Can Squats Induce Labour?

There are many benefits to squatting before, during and after pregnancy. However, can squats induce labour?

According to the American Pregnancy Association, it is suggested that squatting can induce labour by widening your pelvic opening by 10%. Squatting is also beneficial for inducing labour because when you are in a squatting position, your uterus and pelvis will be tilted forward, moving the baby in proper alignment and further down the birth canal for a smoother delivery. Research has also found that squatting can promote and increase the contraction intensity while relieving the pressure felt on the mother’s back.

Past research has also found that squatting during pregnancy can reduce your time in labour by approximately 11 minutes, which is quite a substantial amount of time during active labour. Some pregnant mothers find squatting throughout labour an effective position, while other mothers prefer to squat right before the baby exits the vaginal opening. Squatting is also suggested to help reduce your need for episiotomy, as your pelvic floor muscles are already relaxed and stretched when you are in the squatting position.

However, do check with your doctor if you plan to squat for labour or squat to induce labour, so you can do it safely without any complications. Your doctor might also be able to prepare props, such as squat bars and stools, or offer advice to ensure a smoother delivery.

Things To Be Aware Of

While there are benefits of utilising squats to induce labour, there are also some factors that you need to take into account when squatting during labour. For instance, you need to check with your doctor if your baby’s position is optimal for squatting. This is because if your baby is in a breech position, it will be dangerous and harmful to squat, as your baby will be forced to descend to the birth canal without being able to move into the proper position.

Squatting can also pose harm if you have an epidural. This is because your legs might experience numbness and have limited motor function after the epidural, so you might lose your balance while squatting. Ultimately, it is important to communicate with your doctor to ensure you and your baby’s safety at all times.

Benefits of Squats

When you are squatting up and down, you are essentially transferring your body weight to your lower limbs. This helps to train the muscles in your quadriceps, adductors and buttocks to carry your weight better and to maintain your lower body tissues.

Your pelvic floor muscles can be stretched and weakened during your pregnancy and childbirth. However, squatting can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Squatting can also help to reduce backaches, constipation, and swelling, improve your mood, posture and sleep, as well as increase your confidence, sense of control and quality of life.

It is perfectly safe to do squats throughout your pregnancy, you just have to make sure to consult your doctor to ensure you are doing it correctly.