Pregnant Meghan Markle's 'Baby Mama Dance' goes viral! Does dancing help induce labor?

Even on the verge of labor, Meghan Markle isn’t letting her fun side slide!

The Duchess of Sussex, who celebrated their (hers and Prince Harry’s) daughter Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday on June 4, shared some throwback memories, cherishing the birth of their beautiful daughter. While two of her posts were about holding their newborn baby close to their heart, another post gave a sneak peek at what went on inside the hospital room before Lilibet was born!

And boy is it a hilarious one!!

What happened?

Markle took to Instagram to share a fun video of her dancing with Prince Harry in a black midi dress and hair done in a ponytail. Filmed in a hospital labor and delivery room, the Duchess of Sussex was seen dancing to Starrkeisha's "The Baby Momma Dance" song while cradling her baby bump. Moments later, Prince Harry was also seen entering the frame, as he began dancing with the mom-to-be. Meghan was seen shaking her hips in the clip, putting her arms in the air and spinning while Harry showed off his own moves, even dropping it "down low" with Meghan keeping in sync with the lyrics.

Sharing the fun video on Instagram, Meghan revealed how she resorted to dancing after other labor-inducing methods, like spicy food and acupuncture, had failed. She wrote, “Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work - there was only one thing left to do!”

The video quickly went viral, sparking discussions about the effectiveness of dancing in inducing labor.

But, does dancing really induce labor?


Here’s what we know.

The scientific explanation:

While Meghan’s dancing video showcases a fun and spontaneous moment, the question arises: can dancing actually help induce labor?

According to experts, there is no definitive scientific evidence proving that dancing directly induces labor. However, certain aspects of dancing may contribute to the onset of labor in some women.

Dancing can promote the release of endorphins, natural pain relievers that may help relax the body and reduce stress. Additionally, rhythmic movements and hip rotations can encourage the baby to move into a favorable position, potentially aiding in the progression of labor. The upright posture often adopted during dancing may also utilize gravity to help the baby descend into the birth canal. However, these effects are anecdotal, and more research is needed to establish a clear link between dancing and labor induction.

Natural methods to induce labor:

While dancing remains a popular and entertaining option, several other natural methods are commonly believed to help induce labor:

Walking: Gentle walking can help the baby move into the correct position and may stimulate contractions.

Nipple stimulation: This can release oxytocin, a hormone that triggers contractions.

Spicy foods: Some believe that spicy foods can irritate the digestive system, leading to uterine contractions.

Sexual activity: Semen contains prostaglandins, which may help soften the cervix.

Acupressure: Certain pressure points are thought to stimulate uterine contractions.

However, it's important to note that while these methods are popular, their effectiveness varies, and none are guaranteed to induce labor. Always consult with a healthcare provider before attempting any of these methods to ensure safety for both mother and baby.




One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change