Natural birth - physical condition needed?

Question

I'd love to go for a natural birth if I can - started reading different prep method such as birthing from within, Mongan, and mindful birthing. However, my friend who went natural told me it wouldn't have been possible if she wasn't in excellent physical condition- she worked out every day of her pregnancy. I'm not as active (mostly walking as exercise) so wanted to get some thoughts from on if top physical shape is the primary key to achieving natural birth. Any tips / methods appreciated!

Answer

You don’t need to be in shape to have a natural birth.

Answer

Your friend is mean and that is a lie!  I went natural and am it of shape and did not work put one day during my entire pregnancy and have notnwith this one either and plan on going natural too! It’s honestly mind over body! Loook into meditation and hypno birhhig! The man thin to remember is the pain will be over! Each contraction ends and the pain of actual delivery ends!!

Answer

Being physically fit helps your overall health, but every woman is different in labor. I did EVERYTHING I was supposed to do for a natural birth. I exercised, did prenatal yoga, took natural birthing classes, even perineal massage. I waited to go to the hospital until contractions were 1-2 min apart. I refused ALL medical intervention (no induction, no breaking water, asked for intermittent monitoring so I could move not be in bed). After 38 hours in labor my doctor came in and said it needs to be a Csection because my boys heart rate was dipping. I said “no way! I can keep going, I’m having him naturally”. My doctor yelled back “I don’t care if you can keep going HE can’t!”. I was devastated for MONTHS about my birth story. 3 months later my best friend who wanted an epidural and quote “as much meds as they can give me” gave birth to a boy. Her husband called first and said “everyone’s great labor was so fast they had to rush her upstairs. No time for epidural he was here 20 mins after pulling up at the hospital.” I wanted to be happy for her but I was so JEALOUS. Why did she get the natural labor I wanted so bad? I sobbed all morning and was devastated all over again...until I talked to her 7 hours later. Then I heard a different part of the story. “It’s so awful I needed 8 stitches”, she said “he came so fast and wasn’t breathing right away so they had to take him to the nursery for monitoring. There they found out he hurt his arm on the way out so they haven’t brought him back yet. I’ve only held him for 5 seconds and daddy still hasn’t held him.” I realized then that every birth story is different- all are hard in some ways and easy in others. I ended up with a csection but I held my perfect boy to me right away and he had no issues at all. I got to spend that first day with him instead of away from him like our friends. It took me so long to be ok with it but now I’m so happy with my son and realize the birth was a much smaller part of the big picture than I thought it would be. I hope hearing my story helps you feel confident to try the kind of birth you hope for even if you are not in “peak physical condition” , but also the grace to accept whatever your baby throws you without being too hard on yourself :) good luck mommy! You will rock it no matter what.

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Not possible? Your friend needs to be more encouraging and supportive. I think being in good shape definitely helps, especially when it comes to stamina, but to say impossible is a huge overstatement. Are you using a doula?

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Tell your friend to stop being a Debbie downer.  You can totally give birth naturally when your not physically fit.

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I was moderately fit and managed it just fine. Towards the end of my pregnancy, a walk was all I could handle! We took Bradley Method classes and loved them.

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I worked out all my pregnancy and I will say, being in shape gave me better stamina to move and do squats while in labor. I ended up with a csection, but I labored and made it to 10cm naturally. My body never got tired, I had strength to try pushing, etc. of course it’s not absolutely necessary, but I firmly believe it does make it easier.

Natural birth - physical condition needed?

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