Prepare before labour begins

One baby, head-down, full-term and growing well · placenta in a normal (not low-lying) position · no major medical complications · no bleeding or early cervical shortening · and your doctor has cleared you.

If your pregnancy is higher-risk - for example a low-lying placenta, a breech or sideways baby, a previous caesarean or uterine surgery, twins, or a condition like severe pre-eclampsia or uncontrolled diabetes - a trial of normal labour may not be the safest route, and your doctor may plan a caesarean or a closely-watched birth. The active exercises here are meant for low-risk pregnancies - if you're higher-risk, follow the movement, diet and birth plan your own doctor gives you, and ask exactly what is safe for you.

Keep moving - carry on daily routine, avoid unnecessary bed rest, and don't panic at mild pulling pains. A flexible, strong body handles labour better.

Becoming over-cautious → stopping movement → body stiffens → labour becomes harder.

Stay active through pregnancy. From 28 weeks, your third-trimester preparation begins - and as your due date nears, gentle activity builds into active, labour-focused exercise.