Many pregnant women, especially first-time moms, wonder if lying down can delay the onset of labor. As delivery day approaches, women may try different techniques thought to naturally induce labor, from eating spicy foods to going on long walks. Lying down to rest and relax is another common approach. But does reclining and taking it easy actually postpone labor? Or can it help move the process along? Let’s take a closer look at what the research says.
Can lying down prevent labor from starting?
The quick answer is no, lying down does not appear to prevent labor from beginning based on the available evidence. Many women naturally feel like resting more as their due date nears. And getting adequate rest is important during pregnancy. But simply lying down or sleeping does not seem to avert the onset of labor.
In fact, some research suggests that being active in the days leading up to labor may prolong pregnancy slightly. A study in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who remained active with moderate exercise in the week before their due date were less likely to go into spontaneous labor compared to women who limited activity. So resting and lying down do not seem to delay the start of labor based on this data.
Will lying down stop early or premature labor?
If a woman goes into labor prematurely before 37 weeks, lying down and getting off her feet may help halt early labor in some cases. According to the March of Dimes, one of the first lines of defense against preterm labor is rest. Taking the pressure off the cervix and staying well hydrated by lying down and avoiding strenuous activity may stop some early contractions.
However, if early labor progresses and contractions continue, simply lying down is unlikely to be effective. Other medical interventions like medications or procedures to stop labor may be necessary to prevent premature birth. But resting is often advised as an initial measure, along with hydration, for preliminary treatment of preterm contractions.
Can lying down induce a delayed labor?
While lying down does not appear to delay the start of term labor, some evidence suggests reclining positions may potentially help induce labor once it is already underway. According to a small study in the journal Birth, laboring in side-lying positions may shorten the duration of labor compared to remaining upright.
Researchers found that women who spent the first stage of labor lying on their side experienced significantly fewer hours in active labor compared to women who stayed upright throughout the first stage. Lying down appeared to intensify contractions and move labor along.
However, more research is still needed on optimal positioning during labor and delivery. Laboring and birthing in upright positions like squatting, kneeling, or standing may also provide benefits like shorter pushing stages and less need for interventions. More studies directly comparing upright versus lying down positions are needed. But there is some evidence that side-lying may strengthen labor that has already begun.
What does “lying down” mean in the context of labor?
When discussing whether lying down delays, stops, or induces labor, it is important to distinguish exact positions:
– Lying down flat on the back: This supine position is often discouraged during later pregnancy and labor due to the risk of aortocaval compression, or compression of major blood vessels. Lying flat for long periods can decrease maternal cardiac output and oxygen delivery. Some doctors may recommend intermittent periods of lying flat or placing a wedge under one side.
– Lying on the side: Lateral or side-lying positions are often encouraged during labor and delivery. Research suggests time in side-lying during the first stage may shorten labor duration compared to remaining upright. Side-lying opens the pelvis more and may provide comfort during contractions.
– Semi-reclining: Reclining or propped up positions are common during labor, often using beds that allow adjustments. Semi-reclining takes the pressure off the back and may provide rest between contractions while still staying somewhat upright.
– Fully upright positions: Being upright, like standing, walking, kneeling, or squatting, is also encouraged by many practitioners during portions of labor. Upright positions may help the baby descend into the pelvis and shorten the pushing stage.
So in summary, the terms “lying down” or “reclining” during labor may refer to a variety of positions from semi-reclining to side-lying. Flat on the back is typically not advised for prolonged periods.
What does the research say about lying down and labor duration?
Overall the available research on lying down during labor indicates:
– Lying down does NOT appear to delay or avert the onset of term labor. Moderate activity before labor begins may actually prolong pregnancy slightly according to some studies.
– Acute rest, hydration, and lying down may temporarily stop early preterm labor in some cases. But it is often not definitive treatment.
– Some evidence suggests that lying down, especially in side-lying positions, during established labor may intensify contractions and shorten the active phase compared to remaining upright.
– More research is still needed on optimal positioning during labor. Upright positions may also provide benefits.
So in general, lying down does not seem to prevent labor from starting. But lying down does not appear to prolong early labor once contractions have begun either. Some data indicates it may even hasten the process. Further research can help clarify optimal positioning choices during labor and delivery.
Tips for lying down during pregnancy and labor
If you are pregnant and considering spending more time reclining and lying down, keep the following tips in mind:
– Alternate positions to avoid aortocaval compression. Shift from your left to right side, semi-recline, sit upright, etc. Avoid lying flat on your back for prolonged periods.
– Use pillows for support and comfort. Pillows between the legs, under the belly, and behind the back can alleviate strain.
– Stay hydrated by drinking fluids often. Dehydration during labor can cause contractions to become more painful.
– Listen to your healthcare provider’s recommendations for your situation. Follow their guidance on positioning and activity during pregnancy and labor.
– Walk around for portions of early labor to stay active when possible. Changing positions may help labor progress.
– Communicate with your provider if you attempt to rest to stop preterm labor. Seek medical care if contractions continue.
– Listen to your body’s cues and change positions as needed. Experiment with different reclining positions to find the most comfortable ones for you.
The takeaway on lying down and labor
Simple rest and reclining does not appear capable of delaying or avoiding labor altogether once the process has begun. Yet spending time lying down may intensify labor that is already in progress based on some research. Discuss optimal positioning during your pregnancy and delivery with your healthcare team. Achieve the balance of rest and activity that is most appropriate for your situation. With your provider’s guidance, explore positions that provide the greatest comfort and efficiency during your birthing experience.
FAQs
Can lying on your side stop labor?
Lying on your side is unlikely to stop labor that has already begun. For preterm labor earlier than 37 weeks, lying on the side and getting off your feet may temporarily halt contractions in some cases when paired with hydration. But ongoing preterm labor often requires medical treatment to be stopped.
Does reclining prolong labor?
No, the available research does not indicate that reclining or lying down prolongs the stages of active labor. In fact, some studies suggest spending more time in side-lying positions during early labor may intensify contractions and shorten the duration compared to upright positions.
Should you lie down during labor?
Some time reclining or in side-lying positions during labor is often recommended. But walking, sitting upright, or positions like squatting are also encouraged during portions of the process. Alter your positioning frequently for comfort and progress. Avoid prolonged periods lying flat on your back.
Does lying on your left side help labor progress?
Yes, some research indicates that left lateral or side-lying positions may provide benefits during labor. Lying on the left optimizes blood flow and oxygen delivery for the mother and baby. This position may intensify contractions and shorten early labor compared to upright positions.
What week should you stop sleeping on your back while pregnant?
Most experts recommend avoiding sleeping on your back starting around 20 weeks pregnant. As your belly grows, back sleeping increases the risk of aortocaval compression. Shift to your left or right side instead for safer rest.
Conclusion
Lying down and reclining does not appear capable of preventing the onset of labor based on the available evidence. In fact, research shows staying moderately active in the days before your due date may actually prolong pregnancy slightly. Once labor is underway, positions like side-lying may intensify contractions and shorten the active phase compared to remaining upright. While more research is still needed, lying down does not seem to delay labor. Talk to your provider about balancing rest and upright positions that keep you and your baby as comfortable and healthy as possible throughout the labor process.