Carrying and raising a baby is no easy task. As such, help (of any kind) is always welcome and appreciated by mothers-to-be, which can also be in the form of assistance while working out as there are many exercises that may require support. Turns out that one exercise where help from a partner can make a huge difference for pregnant women is the deep partner squat, which requires the practitioner to do a squat with some hand-holding and support from a partner. "Deep squats with partner support are great for opening up the top of the pelvis, labouring the baby down towards the cervix, and relaxing the pelvic floor. It is great to do after 35 weeks and during early labour!" read a post on Sla´inte Chiropractic | Jax Beach Family Chiropractor's Instagram page. It, however, added that deep squats should be avoided in cases of hemorrhoids, low-lying placenta, low-lying umbilical cord vessels or a baby lying breech. "Consult your provider before trying this move," it further stated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sláinte Chiropractic | Jax Beach Family Chiropractor (@slaintechiropractic) Should pregnant women do this exercise? Dr Rujul Jhaveri, consultant gynaecologist, NH SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai stated that deep squats with the support of a partner can be an extremely beneficial workout for many expecting mothers as it can help improve posture, spinal alignment and, with practice, mobility in the hips. "This squatting technique helps to strengthen the hips, thighs, and pelvic muscles, which might be helpful during labour and delivery. A partner's assistance can also aid in lessening the danger of an injury and make the workout more comfortable," said Dr Jhaveri. Concurred Varun Rattan, co-founder, The Body Science Academy, Noida, and said that partner-assisted deep squats are safe and a low-impact exercise that can help maintain a healthy body weight and keep the cardiovascular system strong. "They also help reduce lower back pain and improve balance and coordination as the center of gravity shifts with the expanding belly," said Rattan. According to Dr Jhaveri, after 35 weeks of pregnancy, these squats help encourage the baby to move into the correct position for labour and delivery, by opening up the pelvic floor which encourages the baby to move down the birth canal. "It can reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms like aches and pains, improve blood circulation, manage weight gain, and help in sleep patterns. Doing deep squats with partner can also help to reduce the risk of postpartum urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse," Dr Jhaveri mentioned. However, it should be done with caution, noted Dr Jhaveri. "This form of exercise should be done with caution because it can place additional strain on the body," Dr Jhaveri said, adding that any kind of exercise should only be done with proper guidance and under supervision. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
