Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 105

My Spine Explained
Pregnancy and child care
During pregnancy the joints and ligaments in the area of the back and pelvis
become more lax (due to hormonal changes) in preparation of the birth of the
baby, making a pregnant woman more prone to pain and back injury. A preg-
nant woman’s posture is affected by adapting to compensate for the effect of
the added load of the growing baby at the front of the body. There is a ten-
dency to arch the back and slightly lean backwards when standing and walk-
ing, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Try and maintain a proper pos-
ture by “standing tall” and tightening your stomach and pelvic floor muscles.
Take extra care to protect your back during pregnancy and also caring for
your baby after birth.
Wear comfortable, low heeled shoes when walking.
Sit with your back properly supported. Do not sit in a chair that is too low, for
it is difficult to stand up again. Try not to sit for long periods at a time; get up
every half hour and move around.
When feeding your baby, sit in a chair with your hips, knees and ankles at a
right angle.
The baby cot should be at a proper height so that you do not have to bend your
back to pick your baby up.
Lower the side of the baby cot before lifting your baby or putting your baby
down.
If the baby cot is close to the floor, make sure that you kneel or squat when
lifting your baby.
When lifting your baby, remember to always keep your back straight, to tight-
en your stomach muscles and to keep your baby close to your body.
Use a changing table or elevated work surface (with the proper height) when
changing your baby’s clothes or nappy.
Place the bath on a sturdy surface at your hip height. Kneel when bathing
your baby in a regular bath.
Before lifting your baby from a regular bath, empty the bathwater, but cover
your baby to retain the heat; then step into the bath with one foot (remember
to use a non-slip bath mat). Sit on the rim of the bath and avoid twisting your
back when lifting your baby.
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