The female body is designed for natural childbirth. Why then have cesarean section rates climbed dramatically since first measured in the US in 1965? In 1965, the cesarean birth rate was 4.5% and by 2009 had climbed all the way to 32.9%. Since 2009 the rate has held around 32%, meaning 1 out of every 3 births is delivered by c-section!
There have been many theories about why the rate of c-sections has risen so much over the last 50 years, but many of these theories do not hold any weight when examined. One factor that is rarely talked about, but I believe to be a major contributor to the c-section rate increase is a musculoskeletal dysfunction and poor posture.
There have been many theories about why the rate of c-sections has risen so much over the last 50 years, but many of these theories do not hold any weight when examined. One factor that is rarely talked about, but I believe to be a major contributor to the c-section rate increase is a musculoskeletal dysfunction and poor posture.
"I believe musculoskeletal system dysfunction is a factor in infertility, miscarriages, difficult pregnancies and deliveries, premature birth, birth defects, and postpartum problems." - Pete Egoscue, founder of the Egoscue Method of Posture Alignment Therapy.
When the musculoskeletal system is strong, robust, and firing on all cylinders, the body knows it can handle the demands of a pregnancy and natural birth. But when the musculoskeletal system is weak, sputtering, and dysfunctional, the body knows the stress of a pregnancy might be too much.
When the musculoskeletal system is strong, robust, and firing on all cylinders, the body knows it can handle the demands of a pregnancy and natural birth. But when the musculoskeletal system is weak, sputtering, and dysfunctional, the body knows the stress of a pregnancy might be too much.
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Poor postural alignment as seen in the images above (draw by Karen Kuchar from the book Pain Free for Women by Pete Egoscue with Roger Grittiness) tilt the pelvis posteriorly not allowing normal flaring of the pelvis necessary for childbirth. This can lead to birth complications including long labors, slow progression, and cesarean section.
Good postural alignment as seen below allows the woman's body and pelvis to adjust as nature intended allowing natural childbirth.
Good postural alignment as seen below allows the woman's body and pelvis to adjust as nature intended allowing natural childbirth.
- If you are trying to get pregnant for the first time or trying to get pregnant after a miscarriage, restoring your postural alignment will give your body the message that it is strong and capable of carrying a baby full term.
- If you previously had a c-section and would like to have a natural delivery with your next baby improving your posture and alignment will give you the best chance to have a natural delivery.
- If you are already pregnant and want to have a pain free pregnancy and natural childbirth restoring or maintaining good posture is key.
The Egoscue exercises shown in the video below will help you to restore your posture and strength and give you the best chance for a healthy and pain free pregnancy and natural delivery. These 7 essential exercises are for getting pregnant and the first trimester.
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