Focus On Good Posture During Pregnancy

Benefits Of Good Posture During Pregnancy

By Jarrett Kruse

A pregnant woman’s posture can change before she even realizes it, so she may have to make a conscious effort to focus on good posture. Maintaining good posture during pregnancy eases back pain and leg cramps and reduces the risk of back strain. Sometimes back pain during pregnancy is actually posture pain—pain caused failure to adjust to posture changes during pregnancy. Headaches are also frequently caused by poor posture. Exercise during pregnancy can not only strengthen your muscles and ease your delivery, but help in maintaining good posture, resulting in back pain reduction throughout your pregnancy.

Two things happen when you’re pregnant to change your posture, and the change becomes more dramatic as the pregnancy goes on. For one thing, as you gain weight, in your abdomen, there is corresponding strain on your lower back, and the muscles that usually support your back are more stretched. For another thing, your center of gravity changes as your baby develops. Exercise and care with your movements can help you adjust to your changing posture and avoid injury and maintain flexibly. Being conscious of your posture and how it changes can guide you through an exercise program. You can do a few things to help maintain healthy posture during your pregnancy:

Learn the pelvis tilt exercise and maintain the tilt while standing. When standing, also contract your abdominal and buttocks muscles to support your lower back.
Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long period of time..
Avoid standing in one position for long periods of time.
Avoid high heels, as they cause your body weight to shift forward even more. Wear low heeled, comfortable shoes.
When you sit, have your knees level with your hips and support the whole length of your thighs with the chair.
When you have to stand up for a while, to do dishes or other tasks, put one foot on a step stool and alternate feet to decrease the sway in your back.