Many mamas ask me about curb walking and if it could be the thing that induces labor for them. Unfortunately, I do not have a crystal ball; therefore, I can’t accurately predict what the outcomes will be for you.
However, I CAN help you with some stats and info about that ol’ curb walk. In fact, let’s start there.
What does science say about curb walking?
Well, scrounge as I did for research on curb walking and how quickly it could kick off your labor, there is nothing specifically on this topic. BUT! In a 2021 study, there were some promising results.
Researchers studied pregnant women, some of whom they made to walk during the clinical trial. While they were not curb walking specifically, they walked from the 34th week of pregnancy until delivery time, doing so 4 times per week at 40 minutes per walking session.
They found walking during late pregnancy could help labor while decreasing the need for induction, c-section deliveries, or instrumental delivery.
It’s too bad they didn’t have these mamas try some curb walking there, too. Someone may study that next.
But one thing is clear…walking can benefit you in many ways during your pregnancy, especially toward the end of it.
Remember, labor and delivery are harsh. Have you ever trained for a marathon? Or a triathlon? Do you know all the work you must put in to do something like that?
No shame if you haven’t, but I will tell you it’s tons of work.
Labor and delivery are strenuous like that on your body. The more trained you are, the smoother it will be.
Thus, in my example here, if you make a point of getting some exercise during your pregnancy, like through walking, you will likely have an easier time with labor and delivery.
Of course, there are no guarantees, but this could benefit you in many ways.
Also, there’s something you must remember…
Whether you are walking or curb walking, you will go into labor once your body is ready to do so.
And that’s a good thing because you really don’t want to go into labor too much earlier than your due date.
Keeping safe during curb walking (and walking too)
While there is no solid evidence of how fast curb walking will induce labor, there is a good chance that walking of any kind as you get closer to the end of your pregnancy can help.
However, please don’t ever try even regular walking by yourself while pregnant at that stage. Remember, you’ve got all those hormones loosening up your joints, like relaxin.
This makes you clumsier, even if you were always the epitome of grace. So, practice proper safety precautions like going with your husband, another family member, or a friend.
When can curb walking make labor come fast?
I will say this…when you are in the 39th or 40th week, you should listen to what your doctor says about if you’ve dilated. Some women start dilating very slowly at this point, and walking or curb walking may help. But please, talk to your doctor before you try anything.
As you approach the end of your pregnancy, talk to your doctor about walking in general. Give it 10 minutes a day to see if it helps anything. At the very least, you’ll get out of the house for a bit into the fresh air, which is good for your spirit!
Leslie Berry lives with her husband and two young daughters in Los Altos, California, where she loves helping other moms get comfortable with motherhood and embracing the insanity with facts peppered with laughs.
