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OB/GYN: Roy Pitkin, M.D.

Does walking help to speed up labor?

By Roy Pitkin, M.D.

It's generally believed that walking will accelerate early labor. However, studies have been somewhat contradictory and the effect, if present at all, is relatively minor. Nevertheless, walking is advisable during those times when labor may be starting; it's usually more comfortable for the woman, it keeps her blood from stagnating, and it may speed up the advent of more active labor. Later, during active labor, most women do not want to walk, but if they do, there's nothing wrong with it.

Roy Pitkin, M.D.

OB/GYN

Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies on women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

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The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician.