Drainage gymnastics for pregnant women. Positional gymnastics for pregnant women. Diagnosis of pyelonephritis in pregnant women

Pregnancy for a woman is, although a happy moment of waiting for the baby to appear, but at the same time this condition is a great stress for the body. The pregnant uterus constantly increases in size, putting pressure on all organs and catching blood vessels. At this moment, a woman may feel pain in the lungs, frequent urge to urinate, discomfort in all abdominal organs and swelling. Special positional gymnastics during pregnancy helps to alleviate the situation. One of the most effective poses is the knee-elbow position.

Why is the knee-elbow position used?

During pregnancy, all organs of a woman's abdominal cavity experience great stress. They move from their usual places, which is why the blood in them can stagnate. This process is not considered a pathology, since these changes occur due to the pressure of the growing uterus.

In addition, the uterus puts pressure on other parts of the body located above or below the abdominal cavity. It presses on the aorta and inferior vena cava. Because of this, in the last stages of pregnancy it is difficult for a woman to lie on her back, she feels short of breath and even dizzy. When you change position, the described symptoms disappear.

It's no secret that pressure also affects the kidneys. Because of this, a woman feels the need to frequently visit the toilet for minor needs. The drainage position will help to cope with this problem.

The knee-elbow position is recommended for women suffering from cystitis, swelling and other unpleasant symptoms. This therapy can reduce the burden on bladder and kidneys, due to which blood circulation in these organs is normalized and urine begins to be excreted much better.

If you suffer from toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy, it is quite possible that it is all due to the effect of the uterus on the liver, kidneys and stomach. The knee-elbow position will help you cope with this problem.

In the second semester of pregnancy, women usually have no complaints about the pressure of the uterus on the organs. However, already at this stage, positional therapy is useful for variables. The cat pose will allow you to prevent problems with internal organs in the second semester of pregnancy.

Indications and contraindications for drainage position

The drainage position is the same knee-elbow position. This exercise is also called the cat pose. It's all about the similarity of this position with a stretching predator.

Such drainage is prescribed by a doctor in the third semester if a woman has complaints related to the functioning of any organs. However, it is advisable for all expectant mothers, without exception, to perform such gymnastics in the second semester, since such a position helps to cope with problems in pregnancy. last weeks before childbirth.

This exercise does not require a lot of energy and is not classified as unacceptable physical activity. If you wish, you can try this exercise at any stage of pregnancy.

There are a number of indications for which this pose is considered mandatory. They are mainly associated with problems with organs located in the abdominal area.

What are the indications for performing CLP:

  1. During pregnancy, you may experience osteochondrosis. This occurs due to increased pressure on the musculoskeletal system. If you feel pain in the lower back, then performing this pose will help you avoid the progression of osteochondrosis.
  2. This exercise will help you in the treatment of cystitis, pyelonephritis and other kidney problems. This position will improve blood circulation in the kidneys and promote urine excretion.
  3. Since the pregnant uterus puts a lot of pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, this pose will help cope with many problems associated with this area. It is useful to perform for constipation and flatulence.
  4. For toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy, which is called gestosis, this position will relieve unpleasant symptoms.
  5. Such drainage will allow you to fight pathologies of the placenta and impaired uteroplacental circulation. It is also used to relieve uterine tone.
  6. Varicose veins are also an indication for this exercise. Also, when the veins of the rectum are dilated, the cat pose will help you avoid many problems.
  7. Due to compression of organs and blood vessels, pregnant women often experience problems in the cardiovascular system. This pose can be used to solve and prevent such ailment.

These problems are an indication for mandatory cat pose. However, if you do not feel any problems, then you should not give up positional gymnastics. Performing one such exercise will help you prevent a lot of problems after childbirth.

The most common problem among retired women is varicose veins. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy the uterus greatly overcrowds the vessels. Doing cat pose will help you avoid this problem.

