Dancing During Labor: Social Media Trend or Future Practice?

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, medical interventions in pregnancy and childbirth have increased. Some pregnant women seek less invasive and nonpharmacological options to manage discomforts during labor. While exercise during pregnancy is recommended, less is known about exercise, specifically dancing, during labor. While anecdotal evidence is supportive, little is known about the implications of exercise and dance during the first stage of labor for pain reduction and labor progression. Some movements common in dance, such as expanding hip circles that loosen and relax muscles of the pelvic floor, may be beneficial to women during labor. Available evidence suggests that dancing during the first stage of labor may decrease duration and intensity of pain and increase patient satisfaction, but further study is warranted. Ultimately, before assessing the implications of dance during labor, a feasibility study should be conducted to determine pregnant women's willingness to participate in a prospective or randomized controlled trial.

Keywords: belly dancing; exercise, dance; first stage labor; pain management; pregnancy; upright positioning.