Nothing is as exciting as a positive pregnancy test result when you really want it. However, concerns and questions such as can i squish my baby when bending over often accompany the excitement. Now that you are pregnant, you have to be very careful with everything you do, and that includes bending down.
Yes, you read that right.
A lot of to-be mums are concerned about some of their daily activities, not because they can no longer do them, but because they are not sure if their baby will tolerate it well.
In this article, you will get to know if you can squish your baby when bending down, if it is safe to bend over while pregnant, a few tips on how to bend down during pregnancy, and when to call a doctor.
First, it is important to understand that ‘squishing’ in this case refers to any action/movement that can hurt your baby in the womb.
Can you hurt your baby by bending down?
The answer is no!
You cannot squish your baby when you bend over. This is because your baby is protected by a fluid called the amniotic fluid. It is contained in a sac called the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac serves as a buffer or a safeguard between your baby and the outside environment.
You may feel a little uncomfortable when you bend over but your baby is totally comfortable.
Your little one is able to move her head and body around and find a better and more comfortable position in your womb. Also, the muscles of your uterus have grown more muscular, providing extra support so your baby wouldn’t get hurt.
Bending over in the first trimester
Bending over in the first trimester won’t impact your baby negatively.
This is because your body is still flexible and your baby is too small to be affected by bending. The lining of the stomach and the placenta protects your baby during this time. With these securities in place, your baby is protected from the abdominal contractions that might occur from bending over.
This is always the case except you are going through a complicated pregnancy. If you have been advised by a doctor not to bend in your first trimester, then avoid doing so.
Bending over in the second trimester
In the second trimester, bending over should not cause problems either.
This is because as your baby grows, your body grows too. Bending over at this time may be a bit uncomfortable, but if you are using the right method, you will get through it. When you want to bend in your second trimester, don’t bend over from your knees, bend from your waist.
To do this, all you’ve got to do is bend your knees first while trying to pick something off the floor. That way, it would look more like squatting than bending. Remember, your knees before your waist.
Also, keep your back straight and squat down with your knees without bending from your waist.
Bending over in the third trimester
This is the time you are most concerned about bending over.
At this stage of pregnancy, your baby is already very big. Also, there is less amniotic fluid, so your baby is less safeguarded. Contraction of the abdomen at this time can actually lead to abruption of the placenta. This can cause bleeding and preterm delivery, causing harm to you and your baby.
Why you should avoid bending over in your third trimester
During your third trimester, the center of gravity of your body changes. Therefore, bending over during this time can predispose you to certain risks including:
- Falling: you can be thrown off balance when you try to bend over in your third trimester. At this time, your baby’s head turns towards the pelvis, and your body’s center of gravity changes, making it easier for you to trip and fall. Falling in the third trimester can lead to several injuries depending on the severity of the fall.
- Back pain: This is a very common problem during pregnancy and you may feel it a little more when you try to bend over due to the strain of the back muscles.
- Heartburn: Bending over exerts pressure on your stomach and this can cause a reflux of acid in your stomach. This can leave an unpleasant taste on your tongue and a burning sensation in your esophagus.
- Dizziness: When you bend forward during your third trimester, there may be a sudden rush of blood to your head, making you feel somewhat dizzy and lightheaded. This can make you lose balance, resulting in dizziness.
Tips on how to bend during pregnancy
It is very important that you maintain a good posture during pregnancy.
This relieves pain and aches, as well as strains on your back. If it becomes pertinent for you to bend over during pregnancy, here are some tips to guide you in doing so:
- Spread your knees apart and squat down instead of bending your whole body forward.
- Use your hands, knees, and thighs when you want to stand up from a bent position.
- If you have to lift something heavy, position it under your belly so that you will stay aligned with your center of gravity.
When to call a doctor
Don’t assume you are fine; call your doctor if you notice any symptoms.
Also, call your doctor if:
- You are involved in a car accident: It does not matter if it is a major or minor accident. You might have sustained internal injuries, so contact your doctor if you are involved in any kind of accident.
- You fall: Irrespective of which part of your body you used to land, call your doctor. The pressure from the fall might have caused a little discomfort for your baby. See a doctor to be sure you are safe.
- You were punched in your stomach: Call your doctor if someone intentionally hits you in the stomach. If possible, report to the police too.
If there are other symptoms following the punch such as bloody discharge, abdominal cramps, frequent contractions, and a decrease in fetal movement, call your doctor.
Conclusion
Most of the contact your stomach will have daily during pregnancy won’t hurt your baby, irrespective of the trimester you are in. In the third trimester, though, the risk increases a little.
Finally, there’s no need to worry or panic about your baby’s health just because you bent your back. While bending over, don’t forget to bend your knees, not your waist, and keep a straight back too. Be quick to report any traumatic event to your stomach to your doctor as soon as possible.