There are no contraindications to performing cat pose during pregnancy. This position does not require strong physical exertion, and therefore cannot cause problems for you or your baby.

Benefits of the knee-elbow position during pregnancy

The knee-elbow position, or cat pose, is recommended for all pregnant women starting from the second semester. This exercise will be an excellent alternative to yoga during pregnancy. Unlike asanas, the knee-elbow position does not require special training and the supervision of an instructor.

Standing in cat pose is very beneficial. Plus, it's easier than doing planks or other difficult exercises. Performing this exercise will help you not only ease your condition during pregnancy, but also get in shape faster after childbirth.

The benefits of positional gymnastics are enormous. Let's see what benefits you get from doing the cat position specifically.

Benefits of performing the knee-elbow position:

  1. Cat pose reduces pressure on the stomach and kidneys. Thanks to this, you can avoid toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy.
  2. When performing the knee-elbow exercise, the pressure on the vessels and capillaries in the kidneys is reduced. This reduces blood pressure, which helps prevent gestosis.
  3. This position will relieve you of swelling. This position also prevents the development of dropsy.
  4. Thanks to the knee-elbow position, pressure on the bladder is reduced. This position is a prevention of dropsy and other diseases of the urinary system. It promotes better urine flow.
  5. The knee-elbow position normalizes blood circulation. This is a decisive factor in performing such an exercise for women suffering from varicose veins in the legs, in the pelvic area and in the rectum.
  6. Standing on all fours removes excess stress from the musculoskeletal system. Thanks to this, you can avoid the manifestations of osteochondrosis.

The knee-elbow position has many advantages. By doing this exercise regularly, you can avoid a lot of problems.

How does the knee-elbow position during pregnancy affect the fetus?

The knee-elbow position has a beneficial effect not only on the mother, but also on her baby. By doing it correctly, you will help the fetus develop better.

You can watch a video lesson on how to perform the exercise correctly, use pictures or our detailed instructions. Remember that only a correctly performed pose can have a positive effect.

This exercise has been proven to have a beneficial effect on the fetus. The mother's condition also improves with regular performance of positional gymnastics. It is also known that holding a candle during conception increases the chances of having a baby.

For a child, the knee-elbow position is useful because it normalizes blood circulation in the uterine artery. Thanks to this, the flow of nutrients and oxygen into the placenta is normalized. This makes it easier for a woman to breathe, and the child’s cardiovascular system develops better.

Performing cat pose for pregnant women

The knee-elbow position is very useful for a pregnant woman and her baby. However, the maximum effect can be achieved only if this exercise is performed correctly. Otherwise, there will be no proper result.

How to perform the knee-elbow position:

  1. Place one and then the other knee on the floor. Do the exercise smoothly and carefully.
  2. Place your palms on the floor. In this case, all the weight should go to the forearms.
  3. Bend your elbows. In this case, the stomach should hang freely.
  4. Try to arch your back. In this case, special attention should be paid to the shoulders and head.
  5. To support your head, you can rest your forehead on a pillow. This will make it more convenient for you to perform the exercise.

You can even wash the floors in this position. Collecting scattered spoons from this position is also useful. If done correctly, you can even lie on your back without experiencing discomfort.

Knee-elbow position during pregnancy (video)

The knee-elbow pose is very useful for pregnant women. If you do it regularly, you can avoid a lot of problems and diseases associated with internal organs.

During pregnancy, significant changes occur in the expectant mother’s body, which affect her well-being, her mood, and her physical activity. For example, as the baby grows and develops, the size of the uterus increases, the center of gravity gradually shifts, and the main load falls on the lower back and legs. Due to the fact that the muscles of the back and legs are forced to remain under tension for a long time, a woman may experience pain in the legs, lower back, and buttocks. Because the growing uterus puts pressure on internal organs, expectant mothers often complain of constipation. Another serious problem, especially in the second half of pregnancy, is swelling. Regular physical exercise, such as positional gymnastics, will help you cope with these and other problems.

