In this article:
Why Is Bending Difficult in Later Stages of Pregnancy?
As per Dr Agarwal, the increase in the size of the abdomen alters the balance and makes it difficult for women to bend forwards. Therefore, activities such as tying shoelaces, wearing socks, or touching the feet become increasingly difficult during later stages of pregnancy.The change tends to occur quite suddenly. An action that was comfortable a month ago may suddenly seem awkward in the current month. It occurs because of the growth in the size of the belly, resulting in less space for the body to bend forward.
How Can Routine Activities Be Undertaken Without Stooping?
According to Dr Agarwal, it seems that one can adopt the practice of not stooping as much as possible. One can develop several ways of carrying out tasks without bending in routine life.In case the activity involves the use of the feet, such as tying up the laces, then sitting before doing that is more secure. It should be done in the following way:
- Sitting down on a steady chair, instead of bending over while standing up
- Moving the foot a bit forward, instead of bending down towards the foot
- Using a long shoehorn to put the foot inside the shoes and not bending over
- Asking help from a partner or a family member
How Is It Safe to Pick Up Something from the Floor?
Dropping objects is part of everyone's life, including pregnant women who find it difficult to pick things up towards the end of their pregnancies. According to Dr Agarwal, sudden bending should not occur to reach one's feet or the floor.If it becomes necessary to pick up something from the floor, it is recommended to use support and bend the knees, but not the back.
- Use a strong surface, whether it is a table, a counter, or even the wall, to provide support while picking up the object
- Use knees, rather than bending forward from the waist
- Go slow and avoid twisting suddenly
- Leave the dropped item and ask if somebody else can easily pick it up
What Effect Does Pregnancy Have on Balance?
Moreover, pregnancy may affect balance. The weight of the pregnant woman's abdomen pulls her centre of gravity forward, and thus the actions which used to feel safe before may now feel shaky.Dr Agarwal advises avoiding these two specific activities:
- Balancing on one leg to reach the feet to put on a sock
- Using unsafe stools to reach feet
Is It Okay to Ask for Help?
Asking for help is logical and is not a sign of weakness. Adaptation of routine due to physiological changes makes daily life easier.The help can be minimal. A partner can tie the laces or pick up something dropped. Family members can get an object from a lower shelf. These small gestures save one from performing the most exhausting actions.
Is This A Permanent Change?
Absolutely not. According to Dr Agarwal, it is just a temporary condition. Once the body has recovered from the experience of childbirth, it goes back to normal and becomes, in Dr Agarwal’s words, “even more efficient.” Knowing this makes things a little easier.When Should a Doctor Be Consulted?
Any problems with bending and reaching are usually natural during the latter stages of pregnancy. However, one should see a doctor in any of the following cases:- An accident or a feeling of nearly falling while doing everyday chores
- Sharp and serious back pain
- Feeling dizzy or having a problem with balance that seems worse than usual
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the lower extremities
- Pain that refuses to go away despite simple modifications
Bending and reaching may feel different during the last weeks of pregnancy, and the slightest changes in these activities have a definite impact. Doing low-level work while sitting, bending from the knees, avoiding sharp turns, and accepting assistance are easy ways to stay safe until the body readjusts itself after the birth of the child.
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FAQs on Practical Tips for Tying Shoelaces and Reaching Your Feet Late in Pregnancy
- Is it okay to get things from shelves high up during pregnancy?
Reaching upwards and tiptoeing on the toes or getting onto a stool should be avoided since balancing will become more difficult. It would be better if the objects could be moved to your waist level. - Does a maternity support belt help with bending?
Yes, some pregnant women find the support belt to be quite useful, but it is not for all. It is better to consult a doctor on whether you need it or not. - How long does it take to be able to bend easily after childbirth?
It depends on the woman. Usually, it is possible to bend a couple of weeks after the baby is born. However, if the birth was by caesarean section, this period is longer.