Massage, Relaxation, Sex, Visualisation

Massage

Some women use massage, perhaps incorporating shiatsu or reflexology to stimulate certain points and help balance their body or stimulate labour. In some cases the massage just relaxes the woman's mind and body in preparation for her labour. A calm mind, body and soul can help some women feel they can say 'yes' to their labour.

Relaxation / having things right for the day

Many women feel pressured to perform as their due date approaches (and in many cases passes!) Feeling tired of being pregnant, concerned about fitting in with others' convenient dates (or your own expectations) can contribute to feeling stressed. The body's natural reaction to stress is to release of adrenalin, which is a smooth muscle relaxant capable of relaxing the uterine muscles. This mechanism can put off a woman's labour or suppress her contractions.

Sometimes low levels of adrenalin can be a positive thing, in that it will delay your labour until:

	The renovations are finished.
	You have moved house.
	Your mother arrives (or leaves!)
	Your partner finishes a major project.
	You sit your exams.
	You buy your last minute things.
	You organise your support team.
	Your caregiver is known to be available.
	Your other child(ren) is asleep.
	You avoid Christmas Day or your mother-in-law's birthday!

Once what is important passes or arrives, many women subconsciously relax and allow their body to labour.


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