Gymnastics will relieve tension from problem areas of the body through movement, allowing the muscles to cope with stress more successfully, in particular, keeping the back in the correct position. Physical exercise also helps to increase blood circulation, which improves digestion, and also provides for a long time positive emotions.

The main thing is caution

Positional gymnastics during pregnancy are special sets of exercises designed taking into account the loads acceptable for expectant mothers. There are a great variety of such complexes, and each of them is aimed at solving specific problems. But to the expectant mother It should be remembered: if pregnancy occurs with complications, then stress can only aggravate the situation. For this reason, before you start exercising, consult your doctor who is caring for your pregnancy. He will assess the possible risks and help you choose the appropriate set of exercises.

Gymnastics is contraindicated:

  • with toxicosis, both early and later pregnancy;
  • with high blood pressure;
  • during acute respiratory illness;
  • when there is a threat of spontaneous abortion;
  • during exacerbation of a chronic disease;
  • with bloody discharge.

In addition, expectant mothers should not jump or run, as these exercises cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, which threatens the woman and the unborn child with serious troubles. Squats and bending with weights, for example, with dumbbells in your hands or with a load on your shoulders, are also not recommended.

If during physical education the expectant mother experiences unpleasant sensations, for example, abdominal pain, or her pulse increases sharply, the exercises should be stopped immediately: these symptoms may indicate excessive exercise. You should definitely consult your doctor. He will help you adjust the load and possibly recommend other sets of exercises.

Positional gymnastics for pregnant women in the 1st trimester will help a woman maintain emotional balance. Positional gymnastics for pregnant women in the 2nd trimester is very important, since this period is most favorable for moderate physical activity, and the expectant mother has enough time to begin preparing the body for the difficult test of childbirth. Positional gymnastics for pregnant women in the 3rd trimester requires caution and attentive attention to your feelings during exercise. Positional gymnastics for pregnant women with edema is also useful. The most important thing is not to overdo it and enjoy the exercise.

Get ready to exercise!

Positional gymnastics is a set of exercises that are performed in a certain position. It helps to train the correct body position and is aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back, abdomen and perineum - the most problematic areas during pregnancy. Moreover, this set of exercises can be performed at any stage of pregnancy. During exercise, it is very important to breathe correctly so that the body receives sufficient oxygen.

Positional gymnastics will help prepare the pelvic floor muscles for the upcoming birth, improve blood flow, and therefore more oxygen will flow to the internal organs. In combination with exercises in the pool or yoga, such gymnastics will also help control weight. It helps restore and strengthen joints, is useful for a spine tired from stress, and, what is also important, is an excellent antidepressant.

A set of positional gymnastics exercises includes exercises to train the muscles of the vagina, hips, back and lumbar muscles, as well as exercises to relieve tension from them.

Remember: all movements of a pregnant woman should be smooth and gradual, sudden movements should be avoided. If you need to lie down or, conversely, sit up from a lying position, you need to do this gradually and carefully.

Positional gymnastics exercises:

