The Jiggle: #1 Move to Lower Pregnancy Pain

The jiggle, a move promoted by Spinning Babies, gently vibrates the fascia, the thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds the body’s organs, bones and muscles. The fascia tightens when stressed, causing pain and limiting motion. The jiggle relaxes the pelvic area fascia. It is part of the recommended weekly movements for preparing your body for labor and delivery. 

The jiggle is performed on the mother with the help of another person. To do the jiggle: 

1. The mother should lay down comfortably on her side. Place a pillow for support between the mother’s knee and ankle. Do not let the top ankle hang. 
2. The partner should be comfortably positioned next to the mother without reaching or twisting. Using one or both hands on the buttock and hip, begin with a slow, tiny jiggle to gently vibrate the tissue. Begin in the direction of ease and do not use force. Less is more. The mother’s body should set the pace. 
3. After a few moments in one spot, ripples should move under the skin. This signals the mother’s body is ready for the partner to move to another part of the hips, buttocks or thigh. 
4. Continue jiggling for at least 2 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes. Repeat on the other side if desired. 

You can do the jiggle after the first trimester of pregnancy. It’s one of the three balances, or three sisters, labor positions along with the forward-leaning inversion and side-lying release. Together the three balances can improve your body’s comfort and help you have an easier birth. 

CAUTION: Do not perform in the 1st trimester or if the mother has ever experienced bleeding from the placenta.