How Changes in Pregnancy Affect Movement and Balance
Why Not to Bend During Pregnancy: How This Movement Affects the Body and Health of Expecting Mothers
Pregnancy is a period full of changes that affect not only internal processes in the body but also the musculoskeletal system. As the fetus grows, the body's center of gravity changes, the load on the spine and the elasticity of muscles and ligaments. All this affects everyday activities that were completely natural before pregnancy. One movement that can be problematic during pregnancy is bending. At first, a woman may not even notice that she feels different when doing it, but over time it can become not only uncomfortable but also potentially risky.
How Pregnancy Changes the Body's Center of Gravity and Why It Makes Bending Difficult
One of the first things pregnant women start to notice is a shift in the body's center of gravity. As the belly grows, overall stability changes, and the body naturally tries to maintain balance. This means that some movements that were previously easy suddenly require more control. Bending is one of them. When a woman leans forward, she may feel as if she is tipping forward, which is due to the changed position of the center of gravity. The body automatically tries to compensate for this imbalance, which can lead to overloading the back muscles and an increased risk of falling.
Falls during pregnancy are not uncommon and can be dangerous, especially if there is an impact on the belly area. Increased caution during movement is therefore essential, and avoiding sudden forward bends can be one of the measures to prevent these risks.
How Bending Affects the Belly and Internal Organs
Another reason not to bend during pregnancy is the pressure this movement puts on the abdominal cavity. As the uterus enlarges, it takes up more space and pushes surrounding organs. During a deep forward bend, this area is compressed, which can cause discomfort, pain, or even temporary restriction of blood circulation. Some women describe a feeling of pressure or lack of breath when bending, caused by the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm and affecting breathing.
Especially in the third trimester, bending may become so uncomfortable that the body instinctively resists it. This is a signal that movements need to be adjusted and alternative ways found to perform everyday activities without discomfort or risk to the baby.
Load on the Spine and Back Pain
Pregnancy naturally strains the back, especially the lumbar area. As the belly enlarges, the spine adapts to the new weight distribution, which can lead to pain and tension. Bending puts additional pressure on this area, which can exacerbate the situation. Additionally, hormones produced during pregnancy cause ligaments and joints to relax to prepare the body for childbirth. This also means that the stability of the spine is not as firm as before, which can lead to a greater tendency for pain or even blockages in the back.
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Many women notice that during a sudden bend or forward lean, they feel a pull in the lower back or pelvic area. This can be a result of overloading muscles that are trying to keep the body stable. If these feelings recur or intensify, it is advisable to seek a specialist, such as a physiotherapist, who can help relieve pain and recommend appropriate movement methods.
How Bending Affects Blood Circulation and Causes Dizziness
Another issue that can arise during forward bending is a sudden drop in blood pressure. In pregnancy, blood circulation changes, and the body tries to ensure a sufficient oxygen supply for both the mother and the baby. Sudden bending can disrupt this process and cause a short-term decrease in blood pressure. This manifests as a feeling of weakness, dizziness, or even brief vision blackouts.
Some women complain that when they bend, they feel sudden nausea or become dizzy. This can be caused by pressure on the abdominal cavity affecting blood flow to the heart. If these symptoms appear regularly, it is advisable to avoid bending as much as possible and instead choose safer movement alternatives.
How to Avoid Bending and Ease Everyday Activities
Pregnancy brings many physical changes, and although some movements may become more challenging, there are always ways to adapt them. Instead of a deep forward bend, it is better to bend the knees and slowly lower yourself into a squat. This movement is not only safer for the back and belly but also helps maintain stability and reduce the risk of falling.
If there is a need to pick something up from the ground, it is good to use support, such as holding onto a chair or table, to reduce the load on the spine. Wearing comfortable shoes and using maternity belts can also help support the abdominal muscles and reduce pressure on the lower back.
Pregnancy is a unique period that requires greater attention to bodily signals. Bending may seem like a common movement, but in reality, it can bring a number of discomforts and health complications. It is therefore good to listen to your body and find ways to adapt so that pregnancy is as comfortable and safe as possible.
