How to speed up labour?

Most pregnant women — and indeed many women who have not yet given birth — are terrified of the delivery table. For a first pregnancy, labour tends to be longer and more uncomfortable. From the very start of pregnancy or labour, many women have just one wish: to give birth quickly. Here, we suggest a few tips to help speed up labour.

Stay well hydrated

During the active phase of labour, you should make sure to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of false contractions. This will also help you build up the energy needed to cope with the pain and, in turn, give birth more quickly.

Have sex regularly

If you are approaching the final months of pregnancy, having sex could be beneficial. Semen contains prostaglandins — a hormone capable of triggering cervical dilation, causing less painful uterine contractions, and ultimately making labour easier.

Walk for a few minutes each day

If you want to reduce pain and speed up labour, we recommend taking part in gentle physical activities such as tai chi, yoga, light housework, and above all, walking. It is advisable to do these activities for 2 to 3 hours a day, particularly during the last four months of pregnancy.

Try acupuncture sessions

According to a study carried out at the University of North Carolina, pregnant women who had acupuncture during the final two weeks of their pregnancy went into labour more easily and managed pain better than those who did not. As your due date approaches, we recommend booking acupuncture sessions to help make your labour smoother.

How to speed up labour: nipple stimulation

Stimulating your nipples triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that speeds up uterine contractions and reduces blood loss during delivery. You can ask your partner to help, or alternatively use a breast pump.

Spend more time lying down or sitting each day

Spending a few hours at rest each day can help your baby move into a position that is favourable for birth. It is therefore advisable, from the fourth month of pregnancy onwards, to spend more time sitting or lying down. This will first help align your pelvis properly, and then increase the chances of a quicker labour.

If your pelvis is misaligned, your baby's position could cause significant pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, and spine during pregnancy and especially during labour. So do adopt sitting and lying positions if you want to give birth more quickly.

Relax: one of the most effective ways to speed up labour

If you are wondering how to speed up labour, this tip is by far the most effective. According to scientists, stress causes abnormal contraction of the uterine muscles. For an easier labour, it is essential that these muscles are relaxed and loose.

Do not hesitate to practise yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises, or ask your partner for a massage. You might also find a warm daily bath helpful for relieving contraction pain.

Practise positive visualisation
Positive visualisation is a relaxation technique that involves mentally picturing a quick, pain-free labour. This method can have a positive effect on your mindset and help prepare your body for birth. By visualising a calm delivery, you reduce stress, which encourages more regular and effective contractions. Furthermore, a calm mind helps you manage pain better and may shorten the duration of labour. Do not hesitate to incorporate this practice into your daily meditation routine.

Adopt natural birthing positions
It is important to find a comfortable position that encourages the baby to descend quickly into the pelvis. Upright positions such as squatting, getting on all fours, or standing can facilitate this descent by using gravity to your advantage. These positions also improve oxygen supply to the baby and reduce pressure on your spine, which can make labour less painful and quicker. Try to stay mobile during labour to optimise the chances of giving birth more quickly and naturally.