Squatting - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

You thought you heard it all, right?  Well, we have the low-down on ‘squatting' for all you big bellies out there.

Tracy Hartley of www.bestdoulas.com wants to spread the word:

She says squatting is just a wonderful preparation for labor.  Since it strengthens your legs, it will help in the pushing phase of delivery.  This in turn will help open your pelvic outlet which will in turn make more room (as much as 2 centimeters more) for the baby to come out when its ready. 

But as important as practicing your squats is, Tracy says it's even more important to know when NOT to squat.

Tracy suggests that big bellies should stop practicing their squats after they are 37 weeks pregnant.

Squatting opens the pelvic outlet but it also narrows the pelvic inlet at the same time.  If your baby is not yet engaged in your pelvis, squatting will keep the baby "floating" and make your labor and birth more difficult.

Tracy suggests increasing the amount of time you spend walking after 37 weeks instead of practicing squats.

Tracy Hartley loves being a Belly Scooper and is a member of DASC (Doula Association of Southern California) and has participated in more than 100 births.

As with all information, please seek the advice of your physician.

YOU TOO CAN BE A BELLY SCOOPER! 

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