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Journalism of Courage
Pregnant women prepare for the delivery in various ways. While good food and nutrition is recommended, it also essential to incorporate physical activities that help prepare the body for labour. This not only ensures smooth labour but also a better recovery after delivery. One such preparatory exercise is curb walking. Have you ever heard about it?
A chiropractic page Momma’s Chiro mentioned the exercise. Curb walking, as the name suggests, involves walking along the edge of a curb or a sidewalk.
How to do it?
*Walking with one foot up the curb and the other foot off the curb
*Repeat with the other leg
Experts weigh in on the labour-inducing birthing technique suggesting that while it seems simple, it can prove to be beneficial for expectant mothers as it offers relief from discomfort, promotes good posture, and enhances blood circulation.
“Curb walking is an excellent way to alleviate common pregnancy discomforts. As the baby grows, it can pressure the pelvic area, leading to backaches and pelvic pain. Curb walking helps by gently rocking the pelvis, reducing this pressure and providing relief,” said Dr Bratati Bhattacharya, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Kolkata.
Dr Prasannalatha, senior gynaecologist and obstetrician, Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad concurred and said that such gentle physical activity can potentially promote overall fitness and relieve common discomforts. “Some individuals believe that the swaying motion of curb walking could encourage the baby to move deeper into the pelvis, providing relief from common pregnancy discomforts, and promoting relaxation and stress reduction,” said Dr Prasannalatha.
Furthermore, curb walking can aid in maintaining good posture during pregnancy. “As your body changes, it’s easy to slouch or develop poor posture, which can lead to back problems. Walking on the curb encourages you to stand up straight, which can help prevent posture-related issues,” said Dr Bhattacharya.
According to Dr Bhattacharya, curb walking also promotes blood circulation, which is crucial during pregnancy. “It helps reduce the risk of swollen ankles and feet, which is common in expectant mothers. Improved circulation can also lessen the chance of developing varicose veins,” said Dr Bhattacharya.
How to do it correctly?
Dr Bhattacharya mentioned that the exercise is “safe and can be performed at your own pace”. “Begin with a few minutes of curb walking and gradually increase the duration as your body allows. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy,” said Dr Bhattacharya.
Precautions
Dr Shalini Vijay, senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune said:
*Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
*Choose a flat and safe surface to perform curb walking to minimise the risk of falling or tripping.
*If you experience any pain, discomfort, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms while curb walking, stop immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
“It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one expectant mother may not be suitable for another. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss any exercise plan, including curb walking, with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual circumstances,” Shalini urged.
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