Helpful Hints for a More Comfortable Pregnancy

HOW TO STAND: Hold your head high, lift your chest and throw your shoulders back. Relax your knees and keep your feet apart. Keep your buttocks tucked in under you and your lower back as flat as possible. Avoid arching your lower back.

HOW TO SIT: Do not cross your legs. Sit with your buttocks slightly forward and your back slightly rounded. Bend your knees and hips and prop your feet up when possible, so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips.

HOW TO LIFT OBJECTS FROM THE FLOOR: Begin in a squatting position with one foot slightly in front of the other with the object near your body. Bring the object close to your body and rise to a standing position by gradually straightening your knees and hips.

HOW TO RELAX LYING ON YOUR SIDE: Place a pillow under your head, bend your top leg and support it with another pillow. A small pillow or folded bath towel may be placed under your abdomen for support. This is the best position for sleeping.

HOW TO RISE FROM LYING DOWN: With your knees and hips bent, turn onto your side. Raise up on your arms. If you are on a bed, drop your legs over the side and rise to a standing position. If you are on the floor, bring one foot up and place it flat on the floor, then bring your other foot up as you begin to straighten your knees and hips.