Curb walking, where you walk along the length of a street curb with one foot on the raised part of the curb and one foot on the street, is thought to be helpful in opening the pelvis to encourage the baby to drop—but it won’t bring on labor if your body isn’t ready yet. 

However, walking normally three to four times per week for 30 to 40 minutes once you hit “term” (usually 38 weeks in healthy singleton pregnancies) may increase spontaneous labor¹ , as well as decrease the chances of cesarean or instrumental delivery²  (when forceps or a vacuum extractor are required to help with vaginal delivery). 

Keep in mind that your balance may feel off in later pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to have someone walk with you. And be sure to take it slow if you’re worried about falling, especially with curb walking. The asymmetrical positioning of curb walking may aggravate parts of your pelvis, causing pain in your pubic symphysis (the joint at the bottom of your pelvis) or sacroiliac joints (the joints that connect your pelvis to your lower spine), so stop if it’s causing you discomfort.