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Ligament Stretching

Dear Anai,

I'm 17 weeks pregnant and worry about straining my body. Also, I've seen other pregnant women with swelled ankles. Is there any way to avoid this?

Answer:

During your pregnancy, you will experience many changes. High levels of prosterone and other hormones go through a process to ensure our pelvis becomes flexible enough to prepare for labor and delivery. Your ligaments and joints will be softer, more flexible.

The following are some recommended suggestions to avoid any injury during this time:

• Find a comfortable position to sleep in. It is suggested after the 16th week, that the woman no longer sleep on her back or belly. Practice sleeping on your left side. This promotes better circulation from your feet to your heart and back again.
• When you wake up in the morning, rise slowly. Never jump out of bed suddenly. Always sit up before standing. This will avoid any strain on your lower back, dizziness, and morning sickness.
• In order to maintain better circulation, you must not sit or stand for more than 30 minutes at a time. Never lean forward when standing up from the chair, but instead use your legs to lift you up with your shoulders back. Find a good, strong chair. Protect the lower arch of your back with a small pillow or rolled up towel.
• Avoid meals that are high in sodium. Sodium retains it's weight in water.
• If you start seeing some swelling in your ankles or feet, lay back with a pillow under your feet. This will help the water and blood to move away from your ankles and feet.
• If you are in your third trimester and begin experiencing swelling of the face, hands, and feet. If you feel faint, dizzy, or feverish, please call your doctor right away.

Copyright ©1997 Anai Rhoads.