As the due date approaches, many moms-to-be start looking for ways to naturally induce labor. One method that has gained popularity in recent years is curb walking. This simple and easy exercise involves walking on the curb, with one foot on the curb and the other on the street.
Proponents of curb walking to induce labor believe that the uneven surface helps to put pressure on specific points of the feet, which can stimulate contractions and potentially help start labor.
In reality, curb walking is not a proven method to induce labor. While walking, in general, can help prepare the body for labor and delivery, there is no guarantee that curb walking will actually trigger contractions.
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Is Curb Walking Effective for Inducing Labor?
Even though some moms say this helped them to induce labor naturally, we don’t have a lot of science to say for sure that it works.
It’s kind of like a myth that curb walking can help start labor. While some people believe that walking in this special way can help the baby get ready to be born, there’s no strong scientific proof that it really works.
Different women might try it and feel like it helped them, but it could just be a coincidence or because their bodies were already ready to start birthing.
Top 5 Benefits of Curb Walking to Induce Labor
🟢 Baby Is Getting in Better Position
Walking on the curb might help the baby to move into a better spot for birth.
🟢 Gentle Stretch for Pregnant Woman
Moving like this can stretch your muscles and prepare your body for labor. Remember about safe stretches during pregnancy.
🟢 Fresh Air Bonus
It’s a good excuse to get outside, walk around, and maybe take your mind off the waiting.
🟢 Distraction Tactic
Focusing on walking can be a nice distraction from the anticipation of labor.
🟢 Exercise Perk
It’s a simple way to stay active during pregnancy, which is always good when you’re preparing for something as big as childbirth.
Also, scientists proved that walking during late pregnancy decreases induction, cesarean, and instrumental delivery.
Top 5 reasons why curb walking might not be the best idea
🔴 Risk of Falling Down
When you’re pregnant, your belly is much bigger, and it can make it hard to keep your balance. Walking on a curb, where one foot is higher than the other, can make it even easier to lose your balance and fall.
🔴 Too Tiring Activity
Walking like this can make you really tired, especially when you’re very close to having the baby. Being too tired isn’t good because you need a lot of energy for when it’s time to give birth.
🔴 It Might Not Work
There’s no proof that curb walking really helps start labor. So, you might be doing all that walking for no reason, and it could just make you feel more tired or sore.
🔴 It Can Cause Pain
Walking in an uneven way can make your back, hips, or legs hurt. When you’re pregnant, you might already feel some aches and pains, and curb walking might make them worse.
🔴 Baby’s Position
In some cases, curb walking could make it harder for the baby to get into the right spot if done too much.
How to Curb Walk [The Technique]
The mom walks with one foot higher than the other, which can make her hips move in a special way. See on the video.
It’s really important to be careful not to fall, especially since balance can be tricky with a big belly. And it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor before trying something like this.
How Long to Curb Walk To Induce Labor
There’s no set time for how long to do this. The mom should listen to her body and not walk too much. Start curb walking when you feel good and finish whenever you want.
11 Alternatives to Curb Walking to Induce Labor
1. Nipple stimulation
It can release oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions.
2. Sexual intercourse
Semen contains prostaglandins, which can help dilate the cervix.
3. Exercising
Gentle exercise like walking can help, but it’s important not to overdo it.
4. Eating Spicy Food
Some people think that eating spicy food can make your tummy upset, which might help start labor. But this doesn’t work for everyone, and sometimes it can just make you feel uncomfortable.
5. Walking
Just regular walking can also help. Begin walking and walk a lot. The idea is that walking around can help the baby move into the right spot for being born.
6. Climbing Stairs
Climbing stairs is another alternative to curb walking for inducing labor. The action of lifting your legs higher can help the baby settle lower into the pelvis.
7. Yoga for Pregnant Women
Prenatal yoga uses gentle stretches and poses designed for pregnant bodies, helping to relax and align your body, potentially encouraging the baby to settle into a good position for birth.
