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Preparing your body for labor is a mixture of strength and learning how to relax, breathe, and create space. ⭐️ These stretches are part of my labor prep routine to help promote pelvic floor and perineal mobility and prepare the tissues for the stretching they may experience. ✨ Deep, slow breathing is just as important as the stretch itself. With each inhale, focus on relaxing and gently lengthening the pelvic floor rather than holding tension. 🤍 Research on perineal massage suggests it may reduce the likelihood of severe perineal trauma, particularly for first time vaginal births but no stretch or technique can guarantee that you won’t tear. 👉🏻 I’m incorporating everything I’m learning into my StrongHER Pregnancy Program, including strength training, Pilates, pelvic floor work, mobility, and labor preparation.