Curb Walking to Induce Labor *FAST*

Curb Walking: Does it Help Induce Labor?

Desperate to find ways to induce labor naturally?? If you’re just so uncomfortable to the point where you’re willing to try anything, you should definitely consider curb walking!

I bet you are searching everywhere for all the tricks to deliver this baby pronto. Well let me tell you that this trick is definitely worth the shot!

Curb walking is an easy option that you can try when both you and your baby are ready for labor. Let’s dive into exactly how it works!

What is curb walking? (curb walking meaning)

Curb walking is when you walk unevenly between the curb (or sidewalk) and the lower ground, placing one foot on each as you’re walking. It doesn’t matter which foot is placed on the curb or the lower ground, as long as you are alternating with each step.

Does curb walking work?

While walking normally can help position your baby for optimal birthing position, it won’t necessarily help trigger contractions. The reason why women curb walk is because doing so can help kickstart your contractions because of how it opens your pelvis up.

Be sure to first check with your OB/GYN before trying anything to naturally induce labor. You want to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby.

A good rule of thumb is to wait until you are about 39 weeks to try anything, but again, consult with your doctor first.

The downside is that curb walking does not 100% guarantee going into labor, especially if you are not far along into your pregnancy to where both you and the baby are ready for labor.

However, if you are super close to your due date or past your due date, then you can try to curb walk to get your contractions going.

How does curb walking induce labor?

Curb walking does the following to induce labor:

the movement you’re making encourages the baby to move further down into the pelvis
from here, the baby’s weight then exerts pressure on the cervix
the pressure on the cervix can be enough to open the pelvic outlet and also release oxytocin
releasing oxytocin is what will cause the contractions to begin

How to curb walk to induce labor

The great thing is that you can curb walk wherever you are! You are bound to find a curb quickly and easily.

Here’s a quick video on how to curb walk.

Pick either side to face. At the start, it doesn’t matter which foot you use for the curb or lower ground.
Place one foot on the curb and the other on the lower ground. Be sure that your legs are at about shoulder width distance apart so that they aren’t too close to each other. You wouldn’t want to lose your balance.
Start walking by alternating your steps- one on the curb and the next on the lower ground and so forth.
Continue curb walking. Try the other side to see which direction feels more comfortable. Continue curb walking in that direction, or you may also choose to continue switching sides if that’s what’s comfortable for you.
As the video indicates, it also helps to stretch and move your hips in between curb walking.

How long should you walk on the curb? How long do you need to curb walk to induce labor?

You can curb walk for however long is comfortable for you. What I would do is have a normal walk first and then proceed with curb walking.

Every pregnancy is different, so whatever feels comfortable for you that’s what you should do. If it’s a 10 minute normal walk followed by a 5 minute curb walk, do that. If it’s a 20 minute normal walk followed by a 10 minute curb walk, do that.

You can also ask your OB/GYN if you’re wanting specific advice for your unique case.

Alternatives to curb walking- curb walking inside/ curb walking at home

You can also curb walk in your very own home if you’re not able to go outside and use the curb.

Any of the following options can help create that uneven gait for you:

Use one high heel: Put on one heel and alternate between stepping up on the heel and walking on the other foot on the ground. This will give the allusion of a curb walk.
Use a short stool: You can also use a short stool at home rather than a curb.
Use stairs: If available, you can also use stairs or just the first step as your way to mimic a curb walk.

Can walks help induce labor?

Any movement can help move your baby further down into the pelvis, and walking is a great option.

As you approach your due date, add a daily walk to your schedule if you want to do anything you can to help induce labor naturally.

And of course, as mentioned throughout, you also want to curb walk during this time as well.

Final thoughts

Every pregnancy is different, and what may work for you may not work for someone else. However, if you are feeling extremely uncomfortable as you approach your due date, and you just want to delivery this baby ASAP, you’re willing to try anything!

You’ve got this momma, you’re almost there and I PROMISE you that everything will be worth it! <3

Have you tried to curb walk? Did it help? Any other advice on inducing labor naturally? Share you thoughts in the comments below!