Slowing labour down

Slowing labour down


Most pregnant women can’t wait for labor to start so they can get over the last hurdle and meet their baby. But for some moms, labor can progress too fast – for example in the car on the way to the hospital.


If you feel the urge to push and you need to slow labor down, here are some tips that may help:

 

- Get on all-fours and place your chin on the floor in front of you (yes, this should be possible in the back seat of your car!). Imagine there’s a candle in front of you and give three quick pants and one long blow as if you’re blowing out the flame. Repeat this until you arrive at your destination, or help arrives.

- Avoid positions where gravity might step in to help your baby move downwards – don’t stand, sit upright, squat or kneel.

-If you’ve a tendency to deliver quickly or have already had a baby (second and later labors tend to be faster) read up on what to do in an emergency home birth.

 

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Related Articles


Last Modified: 11/07/2007

Register with gurgle today FOR FREE and get:

  • Free access and unlimited use of babynamer
  • £200 worth of Mothercare vouchers to be won every month
  • Week-by-week email with advice personalised to your pregnancy/parenting stage
  • Access to pregnancy and parenting chat and groups
  • Lots of great pregnancy and parenting competitions and prizes
Register Now

Related Chat

You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat. Login or Register

Related Video 6

Page 1-2

Positions for delivery

Positions for delivery

A guide for you and your birthing partner on the different positions for delivery.
Page 1-2