  1. Vaginal muscle training: sit on a chair, spread your legs to the sides so that your hips and knees are at the same level. Lean your back against the back of the chair. Place your palms on your thighs or knees. As you exhale, tighten the muscles of the perineum and anus, as if pulling them inward. As you inhale, relax. Do this at least 20 times. Then, pull your perineum inward while taking a deep breath. Such exercises will well prepare the perineal muscles for the upcoming birth, and will also improve blood flow in the pelvis. The same exercise can be performed on the third day after childbirth, if it passed without complications. In this case, they will help reduce the size of the uterus and abdomen.
  2. “Butterfly” (you can use a ball for gymnastics): if you use a ball, place it against the wall, sit down and lean your back on it. Bend your knees, spreading them apart, and bring your feet together. Place your palms on your knees and, inhaling, press on your knees as you exhale, trying to lower them lower. You will feel the muscles in your inner thighs stretch. Hold the pressure for 30 seconds. This exercise will improve the mobility of the hips, relieve tension from the buttocks and lower back, and at the same time prepare the perineum for childbirth.
  3. “Rotations”: place your feet shoulder-width apart, spread your arms to the sides. Rotate your torso, helping your arms to rotate with even greater volume. In this case, the pelvis should remain motionless.
  4. Front thigh stretch: sit on your side with your legs bent. Grasp the foot of the same leg with your hand and move your leg back without lifting it from the floor. The other hand should rest on the floor at this time. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then switch legs. This exercise releases the hip joints, groin, and relieves pain from the lower back and groin.
  5. Stretching the lumbar and back muscles: Place your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, straighten your back and neck, extend your arms along your body. Then spread your arms, without bending, arms to the sides and lift them up, slightly stretch your whole body behind them, while your feet should remain in place. With your arms raised, you need to smoothly lower your body down until you feel tension in your spine, then relax your arms, head, body and bend slightly so that the muscles of the back of your legs, lower back and back stretch. To make the task easier for yourself, you can bend your knees. Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds. This exercise is suitable for anyone whose lower back gets tired quickly and their legs swell.
  6. “Cat”: get on all fours so that your palms are directly under your shoulders and your knees are under your hip joints. The back should remain straight. As you inhale, squeeze your shoulder blades together and bend your lower back slightly. As you exhale, arch your back upward so that it resembles a smooth arc. Perform the exercise at least 10 times. Such movements will relieve tension from the lower back and neck muscles.

Pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation) is a serious disease and the risk of its development during pregnancy, unfortunately, increases. Who is at risk? How to recognize the disease in time? How to treat and are antibiotics necessary?

Our expert, obstetrician-gynecologist at the Era Medical Center, Ekaterina Romanovskaya, tells the story.

Causes of pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a disease in which the kidney tissue becomes inflamed. Typically, inflammation is caused by one's own bacteria, part of the normal intestinal flora. With reduced immunity (and this is the norm for pregnancy), these bacteria can colonize areas unusual for them and cause inflammation. In addition, during pregnancy, the kidneys take on a greater load, and therefore the risk of inflammation increases. Finally, the growing uterus can put pressure on the urinary tract, causing urinary stagnation.


Expert commentary

During pregnancy, the genitourinary system works somewhat differently. The cavities inside the kidneys - the pelvis and renal calyces - expand, and the ureters, through which urine moves from the kidneys to the bladder, are somewhat compressed. As a result, urine accumulates and stagnates in the pelvis, calyces and ureters, which can cause inflammation.

As you can see, pregnancy is in itself the cause of pyelonephritis. However, it is not at all necessary that this disease will affect you.

Frequency of pyelonephritis during pregnancy

Expert commentary

As a rule, this disease occurs in 2-10% of pregnant women. Pyelonephritis occurs more often during the first pregnancy - in approximately eighty percent of affected women.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis in pregnant women

Acute pyelonephritis is characterized by severe malaise, pain in the lower back (and throughout the body), and fever.

If this condition occurs, you must immediately call a doctor! Treatment of acute pyelonephritis is carried out only in a hospital setting!

Chronic pyelonephritis may be accompanied by lower back pain, but may also occur without obvious symptoms. Often the disease begins with cystitis - pain and discomfort when urinating. Urinalysis and blood tests, which are important for pregnant women to take regularly, will help diagnose this disease in a timely manner.

Expert commentary

In acute pyelonephritis, the following symptoms are observed:

  • heat,
  • lower back pain,
  • general malaise,
  • sweating,
  • headache,
  • pain throughout the body,
  • intoxication.

In chronic pyelonephritis - lower back pain.

Diagnosis of pyelonephritis in pregnant women

Pyelonephritis is diagnosed using the following tests:

  • blood - general, biochemistry,
  • urine - general, urine analysis according to Nechiporenko and Zimnitsky, bacteriological culture,
  • Ultrasound of the kidneys.

