Lifting safely while pregnant is important so that you can stay in the best of health for your upcoming birth. With older children home for the holidays, our osteopath Radhika Madahar shares some tips to stay pain-free and avoid back injury.
Through your pregnancy, your centre of gravity shifts. This can impact your balance. Also, in preparation for labour, your ligaments soften and loosen. This includes those that support your back and hips. Common stress points are the ligaments of the sacroiliac joints at the back of your pelvis and the pubic symphysis at the front.
In order to stay in top condition for your upcoming birth and beyond, we’re sharing a few tips to stay pain-free this holiday season.
On a cautionary note, if you have pregnancy complications such as bleeding or early contractions, do talk with your healthcare provider about taking special precautions. If carrying your toddler is painful or unbalances you, don’t do it. Plan your days so that you have help for those moments when you might need to lift your older child between car and buggy, for example.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer? Still yes, and even more than that – your osteopath can help you prepare for the birth with advice and treatment during pregnancy.The philosophy of osteopathy is based on the interconnection of structure and function. Your osteopath works to normalise the structure so that it functions as efficiently as possible. Treatments during pregnancy are no different.
Osteopathic treatment can support your body to adapt and align to the growing weight of your baby, ensuring that your pelvis and lower back mechanics are in the best possible position and reducing tension.
Our osteopath’s top tips for lifting safely while pregnant
As long as your doctor has not restricted your activity (or your lifting), it’s not a problem to lift your older child.
To safely pick up a bigger baby or younger toddler during pregnancy, keep these steps in mind before you lift:
- Stabilize your body first by assuming a wide stance (feet shoulder-width apart).
- Tuck your buttocks in.
Bend at the knees, not at the waist, and lift (not abruptly) with legs rather than your back. - Breathe out whilst lifting, to help your body relax.
- A few gentle stretches in the morning will help your body warm up for the day.
If you’re pregnant, or have recently given birth, why not reach out for support to keep your body limber over the summer holidays?
At our Staines clinic, our osteopath Radhika Madahar specialises in treating expectant and new mothers. She says “I started my clinic to help the local community feel fitter and healthier and I love being able to educate my clients on the best treatment and advice for them. After graduating as an Osteopath I qualified in paediatric osteopath to be able to help pregnant women experiencing pelvis and lower back pain and ensure they have a comfortable pregnancy.”
Book your appointment with Radhika today via our webpage.
