Curb walking to induce labor

Ready for baby to hurry up already? Maybe you should try curb walking to induce labor!

Just like sitting on an exercise ball helps to open up your pelvis to encourage baby to engage, curb walking produces the same effect.

My first baby was 10 days late and unfortunately, I did not know about this wonderful technique the first time around, but you can bet I’ll be trying it in few weeks when it’s time for my second child to make her debut!

What is curb walking and how do you do it?

First and foremost, make sure you have the all clear from your OB/GYN before you try any labor inducing techniques! Most won’t want you to attempt anything until you’re 39 weeks.

Curb walking is a simple as it sounds. Simply put one foot on the curb and one foot on the street and begin walking. You can try this in either direction or you can stick with the direction that feels the most comfortable.

Just like a lot of walking helps prepare you baby for labor and encourage them to get in a good birthing position, curb walking does the same, but because your pelvis is more opened with the curb walking position, it’s said to be more effective.

As you curb walk, your baby’s weight will put pressure on your cervix, which can bring on dilation.

I’d recommend finishing your walk by sitting on an exercise ball and doing some hip circles or figure 8s, just to further open up the pelvis.

Will curb walking bring on labor even if my body isn’t ready?

Even though curb walking and walking in general are very effective at encouraging your baby to move in the right direction, they won’t necessarily bring on labor if your body isn’t ready to go into labor.

Once you get the go ahead from your doc and are ready to meet baby, it’s not a bad idea to take a long walk each night and include 5-10 minutes of curb walking. If your body has already begun to dilate and you are partially effaced, curb walking can only help the process along.

Likewise, if you’re having mild contractions but they aren’t too consistent or strong and you want to speed up the process, going on a long walk with a lot of curb walking should really move things in the right direction.

Even though I didn’t know about curb walking when my daughter was born, I did go on a long walk after a few hours of weak contractions, and bam! strong and steady contractions started right after I finished my walk.

Did you have success with curb walking to induce labor?