Expert commentary

In a general blood test, a sign of pyelonephritis may be high level leukocytes, ESR, with reduced hemoglobin.

In a biochemical blood test, the level of urea and creatinine will be a diagnostic sign.

In urine tests for pyelonephritis, protein and leukocytes appear. If they are present in the urine, a bacteriological examination of the urine (culture for microflora) is prescribed, which will make it possible to determine the causative agent of the infection and its sensitivity to antibiotics in order to select treatment.

An important study is an ultrasound of the kidneys. The specialist looks to see whether the pyelocaliceal complex has enlarged (a size greater than two centimeters is considered pathological).

Risks to mother and fetus

Many women believe that during pregnancy, treatment for pyelnephritis is more dangerous than the disease itself. Even on our forum you can find advice not to follow the doctor’s recommendations under any circumstances, but to wait until the disease “goes away on its own.” But untreated pyelonephritis is fraught with serious complications:

  • intrauterine infection of the fetus;
  • miscarriage;
  • premature birth;
  • gestosis;
  • renal failure,
  • abscess.

Expert commentary

Untreated pyelonephritis poses a danger to pregnancy and the condition of the fetus. However, in case of early detection of the disease and timely treatment, pregnancy and childbirth proceed safely.

Treatment of pyelonephritis in pregnant women

The question is serious - after all, as a rule, pyelonephritis is treated using quite serious pharmacological drugs. Some cannot be used by pregnant women, others are not suitable for every period of pregnancy - this is probably what scares expectant mothers, who are often in no hurry to see a doctor. Meanwhile, doctors have quite a lot of techniques in their arsenal that can alleviate a woman’s condition.

Positional therapy

The most important and primary task in acute pyelonephritis is to restore the outflow of urine from the pelvis. For this, so-called “positional therapy” is used - for example, a pregnant woman is placed on her side, asked to bend her knees, while the lower edge of the bed is raised. If this is not possible, then even the usual knee-elbow position will make life much easier - you need to spend at least 10 minutes in it 7-10 times a day. In most cases, this reduces the pressure of the uterus on the ureters and the outflow is restored.

In rare cases, if urine flow cannot be restored, doctors may recommend installing a catheter or stent - a tube that passes through the ureter and connects the kidney and bladder. Stents are installed for a period of from a week to a year; such operations are performed under both local and general anesthesia, depending on the indications.

Drug therapy

Along with restoring the outflow, pregnant women are prescribed antibiotics, as well as drugs that relieve pain and spasms. Most little choice medications from a doctor in the first trimester, when it is necessary to compare the harm caused to the fetus by the disease with the teratogenic effect of antibiotics.

In the first trimester, as a rule, only drugs from the penicillin group are used; in the second trimester, the list of acceptable drugs expands significantly (after all, by this time the placenta has already been formed, which becomes a barrier for them), these can be 2 and 3 generation cephalosporins, macrolides and such a popular drug. like furadonin. Levomycetin, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones (nolicin, ciprofloxacin) are strictly prohibited during pregnancy at any stage.

Phytotherapy

If there is no pain, fever and significant bacteriuria, then the doctor may limit himself to herbal preparations. However, we once again remind you that self-medication is extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman! For example, such popular herbal remedies as bearberry, yarrow, parsley, and juniper berries are contraindicated during pregnancy! You can drink cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks, nettles, birch leaves and oat decoction; your doctor may also offer you a herbal medicine - canephron.

CONTRAINDICATIONS ARE POSSIBLE. SPECIALIST CONSULTATION REQUIRED

Diet

In addition, for pyelonephritis, it is usually recommended to follow a special diet:

  • Limit the amount of rich meat and fish broths, fatty, fried, spicy foods in your diet;
  • increase the amount of fluid consumed (in consultation with your doctor);
  • limit salt intake (up to 8 g per day);
  • increase the share of fruits and vegetables in the diet.

