Why pregnant women can not raise their hands

Why shouldn't pregnant women raise their arms?

The position with arms raised up becomesunfavorable for the expectant mother and baby from the second trimester of pregnancy. However, the danger only exists if you make too abrupt movements or keep your arms raised for a long time.In order not to harm the baby, pregnant women can not raise their hands for long. Photo: Getty This situation is unsafe for the following reasons:

Lack of oxygen. In this pose, the woman's brain receives less oxygen, which leads to dizziness and fainting. His blood supply also decreases, and this leads to oxygen starvation of the fetus.
Premature birth. In later terms, a long stay in a position with raised hands can cause a sudden discharge of amniotic fluid and the untimely birth of a child.
Risk of falling. It is difficult for a pregnant woman to maintain balance due to a shift in the center of gravity, so in such a pose the probability of accidental fall is high.
Change of position of the fetus. If you too often raise your hands up, the baby can take the wrong position in the uterus - turn the head up.

There is an opinion that such a position creates a riskstrangulation of the baby by the umbilical cord, but it has no official confirmation. The position with the hands raised up does not affect the entanglement of the baby in the umbilical cord.

Can I do exercises with my hands up?

Special exercises and moderate physical activityloads are a prerequisite for the normal course of pregnancy. The expectant mother can easily afford some types of activities that require raising her arms up:

easy charging;
exercise yoga, gymnastics or pilates for pregnant women;
swimming in the pool;
work at home, not requiring much effort.

While doing the exercises, be careful that they do notcaused excessive fatigue. Only in this case, physical exertion will not harm, but will benefit - strengthen the heart, lead the muscles into tone and improve blood circulation. Usually, the future mother herself feels what loads she can do, and does not commit dangerous movements for the fetus. Activities where you want to raise your hands, too, do not be afraid. Let's explain why: pregnant women can not raise their hands up only for a long time, that is, be in a tense static position. Moderate exercise will not harm, but on the contrary, will be useful. And if you need to raise your hands for a few seconds, do not be afraid. But if in doubt, consult a doctor who is monitoring your pregnancy.