions arise, walking may become less appropriate. Situations like symptomatic hypotension or severe exhaustion may require bed rest. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring can also restrict movement, though some hospitals offer wireless systems for more freedom.
A common restriction concerns ruptured membranes, or “water breaking.” Historically, fear of umbilical cord prolapse led to strict bed rest policies following rupture. However, for term pregnancies, the risk of cord prolapse is low, and evidence does not support routine bed rest. If a light epidural is used, supervised ambulation may be possible, but movement is often limited by leg weakness or hospital safety protocols.
Other Active Labor Positions
When walking becomes difficult or is contraindicated, a variety of other movements can utilize gravity and pelvic flexibility. These alternatives help keep the pelvis mobile, offer a change in pressure points, and support the baby’s rotation through the birth canal:
- Rocking and swaying, often done while leaning on a partner or furniture, to maintain an upright posture.
- Slow dancing with a support person, which is a rhythmic movement that encourages the hips to open.
- Sitting on a birth ball, allowing for gentle bouncing, circular movements, or figure-eights to relieve pressure.
- Kneeling on hands and knees.
- A supported squat.