The pregnancy period brings a feeling of discomfort and pain to many girls and women, regardless of physical shape. With the correct development of pregnancy, changes occur in the body of the expectant mother, which occur regardless of her wishes. These can be either individual ailments or a whole “bouquet”, but during the entire stage of pregnancy, almost every girl or woman encounters this.

This can manifest itself in the form of constipation, stomach problems, frequent urge to urinate, sleep disturbances, swelling of the legs and other manifestations of various ailments and pain during pregnancy.

It is absolutely impossible to predict what kind of discomfort a pregnant woman will feel. What complicates the situation is that the range of medications during this period is very limited. Doctors practically do not allow the use of various pills, mixtures and tablets. Because of these restrictions imposed by doctors, alternative methods and techniques are popular, which are absolutely safe and make pregnancy easier. One of these methods is the knee-elbow position for pregnant women. Let's look at the benefits of this pose in more detail; it will certainly help relieve pain for expectant mothers.

Why should pregnant women stand in the knee-elbow position?

It is rational to use this position starting from the twentieth week of pregnancy. This pose will help get rid of ailments and pain associated with changes occurring in the body. Using this position will help your baby get into the most comfortable position. With proper development, the fetus and uterus constantly increase in size and become heavier, which cannot but affect the mother’s body and her internal organs. They are displaced or compressed, which changes the mode of normal functioning.

An example is the bladder. Urination becomes more frequent, especially when taking a relaxed position (for example, during sleep or rest). A pregnant woman's bladder cannot empty completely, and fluid retention occurs in the body. Because of this, swelling begins to appear, arterial pressure increases, at later stages gestosis may even occur (a condition in which pregnancy is complicated physiologically).

Fetal enlargement affects more than just urination. Due to the enlargement of the uterus, the blood vessels are compressed, normal blood circulation is disrupted, and the inferior vena cava, which is located under the uterus, can be especially affected. As a result of deterioration in blood circulation, the expectant mother may feel weak or dizzy, and there is a risk of loss of consciousness (often such situations can occur in a supine position, especially on the back). Due to the deterioration of blood circulation, the fetus does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients that come with the blood, and fetal waste products also leave with it.

The intestines shrink and perform their functions of processing and further promoting food not as well as before. Flatulence and constipation appear. An enlarged uterus, which increases in size, puts pressure on the intestines, can lead to the development or exacerbation of hemorrhoids, and the appearance of varicose veins on the legs.

The knee-elbow position eases the load on the musculoskeletal system. Often pregnancy, especially in later stages, is accompanied by pain in the back, legs, lower back, and spine. Regular use of this pose during pregnancy will help relieve or completely prevent all unpleasant pain.

What is good about the knee-elbow position during pregnancy?

In this position, the weight of the uterus is transferred downwards, the back and spine are no longer in a tense position, the internal organs begin to feel freer and function better. By constantly adopting this position, both the fetus and the expectant mother feel comfortable.

How will the knee-elbow position help pregnant women?

When taking this pose, the kidneys and bladder do not feel the same pressure, so urine begins to flow better, various inflammatory phenomena in the pelvis are prevented, and blood circulation improves. The digestive organs also experience less stress and work better, making breathing easier. The increased tone of the uterus decreases. Adopting this position relieves pain during contractions at the beginning of labor; it can change the presentation of the fetus if its position is incorrect for natural childbirth.

Adopting the knee-elbow position during breech presentation

It is considered normal for the fetus to be positioned with its head towards the pelvis during pregnancy. These are poses of maximum comfort for both the child and the expectant mother. In this case of presentation, the birth prognosis is optimistic. However, there are cases when the child is across the uterus or sitting on the buttocks, which excludes natural childbirth and is an indication for cesarean section.

Obstetricians say that the baby can change its position up to 32-35 weeks, and in some cases - in the last days before birth. Constant (daily) adoption of the knee-elbow position can provide significant assistance in this.

