QuestionHi,
I'm 24 weeks pregnant and sit at a desk for at least 5 hours a day. I've begun feeling very uncomfortable sitting for long periods of time. My lower back and legs hurt. Do you have any suggestions or specific exercises (that I can do while at the desk preferably, but also any other exercises) that you recommend?
Thanks!
AnswerYes, sitting for extended periods of time during pregnancy is really uncomfortable.
Make sure that you sit with both feet flat on the floor and that you try to sit as tall as possible. Most likely, you will need to remind yourself several times per hour to sit tall. Many of us unintentionally slouch while sitting at our desks, and need to over and over again realign our spines.
Pregnancy hormones relax tissues, and this can cause pooling of the blood in the extremities. So once every 15 minutes or so, do some ankle circles, ankle flex and point, and knee extensions while seated to push blood back up toward the heart.
You want to do everything you can to increase your circulation. Get up and walk around for a few minutes at least once per hour; get some water, or use the restroom. If you can, walk for 30 minutes on your lunch break.
For more information on exercise during pregnancy go to:
http://www.befitmom.com
