any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

So I'm trying to figure out if there's any direct correlation between working out/being very active and delivering early. I know that I've ready you tend to have an easier delivery if you're in better shape, but I'm wondering about the timing. I just went back to work this week as a dance teacher and everyone is saying that I will most likely deliver early. I'm praying that I do, as I'm sure most pregnant ladies have.
Just wondering what your experience was.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

Nope.

I worked out religiously before I got pregnant - 5 days a week, at least 1 hour, intense activity. While I was pregnant, every night I walked 2-3 miles. I delivered the day after my due date, and I was in labor for about 20 hours until they finally gave me a c-section

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

Honestly I don't think there is. Unless you regularly work out your Kegel muscles while you work out.

I am the laziest person on the planet, went 6 weeks early & had one of hte easiest deliveries of anyone I know.

I think your recovery time is quicker if you're in better shape if you have a v-birth. I don't have experience with them but I've heard if you have a c-section, it's a toss up with the muscles because they have to cut them.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I don't think there is either. I know people that worked out constantly and they delivered late!

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I dont thing so either. I do believe however that if you are in great shape preprego then you can bounce back much quicker.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

YES! I am living proof of that! It isn't working out though but just beign overly active, like walking a lot. I don't think going at a moderate speed on a stationary bike will change anything but it is a well known fact that walking brings on labor. I wish I though of that...

I didn't work out at all durign pregnancy. However, i was always a walker. I work in Manhattan and for 2 weeks leading to my son's birth i was walking all over. I rememeber we had a birthday dinner for my friend at Blue Water Grill and I walked there all the way from Rock center were i work. Almost every day i would walk for 10 or more blocks. I was also doign it because I gained 44 lbs during pregnancy and my Dr was worried and told me to walk a lot. Well, I did. My son was born 3 weeks yearly... So, if you want to got to labor, walk, walk, walk...

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I WILL say this, however, I had one of the easiest recoveries known for a c-section and I'm convinced a large part of that is because I was in excellent shape when I got pregnant (did a lot of pilates) and exercised throughout. I was up and walking no problem within a couple of days, able to walk up and down the stairs within about 5 days and went completely off the medication/painkillers by the time I went home, which was 4 days postpartum. In fact, I remember taking a stroll outside with Alex just one week after she was born, and having no discomfort. And, I went back down to my prepreggo size fairly quickly, with minimal effort, due in large part because of breastfeeding, but again, also because I think I was in good shape to begin with...

Message edited 9/20/2006 11:39:53 AM.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

My cousin is a delivery nurse and she says that watching weight, getting exercise and eating healthfully COULD make you push better and heal better... she didn't promise it WOULD though.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I 've worked out for years and right up to a week before I was due. I was in labor for 24 hours but I was back at the gym 3 weeks later, so I think it helped with recovery.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I doubt it. I'm in good shape, and I walked all over the place while pregnant. It didn't help me! I was 8 days late.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I also have to add in that I am overweight, am not in good shape -- had a c-section and was walking around the hospital the next day. I took a painkiller once in the hospital and took motrin after that a few times but not often. By the time I got home (4 days) was only taking motrin randomly, and was doing the stairs and stuff all day since the nursery was upstairs but the kitchen, bathroom etc. was all downstairs.

I think each person is an individual and it really depends on their body. While I certainly agree with everyone that staying active is a wonderful thing is certainly better then being inactive, I think it could go both ways for any person.

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I don't believe so at least not in my case... I am in fairly good shape, am back to pre pregnancy weight, eat well, take vitamins faithfully, drink lots of water, walk and do yoga when energy and time allow and DD arrived 9 days after estimated due date. I had an all natural "drug free" delivery

Re: any corelatiion between working out and delivery time?

I worked out my whole life and delivered 11 days late...no corelation whatsoever.