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Good Posture While Expecting

The Straight Facts
on Good Posture During Pregnancy

By Laura Cone

Many of the seated poses and squatted positions are also suitable for pregnant women, according to Strobel. She believes the focus on breathing and relaxation in yoga also may be a benefit for pregnant women. She recommends the Cobbler's pose, which involves sitting on the floor with the soles of your feet together and knees bent out to the side. "It's a great pose for pregnant women," she says. On the other hand, she says pregnant women should avoid deep twists, lying on their stomachs and some postures that involve lying flat on their backs.

Posture is important today, especially with so many people slumping their shoulders forward while working on computers. Even seats on airplanes and cars tend to cause people to slump their shoulders, Strobel points out. "When you sit with good alignment you are able to breathe a lot more easily; it makes more space inside for the baby so you are open and spacious," she says. "That's what a lot of poses in prenatal classes achieve – openness so you can breathe with awareness and more."

Finally, don't dismiss good posture as a nicety or something equal to good table manners. Good posture is essential during pregnancy as a foundation for psychological and physical wellness. While your baby may be curled up in a fetal position at the moment, one day he or she will look to you as an example of good posture.

Want to see more?

• Posture Perfect: What Is Your Child's Posture Telling You?
• A Pain in the Neck: Back Pain During Pregnancy
• Get Your Body Back: A Guide to Exercising After Baby
• Talk about it!