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Seeking an alternative to medical interventions and drugs to ease labor and prepare for delivery, some expectant mothers are turning to the ancient Arabian tradition of belly dancing, the "titillating dance of seduction" that's a mainstay in Middle Eastern entertainment venues but may actually have originated as a childbirth ritual, the Wall Street Journal reports. Noting that women can choose from an "increasing array of prenatal belly-dancing classes and educational materials," the Journal explains that the dancing style's pelvic gyrations "help disperse the pain of contractions, orient the fetus, and propel the baby into the world." For example, during early contractions, pregnant women may try to relax by dancing "slowly and hypnotically." When the contractions become more intense, the expectant mother may start rapidly "rocking from side to side," a technique that could "help position the baby and relax the pelvic floor." Finally, a "full body undulation known as the "camel roll" may facilitate the baby's entry into the birth canal

for delivery. A midwife at Brigham and Women's Hospital and member of Greater Boston's Goddess Dancing belly dancing troupe says she has introduced belly-dancing techniques to some patients and specialists but must "tread carefully" since the approach "remains outside the medical mainstream." The hospital chairman of obstetrics, meanwhile, says he is not sure if belly dancing has any proven benefits. However, noting that there is no science to suggest the practice is harmful, he says "if it makes you feel good, and it's safe-do it".