Pregnancy Tips - Things No One Tells You - Having really strong tummy muscles and labor

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The things no one tells you no.5:
Having really strong tummy muscles and labor

Mumofsix` featured blog about things no one tells you.

`I thought I would, every now and then,
add a little bit of info that
took me by surprise with my first baby.`

My mood while writing this blog:
Ok

Having really strong tummy muscles can work against you in labor if you don't learn to relax them. With my first baby I was very fit with very strong abs and I found that I was fighting against my contractions to try and stop the pain. I was told by a friend with my second baby to really focus on relaxing and concentrating on letting the cervix open up during contractions. I tried this and found it amazing. Every time I had a contraction I pictured my baby pushing on the cervix and the benefit of the pain rather that trying to stop the pain. The pain then became a positive thing and not just something to suffer thru. I began to really enjoy the good strong contractions as I knew they were preparing everything and were getting my baby closer and closer to being in my arms. I have done this with each of my births now and it has really helped me not feel overwhelmed. Yes contractions hurt but they are bearable. I love birth and I can honestly say I love the contractions as I know without them my baby would not come. Hey, I'm onto baby no.6 so it can't be that bad. I have also managed the last 4 with no pain relief as my reaction to the pain has changed so much. I would have to say that by the time you think you cannot bear it anymore is usually right before transition and it's all over before you know it after that. I love the pushing part especially...

2 Comments on Having really strong tummy muscles and labor

jessiegirl - Monday, 11 May
Hey, I am also on number 6 and totally agree!

mummytummy - Saturday, 9 May
You love the contractions and pushing pains? OMG you are nuts!!