Can the cat-cow pose help pregnant women during labour and delivery?

She continued, “Once active labour began, my body naturally knew to flip over on my hands and knees. It was the only position that felt right. But the best part was how strong I felt there. I was in active labour for about 35 minutes, and was able to hold myself up in this position through every contraction.”

According to her, training for motherhood trains mothers for all labour positions: all fours, squatting, side-lying, using a birthing ball, lunging, and more.

 

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How can moms-to-be trained for delivery?

Dr Sushma Tomar, consultant – obstetrician and gynaecologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan said that yoga or any other form of exercise is an important part of pregnancy. “During the third trimester, pelvic exercises are a must to relax pelvic muscles and get them ready to bear down during delivery. For older women who have performed a lot of household work in squatting postures, such as cleaning the floor and sitting in Indian toilets, the need for additional pelvic exercise is reduced,” Dr Tomar told indianexpress.com, adding that women can “bear down pain with the help of pelvic exercises during the time of labour.”

Dr Ritu Sethi, director, Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon, and senior consultant- Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon explained the various positions that can help pregnant women during labour:

Upright positions: Being upright allows gravity to assist in the downward movement of the baby. These positions include:-
*Standing: Standing and swaying, leaning against a wall or partner, or using a birthing ball can help alleviate pressure on the lower back and promote pelvic opening.
*Walking: Walking during labour can help stimulate contractions, encourage progress, and provide a sense of movement and control.
*Squatting: Squatting can open the pelvic outlet and create more space for the baby to descend. It can be done with the support of a partner, a birthing bar, or using a squatting stool.

Sitting and reclining positions: These positions offer support and comfort during labour:
*Sitting: Sitting on a birthing ball, a chair, or a specialised birthing stool can provide stability and relaxation while allowing the pelvis to remain open.
*Semi-reclining: Leaning back on a raised bed or using pillows for support can help reduce fatigue and allow for resting between contractions.

Pregnant women are advised tp workout (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Side-lying positions: These positions can provide relief and relaxation during labour:
*Side-lying: Lying on one side with knees bent can alleviate pressure on the back and provide a comfortable resting position.
*Simulated side-lying: This position involves propping one leg on a birthing ball or support, which can help open the pelvis and create more space for the baby.

Hands and knees positions: These positions can help relieve back pain and encourage optimal fetal positioning
*All fours: Being on hands and knees, also known as the “crawling” position, can help relieve pressure on the spine and promote proper alignment of the baby.
*Pelvic rocking: Rocking the pelvis back and forth while on all fours can assist in positioning the baby and provide relief from back pain.

So, does the cat-cow stretch help?

The cat-cow pose primarily focuses on stretching and strengthening the muscles of the spine, abdomen, and pelvis. Also known as Marjaryasana-Bitilasana, it is a common yoga pose that involves alternating between arching and rounding the back while on all fours.

Calling it a difficult pose for pregnant women, gynaecologist Dr Manju Gupta said that on all fours is “being advised by yoga trainers for vaginal delivery”. “However it’s to be done only under supervision,” said Dr Gupta.

According to Dr Sethi, “While there is limited scientific research specifically investigating the impact of the cat-cow pose on delivery, it is generally recognised as a beneficial exercise during pregnancy and can potentially contribute to a smoother delivery.”

She added that it, however, helps to improve flexibility, increase circulation, and promote a healthy range of motion in the lower back and pelvic region. “By practicing this pose regularly, pregnant individuals may experience several potential benefits that could positively impact the delivery process.

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