The uterus is an amazing muscle and we must understand the way in which the uterus functions naturally in order to understand how fear can throw a monkey wrench into the workings of this smooth birthing muscle.

There are three layers of muscle in the uterus. The two layers with which we will be concerned are the outer layer, with muscles that are vertical, and the inner layer, with muscles that are horizontally circular.

The circular muscles of the inner layer are found in the lower portion of the uterus with the muscle being thickest just above the opening, or neck, of the uterus. In order for the outlet of the uterus to open and permit the baby to easily move down, through, and out of the uterus into the birth canal, these thicker muscles have to be drawn up and back.

The stronger muscles at the top of the outer layer of the uterus are vertical fibres. They go up the back and over the top of the uterus, drawing up the relaxed circular muscles. In an almost wavelike motion, these long muscle bands shorten and flex to push the baby down, through, and ultimately out of the uterus.

When the labouring woman is in a comfortable state of relaxation, the two sets of muscles work in harmony, as they were intended to. The surge of the vertical muscles draws up, flexes, and expels; and the circular muscles open and draw back to allow this to happen. Birthing then goes smoothly and easily.

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