Posture and Body Mechanics

Question 1

Relaxin

Answer 1

• Body produces an increased amount during pregnancy
• Softens cartilage
• Essential during and birth as it allows flexibility
• Increases potential for strained or sprained muscles and joints

Question 2

Getting Up From a Lying Down Position

Answer 2

• Roll from the back to one side
• Pull the knees up toward the body
• Push up with the bottom arm to raise the upper body slowly
• Using arms and legs, slowly raise up

Question 3

Lifting

Answer 3

• Lower yourself to one knee keeping the other leg bent and apart for support
• Raise up holding the child or object close to your body
• Keep the back straight, use the leg muscles when raising to avoid back strain

Question 4

Reaching Down

Answer 4

• Avoid bending over at the waist
• Bend the knees and slowly lower yourself to a squatting position
• Support yourself as you rise up slowly

Question 5

Resting on Your Back

Answer 5

• Lying on back entire time during labor (long term) is problematic due to increased pressure on the major blood supply to body which decreases blood flow to the uterus
• Lie on your back with your head supported by a pillow
• Place a pillow under the knees and pillow wedge under right hip tilting uterus to left
• ## Place arms to each side

Question 6

Side-lying Position

Answer 6

• Lie on either your right or left side
• Extend your lower leg
• Support the top leg on a pillow with knee bent
• Support upper arm with pillow