Health. Does dancing really induce labor?

With her now-viral "baby mama dance" sequence, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, isn't the only one claiming that dancing helped induce her labor. Many influencers also film themselves dancing in the late stages of pregnancy in the hopes of inducing labor.

What does the scientific literature say?

Professor Olivier Morel is categorical: "Dancing, like any gentle physical activity (brisk walking, swimming), does not induce labor at term. There is no scientific data to support this. On the contrary, there is a great deal of indirect data showing that the level of physical activity, whatever its nature, has no effect on the duration of labor."

The argument that it would facilitate the maturation of the cervix or even the descent of the baby into the pelvis has not been proven at all. The CNGOF has not formulated any specific opinion on the matter.

And what about sexual intercourse?

"There are studies on this point, including randomized ones (scientific studies with a high level of proof, editor's note), on the frequency of sexual intercourse at the end of pregnancy," says Professor Olivier Morel. "Some compared two groups: one who was recommended to have more frequent intercourse, the other who was asked to have as little as possible. There was no difference in terms of labor induction!"

No risk of premature delivery

Several studies have also examined the potential influence of regular physical activity on the duration of pregnancy. "None have shown a difference in terms of gestational age of the fetus at delivery between active women and those who do not exercise at all," he says. "In other words, physical exercise does not induce labor, at term or during pregnancy."

Available studies on physical activity during pregnancy do not show any effect on the risk of premature delivery.

On the contrary, "there is every reason to encourage physical activity during pregnancy," he adds: "it reduces excessive weight gain, lowers the risk of gestational diabetes, and has many benefits for overall health." It's simply a matter of avoiding activities that expose you to the risk of shock or falls. Otherwise, gentle, appropriate activity remains possible until term.

The main contraindications to physical activity at the end of pregnancy mainly concern women at risk of bleeding, for example in the case of a low-lying placenta or specific obstetric complications.

Other practices offered in certain maternity wards, such as acupuncture, are often integrated into “physiological” pathways for inducing labor.

"The available trials of very good scientific quality (including several double-blind with placebo groups) do not show any specific effect of acupuncture - neither on the spontaneous onset of labor, nor on the duration of labor - beyond the simple placebo effect," says Professor Morel.

And what about spicy foods? We hear everything and its opposite. However, "the available data is clear," the obstetrician-gynecologist states: "it changes absolutely nothing! In some countries, like Australia, pregnant women are given certain herbal teas with the idea of ​​inducing labor. Again, no effect has been demonstrated. Moreover, no diet can change the duration of labor."

And moving during childbirth?

Dancing or engaging in other gentle activity during labor "may be beneficial," suggests Professor Morel, "as long as the medical situation allows it. Traditionally, the lying position has been favored, particularly to facilitate monitoring of the fetal heart rate and contractions. Today, more and more maternity wards have devices that allow for continuous monitoring while still allowing some mobility. But there is no solid evidence to support any particular position to facilitate the progress or reduce the duration of labor."

Some dance movements, such as hip circles aimed at relaxing pelvic floor muscles, may provide benefits, according to a 2020 publication, due to a potential effect on reducing the duration and intensity of pain.

"There is solid data showing that mobilization, particularly at the beginning of labor and therefore before the epidural is inserted, improves patient comfort and reduces the perception of pain," adds Olivier Morel. "This can involve simple movements, ball exercises, or the ability to change positions freely. These measures have demonstrated a clear benefit on the birthing experience, even if they have no proven direct effect on the duration of labor."

Thus, the only solid data available concerns the beneficial effect of early body mobilization on pain experience. Being able to move freely, change position, or use a ball improves women's comfort, particularly in early labor.