Midwife highlights two overlooked factors that could make a difference during labor

Breathing and relaxation exercises are not the only factors that may make labor easier, according to British midwife Victoria, who shares pregnancy and childbirth advice on social media.

After speaking with one of her clients, Victoria highlighted two issues she believes expectant mothers do not hear about often enough. The first is digestion, particularly constipation during pregnancy. She said a full bowel or prolonged constipation can take up space in the pelvis and make it harder for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Victoria said women should try to resolve constipation before labor rather than leave it until the last moment. Dietary changes and increased fluid intake may help, while medication or other treatment may be appropriate when recommended by a health professional. Pregnant women should not take laxatives or try other methods without first consulting a doctor or midwife.

“

If your bowel is full or you have had problems with constipation for a long time, the contents of the bowel can take up space in the pelvis and make it harder for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Her second point concerns the body's position during labor, especially the movement of the pelvis. Victoria describes this as biomechanics, involving the coordination of movement, muscles, ligaments and pelvic position with the baby's descent through the birth canal.

“You cannot achieve a positive birth through breathing alone. You need to work with the ligaments, muscles and pelvis and adjust your movements to the way the baby is moving through the pelvis,” she said. She encouraged expectant mothers to discuss movement, body positions and any mobility concerns with health professionals during pregnancy, alongside breathing and relaxation techniques.

“

You cannot achieve a positive birth through breathing alone. You need to work with the ligaments, muscles and pelvis and adjust your movements to the way the baby is moving through the pelvis.