Labor Dance

How will my baby fit through my pelvis!?

Have you ever heard of the labor sway? Its similar to the new mom sway where you are holding your baby in your arms and swaying back and forth while you are trying to soothe your baby. The labor sway is the same, but you are trying to soothe yourself as you ride the waves of contractions, and helping your baby to find find their way out into the world. It might feel like you are the only one dancing, like your body is the one doing all the work. However, your baby is also doing some work; wiggling and rotating to complete a series of movements that will help them navigate the dynamics of the pelvis in order to be born. These movements are called the Seven Cardinal Movements. These movements, combined with the molding of the baby’s head, and hormones which help relax the pelvis and make it flexible, all make it possible for the baby to make his or her way into the world. There are movements that you can do as well to support the process and potentially make it easier.

What are the Seven Cardinal movements?

Engagement

When your babies head moves down into the pelvic inlet

Descent

The baby is moving deeper into the pelvis

Flexion

Baby will tuck his/her chin to the chest so that the smallest part of the top of their head can fit into the pelvis

Internal Rotation

The baby will rotate their head to make more room to fit the head and shoulders through the widest part of the pelvis

Extension

As baby is born, they will lift their head backwards as as they emerge through the pelvic outlet.

External Rotation

After the baby’s head emerges, they will rotate their head towards the mother’s thigh to help fit the shoulders under the pubic arch.

Expulsion

Baby comes out from under the pubic arch and is born!

What can you do to support these movements?

1. Stay active during your pregnancy.

Walk, stretch, do yoga, and daily activities suggested from Daily Activities for Pregnancy – Spinning Babies

2. During labor use upright positions

Stand, kneel, rock, sway, walk and move during contractions

3. Widen the pelvis

Use a birth ball to make figure 8’s with your hips, or make wide hip circles

Belly dancing, or using the birthing ball, peanut ball, squats, and lunges

4. Hands and knees

Lean over a birth ball, or get on hands and knees on the bed, let your belly hang and try some pelvic rocks.

5. Try different positions while pushing that open the bottom of the pelvis

Many people also choose chiropractic care and pelvic floor therapy during their pregnancy and after to help with alignment and to make pregnancy, birth, and postpartum more comfortable. You can prepare your body and still have a challenging labor, but these movements could help to make things smoother. Give it all you’ve got to prepare for this once in a lifetime moment as it can be so worth it!

If you are interested in adding an extra layer of support to your birth experience, consider hiring a doula. I am a birth doula in Liberty Township, Ohio. I serve families in West Chester, Mason, Liberty Township, and all areas in between the Dayton and Cincinnati Areas. I would love to chat with you to find out how I can support you and your family best. You can message me anytime at 513-417-2700.

Wishing you a beautiful birth,

~Stephanie