Squatting is one of the best exercises you can do during pregnancy. No matter how you plan to give birth, building strength in the legs and elasticity in the pelvic floor will help you during labor, and will also serve you well in the recovery period.
Later in pregnancy, if you know your baby is in a desirable position and you want to promote engagement with the cervix, squatting in reasonable amounts is fabulous. Squatting can also be a great position to use during the second stage of labor, as it opens the pelvis and allows the coccyx to move freely.
If you know that your baby is breech, it is not recommended that you squat. It is also advisable to listen to your body’s cues so that you don’t go past your edge during your practice. Squats are powerful, and can tire your legs quickly. Use them to build your physical strength and endurance during pregnancy, after checking with your doctor. Once in labor, don’t jump straight to squatting long and often, as you won’t want to tire yourself unnecessarily. Use them wisely, and once again, listen to your body’s cues!
In this video, we will show you four different ways to squat. If you are cleared by your healthcare provider, these can be done intermittently throughout the day, or implemented into your regular yoga practice or workout regiment.
Here’s to a healthy pelvic floor. Enjoy!
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