What is Curb Walking, and Does it Induce Labor?

You’re at the end of your pregnancy, and you want to go into labor naturally. Walking is a great way to move during pregnancy, but did you know that walking in a specific way can help induce labor? 

One option for expectant mothers hoping to induce labor naturally is curb walking. Curb walking involves walking along the edge of a curb, with one foot on the street and the other foot on the sidewalk curb. Walking like this creates an uneven gait which helps open up the pelvis and helps by allowing gravity to get the baby in a better position.

This simple activity can encourage the baby to move into the birthing position and start labor contractions. Curb walking can reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you are hoping to induce labor naturally, give curb walking a try.

What is Curb Walking?

Curb walking is a way of walking that helps to induce labor. It involves walking along the edge of a curb, with one foot on the street and the other on the curb. The rocking motion can help the baby move into the birth canal and create gentle pressure on your cervix, which may start mild contractions. Additionally, curb walking can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, vital during labor.

curb walking

Walking on the curb/sidewalk is known as curb walking. It causes you to have an uneven gait, in which you will feel the shift in body weight much more as you walk. The uneven gait will help your pelvis open up to prepare for labor. One side may appear to be more “uncomfortable” to walk on than the other, so be sure to switch sides during your walk. Keep your walks short when you begin walking; a long walk can cause you to overexert yourself and make you more uncomfortable.

How Do You Use Curb Walking to Induce Labor?

If you’re interested in trying curb walking to induce labor, it’s easy to get started. First, find a safe place to walk where there is a curb. Start by walking along the curb with both feet on the ground. Then, raise one foot to step on the curb with one foot and the other foot on the ground. Repeat with the other foot in the opposite direction.

As you walk, keep your head up and focus on your breath. Inhale and exhale deeply, letting your belly expand and contract on the exhale.

Note: Never try any home remedies to induce labor without speaking with your medical provider first. This article is not giving medical advice. Always discuss any steps you want to take for inducing labor with your doctors. 

Does Curb Walking Really Work?

There is no guarantee that curb walking will work for everyone, but many women have found it to help induce labor. If you’re interested in trying it, you may want to talk to your healthcare professional first to make sure that it is safe for you to do.

When to Try Curb Walking

If you’re hoping to induce labor naturally, curb walking is an option. It’s generally safe to try anytime after 37 weeks of pregnancy; however, the closer your due date, the better.

When you’ve already started dilating and effacing, curb walking or a variation thereof may assist your body in getting things moving. If contractions have begun, this could aid in the development of more frequent contractions.

Alternatives to Curb Walking

If you don’t have any curbs near where you live, you can try a couple of alternatives with the same effect as curb walking. As with any labor induction method, there are no guarantees that it will work. However, many women have found that these activities helped them go into labor naturally.

  • Walking up and down the stairs
  • Walk on an incline such as a hill or ramp
  • Use a small step to step up and down
  • Walk with one high heel shoe and one flat shoe
alternative to curb walking

The goal is to have an uneven surface beneath your feet to create the same effect as curb walking. As with curb walking, it’s essential to focus on your breath and relax as much as possible when trying these alternatives.

Additional Natural Ways to Induce Labour when Full Term

  • Walking to induce labor- walking is a great exercise that is safe to do when pregnant and can help get things moving along.
  • Nipple stimulation- can be done with a breast pump or by hand and can help release oxytocin, which can help start contractions.
  • Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, is said to help encourage oxytocin release and help ripen the cervix.
  • Sex- this can also help release oxytocin and prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix.
  • Herbal Supplements- herbs such as red raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil are said to help induce labor.
  • Midwives Brew–  this is a mixture of Castor Oil, Apricot Juice, Almond Butter, and Lemon Verbena Tea. It is said to help encourage labor.
  • Eating Spicy Foods can help stimulate the digestive system and move things along.

While there is no guarantee that any of these methods will work, they are all-natural and considered safe to do when full term. If you are interested in trying any of them, speak with your healthcare professional first.

FAQs about Curb Walking

1. How long should you walk on the curb?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the results may vary from person to person. You may find that it is most effective to walk on the curb for 10-15 minutes. It’s essential to listen to your body and to stop if you start to feel uncomfortable.

2. How does curb walking help induce labor?

Curb walking is a form of exercise which helps to induce labor. Walking and pushing against a curb use the same muscles used in childbirth. Curb walking is said to be most effective in the late stages of pregnancy. When the baby is in the correct position and the mother is feeling contractions, walking can help move the baby down the birth canal.

3. Can walking induce labor at 38 weeks?

Curb walking is a form of exercise that utilizes the resistance of gravity and an uneven gait to create a rocking motion to help move the baby to the correct birthing position and get things moving. While there is no evidence that curb walking can induce labor at 38 weeks, it can be a helpful way to prepare your body for labor and delivery.

Walking to induce labor or as a low-intensity exercise is safe for most pregnant women, and it offers numerous benefits, including improved circulation, increased joint mobility, and decreased swelling. Suppose you are 38 weeks pregnant and experiencing any pre-labor signs or symptoms, such as regular contractions or a bloody show; you should consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Conclusion

As an expectant mother knows, the process of labor can be unpredictable. While some women seem to progress quickly through the stages, others can find themselves stuck for hours or days. One way to help move things along is to walk the streets or “curb” walk.

Curb walking is a simple yet effective way to help induce labor. By walking on an angled surface, the baby is encouraged to move down into the pelvis, which can help to open up the cervix and start labor contractions. Additionally, the pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix can also help to stimulate labor.

Try curb walking for at least 10-20 minutes each day for the best results. And remember, always listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable. With patience and persistence, curb walking might help you meet your new little one sooner rather than later.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that curb walking induces labor. However, many women who have tried it report that it was effective in helping them to go into labor. If you are interested in trying curb walking to induce labor, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you determine if it is safe for you and your baby.

What is Curb Walking, and Does it Induce Labor?
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