8. Bouncing on a Ball
Sitting and gently bouncing on a big, soft ball, like a yoga ball, can help, too. It’s a bit like walking because it can help the baby move down close to the birth canal.
9. Relaxing
Sometimes, being really relaxed can help. Things like taking a warm bath, getting a massage, or doing some deep breathing can make your body feel safe and ready for the baby to come.
10. Raspberry Leaf Tea
This is a special kind of tea some women drink because they think it can help strengthen the womb’s muscles for when it’s time for the baby to come. It’s not about starting labor right away, but more about getting ready for it.
11. Acupressure
This technique involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, which is believed to help encourage labor. It’s a non-invasive way to potentially stimulate labor without needing to move around too much.
When to Use Curb Walking Help
Curb walking to induce labor is usually considered when you’re at or very near your due date and looking for natural ways to encourage labor to start. It’s typically safe to try to curb walk in this situation.
⚠️ You’re Full-Term
Generally, this is after 37 weeks of pregnancy, when the baby is considered full-term, and it’s safer if labor were to start.
⚠️ With Your Doctor’s Approval
Always check with your doctor before trying any method to induce labor, including curb walking, to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
⚠️ You’re Already Showing Signs of Preparing for Labor
If your body is showing signs that it’s gearing up for labor (like the baby dropping, increased Braxton Hicks contractions, etc.), curb walking might help progress things along.
✔️ You Want to Stay Active
Even if it doesn’t induce labor, staying active benefits your health and can help prepare your body for the labor process.
✔️ You’re Looking for Natural Induction Methods
If you’re past your due date and looking to avoid medical induction methods, curb walking can be one of the natural techniques you try to get things moving along.
3 Signs You Are Ready for Delivery
💡 Nesting Instinct
A sudden burst of energy and an overwhelming desire to clean, organize, choose postpartum outfits, and get your home ready could indicate your body is gearing up for labor.
💡Lightening
This is when the baby drops lower into your pelvis, preparing for birth. It might make breathing easier since there’s less pressure on your diaphragm, but you might also feel more pressure on your bladder.
💡 Loss of the Mucus Plug
The mucus plug is like a cork sealing off your uterus. Losing it—sometimes noticed as a thick, jelly-like discharge, possibly streaked with blood (called “bloody show”)—can suggest that changes are happening in your cervix in preparation for labor.
When Is It Not Safe to Curb Walk
If you have any pregnancy-related conditions like pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labor, adding extra physical stress might not be safe.
If you’re experiencing significant pelvic pain, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), or other discomforts, curb walking could worsen these symptoms.
If you’re feeling dizzy, short of breath, or just not well, or you have a third-trimester nausea, it’s better to avoid any physical activity that could put you at risk.
5 Funny Ways that Help Induce Labor
When it comes to the final stretch of pregnancy, some moms-to-be try a few funny (and perfectly safe) tricks to nudge labor along. Remember, these are more for a laugh and relaxation than proven methods.
💃 Dance Party
Crank up your favorite tunes and have a little dance party in your living room. Bonus points for belly laughs and baby-bump boogies.
🌶️ Spicy Food Challenge
Some say spicy food can kickstart labor. So, why not have a little fun with it and pretend you’re on a spicy food challenge show? Just keep it within your spice tolerance! See the post on Hot Cheetos while pregnant.
🗣️ Talk to the Bump
Have a heart-to-heart with your bump, maybe set a deadline? “Dear baby, the womb lease is up. Time to move out!”
🍍 Pineapple Platter
They say pineapple might help, so why not make a fun, tropical-themed snack out of it? Make it a fancy pineapple feast, with little umbrellas and all.
🎭 Comedy Marathon
They say laughter is the best medicine, so a comedy movie marathon might just be the nudge your baby needs. Laugh your way into labor!
Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: February 19, 2024
Mom of 3-year-old superhero Michael and 7-year-old princess Stasia. 👩👧👦
Passionate about research and getting to the core, enjoying processing information & always hungry for more. 📖
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