“Your uterus is made up of sets of muscles which work together as pairs. Long muscles which run top to bottom and round muscles which circle around the cervix and uterus like rings.
In the ‘first’ stage of labour, the long muscles contract, the round muscles relax. Literally drawing the cervix up over baby’s head (or bottom) and forming a great wedge of muscle at the top of the uterus. Ready for the expulsive stage of labour where the round muscles squeeze and push your baby down and out to be born.
Such a powerful set of muscles, doing such a powerful job and creating some pretty bloody powerful sensations!” Words via @birth_ed - check out their hypnobirthing course!
Because the Uterus is a muscle working at its peak throughout labor it also needs proper hydration with minerals like sodium, magnesium and potassium, clean electrolytes and of course a good flow of oxytocin. It’s also, by weight, the strongest muscle in your body so remember to stay hydrated and well nourished during labor.
