Meghan Markle’s Viral Dance for Labour Sparks Curiosity
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, recently stirred conversations with a video showing her dancing in the hospital while heavily pregnant with her daughter, Lilibet. The clip, shared years after the birth, captures Meghan and Prince Harry moving together as she tried to encourage labour to begin. She mentioned that after trying other methods like spicy food, walking, and acupuncture without success, dancing was the last resort.
Is Dancing Safe During Pregnancy?
Physical activity during pregnancy is widely recommended for healthy women, and dancing can be a fun, accessible form of exercise. Regular movement is linked to numerous benefits, including a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, fewer cesarean deliveries, less use of pain relief during birth, improved mental health, and faster postpartum recovery.
While many expectant mothers prefer walking, swimming, or prenatal classes, dancing is also considered safe. Movements that engage the hips and pelvis could potentially help the baby settle into an optimal position, although scientific backing for this idea remains limited.
Styles such as belly dancing have been noted to empower pregnant women, fostering joy and wellbeing. As pregnancy progresses, modifying dance moves to accommodate a growing belly is advised. If complications such as bleeding arise, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before dancing.
Adding music to the mix can further enhance these benefits by promoting relaxation and emotional connection.
Can Dancing Induce Labour or Ease Labour Pain?
Despite many anecdotal accounts like Meghan’s, there is no scientific proof that dancing can reliably trigger labour. However, movement and rhythm have been shown to help some women cope with labour, especially in the early stages.
Studies have found that women who engage in movement or dance during labour often report lower pain levels and higher satisfaction compared to those who remain still. Dancing during labour encourages upright postures and frequent position changes, which can help the pelvis open and potentially shorten labour.
Switching positions and staying active may apply pressure on the cervix, encouraging the release of oxytocin — a hormone vital to progressing labour. Additionally, movement could assist the baby in finding the best position for birth.
While these benefits are promising, they are not yet definitively proven through extensive clinical trials.
Did Dancing Bring On Meghan’s Labour?
It is unclear if Meghan’s dancing truly induced her labour, as she was in a hospital setting where medical interventions might have been used. Labour can also be induced through medications or mechanical methods if necessary.
Alternatively, her labour might have begun naturally after her dance session; either way, the visible happiness and support from Prince Harry would have contributed positively, as emotional connection can influence hormone levels and contractions.
Although dancing might not be a guaranteed way to start labour, it remains a low-risk activity that may enhance a woman’s experience during pregnancy and childbirth.
Bottom Line: Dance Your Way to a Positive Birth Experience
While science has yet to confirm dancing as a labor-inducing technique, it poses little to no risk and could support comfort and wellbeing both during pregnancy and labour. If you feel like dancing, go for it — it just might make those final days more enjoyable.
