Women With A Small Birth Canal Tend To Have An Easy Delivery, Says Study

According to a new study, a small birth canal and thinner pelvic floor makes it easier for expecting mums to push the baby out.

The size of your birth canal and thickness of your pelvic floor can determine how easily you can give birth. Yes, you read that right! According to a new study, a small birth canal and thinner pelvic floor makes it easier for expecting mums to push the baby out.

Here’s Why Having A Small Birth Canal Helps

Image courtesy: Pixabay

Researchers have conducted multiple studies to understand the importance of the size of the birth canal. One previous research stated that a small birth canal helped women walk straight and provided support to the internal organs and a growing baby.

But the new study published in the journal PNAS, has disputed the claim that small birth canal is better for childbirth or the baby’s protection. They found that having a larger one may prove to be “disadvantageous.”

This is because babies’ heads are larger relative to the birth canal and this is commonly called a fetopelvic disproportion. When there is a clinically significant mismatch between the size or shape of the presenting part of the fetus and the size or shape of the maternal pelvis and soft tissue, a the tight ‘fetopelvic’ fit increases the risk of obstructed labour. This can in-turn have potentially a dire outcome for both – the mother and child.

The new study also highlighted the importance of the thinness of the pelvic floor.

According to ScienceDaily, researchers found that a thicker pelvic floor proved to be more of a hindrance to the birthing process. If the pelvic floor is not flexible, expecting mum cannot easily push the baby out. Researchers thus concluded that a woman’s internal organs are better supported if she has a small birth canal and thin pelvic floors.

Size Of A Woman’s Birth Canal Depends On Where She Lives

Image courtesy: Pixabay

Now, the study also found that the size of the birth canal depends on a woman’s native land. Here’s what it highlighted:

Women from sub-Saharan Africa, for example, tend to have a deeper canal.
Native American women generally have a wider one
European and Asian women fall somewhere in between.

“If a woman’s birth canal is substantially different from the model described in textbooks, the movement of the baby will also deviate from the expected pattern,” said lead author Lia Betti.

She further stated in her study the “horrendous consequences,” when forceps were used to rotate babies during delivery. It was on erroneous assumptions about the shape of the pelvis.

While, a thin pelvic floor may conform to a subconsciously desired body type, having a strong pelvic floor is actually important. It supports your bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum and when you get pregnant, the growing baby can weaken your pelvic floor. This may lead to bleeding during your pregnancy.

Which is why you need a strong pelvic floor. But if you’re not born with one, how do you make it stronger? Here are some easy ways to strengthen your pelvis.

3 Quick Ways To Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Muscle

Image courtesy: iStock

Kegel exercises

These are a method of contracting your pelvic muscles, and holding them for five seconds, and then relaxing them for the next five seconds. Remember, this is the same muscle you use when you’re trying to control your pee. Do this exercise 10-20 times a day and it can slowly but surely strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Pilates

According to research, about one to two hours of pilates can help strengthen your pelvic floor along with the core muscles, your lower back, as well as your hips and glutes.

Healthy diet

While you improve your lifestyle by inculcating exercises, a good and nutritious diet is equally important. When you are pregnant, add more colours to your plate in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits. Specifically, low-acidic fruits and vegetables such as bananas, potatoes, and beans. These foods contain magnesium that allows muscles and nerves to function properly.

You should also up your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids or start them if you haven’t already. Fish oil, nuts and flax seed contain omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help reduce inflammation in the body. Also, incorporate caffeine free tea and add a supplement with vitamin D (post consultation with your doctor).

Remember, a good lifestyle will not only help you have a smooth pregnancy, it is also a secret for a happy and healthy life.

News source: Eureka Alert

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ALSO READ:

What is Your ‘Pelvic Floor’, and Why is It Important to Strengthen It

5 Ways Your Vagina Will Change After Childbirth

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Written by

Sarmistha Neogy

Pregnancy