Finding a Comfortable Position during Pregnancy in Southern New England

Posture is the position in which you hold your body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture during pregnancy involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on your back.

• Hold your head up straight with your chin in. Do not tilt your head forward, backward or sideways.
• Make sure your ear lobes are in line with the middle of your shoulders.
• Keep your shoulder blades back and your chest forward.
• Keep your knees straight, but not locked.
• Stretch the top of your head toward the ceiling.
• Tighten your stomach, pulling it in and up. Do not tilt your pelvis forward or backward. Keep your buttocks tucked in.
• Point your feet in the same direction, with your weight balanced evenly on both feet. The arches of your feet should be supported with low-heeled (but not flat) shoes.
• Avoid standing in the same position for a long time.
• If you needed to stand for long periods, adjust the height of the work table to a comfortable level if possible. Try to elevate one food by resting it on a stool or box. After several minutes, switch your foot position.
• While working in the kitchen, open the cabinet under the sink and rest one foot on the inside of the cabinet. Change feet every five to 15 minutes.

• Sit up with your back straight and your shoulders back. Your buttocks should touch the back of your chair.
• Sit with a back support at the curve of your back.
• Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips.
• Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. (Use a footrest or stool if necessary). Your legs should not be crossed and your feet should be flat on the floor.
• Try to avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes.
• At work, adjust your chair height and workstation so you can sit up close to your work and tilt it up at you. Rest your elbows and arms on your chair or desk, keeping your shoulders relaxed.
• When sitting in a chair that rolls and pivots, don’t twist at the waist while sitting. Instead, turn your whole body.
• When standing up from the sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs. Avoid bending forward at your waist. Immediately stretch your back by doing 10 standing backbends.

• Use a back support (lumbar roll) at the curve of your back. Your knees should be at the same level or higher than your hips.
• Move the seat close to the steering wheel to support the curve of you back. The seat should be close enough to allow your knees to bend and your feet to reach the pedals.
• Always wear both the lap and shoulder safety belts. Place the lap belt under your abdomen, as low on your hips as possible and across your upper thighs. Never place the belt above your abdomen. Place the shoulder belt between your breasts. Adjust the shoulder and lap belts as snug as possible.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an air bag, it is very important to wear your shoulder and lap belts. In addition, always sit back at least 10 inches away from the site where the air bag is stored. On the driver’s side, the air bag is located in the steering wheel. When driving, pregnant women should adjust the steering wheel so it is tilted toward the chest and away from the head and abdomen.

• If you must lift objects, do not try to lift objects that are awkward or are heavier than 20 pounds.
• Before you lift an object, make sure you have firm footing.
• To pick up an object that is lower than the level of your waist, keep your back straight and bend at your knees and hips. Do not bend forward at the waist with your knees straight.
• Stand with a wide stance close to the object you are trying to pick up, and keep your feet firmly on the ground. Tighten your stomach muscles and lift the object using your leg muscles. Straighten your knees in a steady motion. Don’t jerk the object up to your body.
• Stand completely upright without twisting. Always move your feet forward when lifting an object.
• If you are lifting an object from a table, slide it to the edge of the table so you can hold it close to your body. Bend your knees so you are close to the object. Use your legs to lift the object and come to a standing position.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects above waist level.
• Hold packages close to your body with your arms bent. Keep your stomach muscles tight. Take small steps and go slowly.
• To lower the object, place your feet as you did to lift. Tighten your stomach muscles, and bend your hips and knees.

• Use a foot stool or chair to bring yourself up to the level of what you are reaching.
• Get your body as close as possible to the object you need to reach.
• Make sure you have a good idea of how heavy the object is you are going to lift.
• Use two hands to lift.

The best lying or sleeping position might vary. No matter in what position you lie, place a pillow under your head, but not your shoulders. The pillow should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position to avoid straining your back. You might also want to put a pillow between your legs for support.

• Try to sleep in a position that helps you maintain the curve in your back (such as on your side with your knees slightly bent, with a pillow between your knees). Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also place the mattress on the floor temporarily if necessary. If you have always slept on a soft surface, it might be more painful to change to a hard surface. Try to do what is most comfortable for you.
• Try using a back support (lumbar support) at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled sheet or towel tied around your waist might be helpful.
• When standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees, and swing your legs on the side of the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.