Can walking induce labor, or is it just another old wives’ tale? If you’re past your due date or feeling those early twinges, you’ve probably heard someone suggest a long walk. But how effective is it, really?
Walking may help encourage labor and delivery by using gravity and motion to position the baby lower in the pelvis, which can press on the cervix and stimulate contractions. Some women report going into labor shortly after an active stroll, though medical experts like Dr. Lauren Demosthenes from BabyCenter note that while walking won’t start labor for everyone, it can support the body’s natural process.
Still, walking isn’t a guaranteed trigger—but it has more benefits than just baby movement. Want to know how to walk the right way for labor, when to try it, and how it stacks up against other methods? Let’s explore the facts, expert opinions, and what you can safely try today.
Can Walking Induce Labor?
Can walking help induce labor? Walking is one of the most frequently recommended methods to help stimulate labor in the final weeks of pregnancy. The idea is that the movement of walking, particularly when combined with gravity and pelvic motion, may help encourage the baby to move down into the birth canal and put gentle pressure on the cervix—possibly triggering labor contractions.
Scientific Insight:
There’s limited formal research conclusively proving that walking alone will initiate labor. However, randomized clinical trial studies and anecdotal reports suggest walking can help prepare the body for labor by:
- Encouraging optimal fetal positioning
- Increasing blood flow to the uterus
- Supporting cervical effacement (softening)
- Stimulating oxytocin release (the “labor hormone”)
In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Ob Gyn, women who stayed physically active in the final weeks of pregnancy were less likely to go beyond 41 weeks and reported shorter labor durations on average.
Anecdotal Reports:
Many moms report going into labor after a long walk or hike. While this doesn’t guarantee a causal relationship, it does support the idea that walking can be part of a broader strategy to encourage labor naturally.
Is Curb Walking to Induce Labor Safe?
Curb walking is a trending variation of regular walking used in late pregnancy. It involves walking with one foot on the curb (or raised surface) and the other on the street. This uneven gait creates an exaggerated pelvic movement, which some believe can help the baby descend into the pelvis more effectively.
Is it safe?
For most women in a low-risk pregnancy, curb walking is safe in moderation, especially in the days or weeks leading up to labor. However, there are some important precautions:
- Wear supportive shoes to reduce the risk of falls.
- Avoid busy streets or uneven sidewalks.
- Have someone accompany you if you’re near your due date or prone to dizziness.
Who should avoid curb walking?
- Those with pelvic instability or SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction)
- Women with a history of preterm labor
- Individuals under doctor-advised activity restrictions
Always consult your care provider before trying any labor-induction activity, even one as low-impact as walking.
How Does Walking Help Labor Start?
While walking may not immediately “flip the labor switch,” it can positively impact the labor process in several biomechanical and hormonal ways.
1. Engagement of Baby’s Head
The gentle up-and-down motion of walking helps your baby settle deeper into the pelvis, increasing cervical pressure. This stimulation may encourage dilation and kickstart contractions.
2. Pelvic Rocking Motion
Each step causes your pelvis to tilt and sway, promoting alignment of the baby’s head and potentially assisting in optimal fetal positioning for birth.
3. Gravity Works in Your Favor
Upright positions like walking allow gravity to help pull the baby downward, applying natural pressure to the cervix—often necessary for labor to begin.
4. Oxytocin Production
Walking, especially when relaxing or enjoyable, can trigger the body to release oxytocin, the hormone responsible for initiating and progressing contractions.
5. Improved Circulation
Movement increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the uterus and placenta, which may enhance uterine readiness for labor.
Are There Situations Where You May Need to Avoid Walking in Early Labor?
While walking can be a helpful and low-risk labor aid for most, it’s not suitable for everyone—especially during early labor or if medical complications are present.
When walking might not be advised:
- High-risk pregnancies: If you’ve been advised to limit activity due to placenta previa, hypertension, or other complications, walking to induce labor should be avoided.
- Ruptured membranes (water has broken): Walking may increase the risk of infection, especially if amniotic fluid is leaking.
- Signs of active labor: Once regular, intense contractions begin, excessive walking could cause fatigue or increase discomfort. At this stage of labor, it’s best to conserve energy for active labor.
- Pelvic floor pain or instability: Women experiencing SPD or sacroiliac joint pain should proceed with caution or explore alternatives.
Always follow your provider’s recommendations. Some women may benefit more from rest, hydration, and position changes than walking during early labor.
Other Ways to Induce Labor Naturally:
If walking alone doesn’t get things moving, there are other natural labor-inducing methods that can be combined with or used as alternatives to walking. While not all are scientifically proven, many have anecdotal support and are considered safe under medical supervision.
1. Nipple Stimulation
Manually or using a breast pump, stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin, which can trigger uterine contractions. This method is one of the few scientifically backed natural techniques.
2. Sexual Intercourse
Semen contains prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix, and orgasm can stimulate contractions.
3. Spicy Foods
While not backed by science, some believe spicy food can trigger digestive activity and uterine contractions. Proceed with caution—especially if prone to heartburn.
4. Acupressure and Acupuncture
Certain pressure points (like the web between the thumb and index finger or inside the ankle) are believed to help stimulate labor.
5. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Often used in the final weeks of pregnancy to tone the uterus, this tea may not induce labor directly but may contribute to a more effective labor once it begins.
6. Chiropractic Adjustments
Some prenatal chiropractors focus on pelvic alignment and fetal positioning, which may help reduce labor duration and improve outcomes.
Always consult your midwife or obstetrician before trying any of these methods, especially if you are close to or past your due date.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Though unrelated to labor induction directly, it’s important to mention another late-pregnancy phenomenon that many women experience: skin changes.
Common skin changes include:
- Stretch marks: As the belly grows, the skin stretches, leading to red, purple, or white streaks.
- Hyperpigmentation: Dark patches, especially on the face (melasma) or linea nigra (a dark line on the belly), are due to hormonal shifts.
- Itchy skin or rashes: PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy) is a common rash in the third trimester.
- Skin sensitivity: Increased blood volume and hormonal activity can make skin more prone to irritation, dryness, or acne.
While these changes are usually temporary, maintaining hydration, using gentle skincare products, and wearing breathable clothing can help manage discomfort.
If you notice severe itching, especially on hands or feet, consult your doctor, as this could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a condition requiring medical attention.
Commonly Asked Questions about How Does Walking Bring on Labor (FAQs)
What TOCO Number is a Contraction in 2025?
In 2025, a TOCO number (uterine monitor reading) above 20–30 mmHg typically indicates a contraction. Active labor contractions often peak at 50–80 mmHg. Values vary by individual and labor stage.
Can walking induce labor in pregnant women at 39 weeks?
How Can Walking Induce Labour? Yes, walking during late pregnancy, particularly for pregnant women at 39 weeks, may help induce labor. The physical activity can exert pressure on your cervix and encourage the baby to move into an optimal position for childbirth.
What are the benefits of walking during pregnancy?
Walking during pregnancy is a safe form of exercise that can promote a healthy pregnancy. It helps maintain fitness, manage weight, and may even stimulate contractions going into labor, especially towards the end of pregnancy.
What is curb walking and how does it relate to labor induction?
Curb walking involves walking along the edge of a curb, which can help exert pressure on the cervix and encourage the baby to descend. This method is believed to be a natural labor induction technique that some pregnant women find beneficial.
Is there any evidence that walking can help induce labor?
A systematic review and meta-analysis have shown that physical activities such as walking may encourage spontaneous labor. While it isn’t guaranteed to induce labor, many health professionals suggest it as a safe option to try.
What role does the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have in labor induction?
The ACOG provides guidelines on safe practices during pregnancy, including recommendations on physical activities that may help induce labor. They emphasize the importance of consulting a health professional before starting any exercise program.
How does walking affect the outcomes of labor and delivery?
Walking during late pregnancy can positively influence outcomes of labor and delivery. It may help with dilation and facilitate the onset of spontaneous labor, ultimately contributing to a smoother childbirth experience.
Can walking be harmful if I’m trying to induce labor?
Generally, walking is considered safe to try as a method to induce labor. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and consult your health professional, especially if you have conditions such as high blood pressure or are at risk of preeclampsia.
What other methods can help induce labor besides walking?
Other natural methods to induce labor include raspberry leaf tea, castor oil, spicy foods, and nipple stimulation. Each method may have varying effectiveness, and it’s advisable to discuss remedy options with your health care provider.
How does walking during late pregnancy help with contractions?
How Can Walking Help Induce Labor? Walking can help stimulate contractions by encouraging the baby to move down into the pelvis and exerting pressure on the cervix. These actions can facilitate the onset of labor, making walking a recommended activity for women preparing for childbirth.
Is walking good at the end of pregnancy?
Yes, walking is highly beneficial at the end of pregnancy. The effect of walking during late pregnancy includes improved circulation, reduced swelling, and may help induce labor by encouraging baby’s descent into the pelvis.
Conclusion
So, can walking induce labor? While there’s no guarantee, walking is one of the safest, most natural ways to encourage your body toward active labor—especially when paired with rest, hydration, and other gentle methods. The rhythm of walking, combined with gravity and improved circulation, may help your baby engage, soften the cervix, and stimulate mild contractions.
Whether it’s a casual stroll or strategic curb walking, staying active in late pregnancy can benefit both your physical readiness and emotional well-being. As always, listen to your body, talk to your healthcare provider, and remember—labor is a unique journey for every woman. With patience, preparation, and a few intentional steps, you’re already moving in the right direction.
Recommended posts
- The Average Length of Prodromal Labor? (Facts & Relief Tips)
- 13 Weird Signs Labor Is Near That Most Women Miss
- Prodromal Labor AKA False Labor – What to DO About It?
- Want to Avoid Poop While in Labor? Here’s What Might Help
- Pineapple and Inducing Labor: Can This Fruit Really Help?
- 7 Best Exercises to Help Bring on Labor Naturally and Safely
- Is Heartburn a Sign of Labor and Delivery? Here’s the Fact
- Can Pumping Induce Labor Naturally (The Shocking Truth)
- Amniotic Fluid Leakage in Pregnancy (Normal or Dangerous?)
