Can exercise really reduce time in labour?
A 2018 clinical trial by the Technical University of Madrid suggests this theory has legs. Scientists found that total labour time was reduced in a group of healthy women who did moderate aerobic exercise three times a week during pregnancy, compared with a control group who did none. Interestingly, the results also showed that those who worked out were less likely to have a macrocosmic (larger than 4kg) baby. ‘Regular aerobic exercise before and during pregnancy can have a positive effect on labour and birth, including shortening the overall duration,’ explains obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ellie Rayner (@maternitymedic).
‘Your cardiac output increases significantly during labour, making it an intense workout for the body – so exercise during pregnancy can make these changes less of a shock to your system.’ She also points to evidence that indicates an ability to be mobile (likely from exercise) during labour, particularly with changing positions, has a similar expediting effect. Of course, regular exercise is no guarantee of a straightforward birth, but other benefits include a reduced risk of high blood pressure, fewer backaches and, importantly, lessened stress and anxiety. For information on bumpsafe sweats in every trimester, head to womenshealthmag.com/ uk/pregnancy-and-baby.