During the first trimester, you will not experience many changes in your body. So, you may not find difficulty in bending over.
But as the pregnancy advances to the second trimester, you may find it difficult to do certain tasks like bending and lifting weights.
From the second trimester, your baby and your belly bump grow. So the center of gravity shifts causing difficulties in certain things we do. And bending over is one of them.
Do I squish my baby when I bend over?
It is one of the common concerns mom-to-be. Pregnant women wonder if they squish their baby if they bend over. But, bending over does not cause any harm to your baby.
Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby inside the womb and buffers between your baby and the outside world.
She was bending over during the first trimester.
As there are few changes, your baby bump might not get in your way while bending down. But precautions are to be taken to prevent any harm.
Keep your back straight and avoid doing things that can create any inconvenience. Maintaining good posture helps you avoid suffering from back pain as your pregnancy advances.
She was bending over during the second and last trimesters.
Even in your second and last trimesters, it is considered safe for your baby if you bend over. But it is difficult for you to bend over.
During the pregnancy, your body weight and belly bump will increase and put extra pressure on your stomach, back, hips and knees.
Your stomach may hurt if you bend over. The ligaments of the uterus grow to support your growing baby. If you bend over, you may experience something called round ligament pain.
Round ligament pain is a sharp pain often experienced in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides.
Moreover, it is difficult for you to bend in the third trimester, so you should avoid it as much as possible.
Why should you reduce bending over
Risk of falling
As the center of gravity shifts due to increased belly, your ability to do things also changes; you might lose balance when you bend over. It may harm you and your baby.
Heartburn
Acid flux can lead to heartburn. When you bend, stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing a burning sensation in your food pipe.
Dizziness
Blood rushes to your upper body and head when you bend over. It causes dizziness.
Precautions to be taken
- Do not bend from your hips. Try to bend your knees while you have to bend over. It may reduce the pressure on your lower back.
- Try to keep your legs closer while bending your knees.
- Use surrounding objects as support when you bend over. It can reduce the pressure on your joints and muscles.
- Try to maintain a good posture. Always keep your back straight.
- Feel free to ask for help if you need it at any instance.
- If the round ligament pain lasts more than a couple of minutes, consult a doctor.
Bottom line
After you pass your first trimester, certain positions may become a problem for you. As your pregnancy progresses, lifting weights and bending can be difficult. So, know your body well and take precautions to avoid discomforts during your pregnancy.