How to do the knee-elbow position?

The very name of the pose determines how to do it. To take the knee-elbow position, you need to stand firmly on all fours, transfer your body weight to your hands, then lower yourself onto your elbows. The pregnant woman's belly hangs freely. By taking this position you can feel instant relief and comfort.

To make the pose more effective, you need to lower your head and shoulders below your buttocks. If you place a pillow under your forehead, it will be more comfortable to be in this position. The pillow can also be placed under the chest. Many people use a fitball and sit on it.

The main thing is the feeling of comfort and coziness when taking this pose. If there is a feeling of discomfort or tension, this is wrong. You need to choose a position in which you can completely relax. How many minutes should you stay in this pose? Feels like a pregnant woman. It is said above that it is better to start taking this pose from the twentieth week of pregnancy. The longer the period, the more relief it will bring. Doctors recommend getting into the knee-elbow position about two to three times a day. If there is a need to do this more often, then be guided by the feelings and desires of the pregnant woman. The duration of stay in this position can start from a few minutes to half an hour. The duration of stay in this position should depend on the well-being of the expectant mother and her desires.

If you are still confused about how to take this pose correctly, then the knee-elbow position is indicated in the photo.

Contraindications for taking the knee-elbow position during pregnancy

The use of the knee-elbow position differs from the use of numerous medications to relieve pain symptoms by one thing - complete absence contraindications. This is a free, almost anytime way to relieve ailments and pain. This pose can be used as a prevention and even treatment for complications that arise during pregnancy. Taking this position will not harm either the baby or the expectant mother. You need to take it on board and try to use it as often as possible.

How to correctly take the knee-elbow position during pregnancy and how it will help with breech presentation can be seen in this video:

Pregnancy is one of the most crucial periods in the life of every representative of the fairer sex. A period that is often accompanied not only by the joy of waiting for the imminent birth of a real miracle, but also, unfortunately, by all sorts of sores and diseases that come from nowhere. That’s when instructions not only appear on the pregnant woman’s card: medicines, and also incomprehensible body positions. One of the most commonly prescribed is the knee-elbow one.

Doctors call it knee-elbow, but among the people it is simply and crudely called “cancer.” It is often recommended to expectant mothers in order to relieve various types of congestion in the. The fact is that during pregnancy the ureters are constantly pinched and it simply becomes difficult for urine to get into the bladder. As a rule, doctors recommend taking this position once or twice a day for 20-30 minutes, somewhere after the 20th week.

Taking the knee-elbow position is not at all difficult: you need to stand on all fours, and it is desirable that your butt is higher than your head. In order for this to happen, you need to lower your head and shoulders as low as possible, but so that you feel comfortable in this position.

To make it easier, you can place a pillow under your chest.

In the knee-elbow position, muscles relax and noticeably decrease. In this position during pregnancy, the load of the uterus on the kidneys is also greatly reduced, and, accordingly, the risk of edema is reduced. In addition, this position helps pregnant women who suffer from hemorrhoids: the knee-elbow position relieves the pressure that the uterus exerts on the lower intestine.

It is also useful to stand in such a simple position because usually during pregnancy the uterus compresses large vessels, because of this the oxygen supply to the fetus is significantly deteriorated - its heart rate is disturbed during auscultation, and the knee-elbow position relieves the uterine arteries and the inferior hollow vein. This improves oxygenation of the fetus.

The knee-elbow position during pregnancy also relieves pressure on the spine and abdominal cavity and most importantly, it helps and, as it were, tells the baby how to take the correct position before childbirth.

Another undoubted advantage of the knee-elbow position during pregnancy is the prevention of gestosis.

All the advantages of the knee-elbow position during pregnancy can be felt already in the second and third trimester, when the tummy takes on impressive dimensions and sometimes it seems that there is simply nowhere to put it. Then it becomes easier to breathe, and the spine is unloaded, and much more blood flows to all organs.

Especially for- Maria Dulina