Looking after yourself during pregnancy
- Eat well and drink plenty of water
- Rest properly and be mindful of the position you use to rest in. During pregnancy as your abdomen increases in size, your baby has the opportunity to lie in the “hammock” that this creates. To encourage your baby into the hammock try and sit forward rather than slouching backwards when in a chair or on a sofa. Sitting on a gym ball (or birthing ball) will also encourage this position; ideally, your knees should be slightly lower than your hips when sitting on a ball. If you have not sat on a ball before place the ball in a corner or place the ball on a towel or other non slip material to increase your stability and ask a partner to stay near you whilst sitting. If you prefer to sit on the floor (or need to whilst playing with your children!) then cross legged sitting can be comfortable. Placing cushions under your bottom to allow your knees to be slightly lower than your hips can help increase comfort and placing firm cushions under your knees can help to increase stability and allows you to relax. Before attempting, these positions please do contact your healthcare provider in particular if you have experienced any hip/groin/pelvic pain during the pregnancy.
- See your midwife, doctor, consultant or other healthcare provider regularly
- Remember that balance, gravity and movement are three core principles that are relevant during pregnancy. This applies to you and your developing baby.
- Ask your healthcare provider about your baby’s position and about positions that may assist your baby into its most optimal position for birth.
For more information regarding this please contact Jenny Hudson at Village Chiropractic Clinic or have a look at www.spinningbabies.com