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Postural Changes
As your baby grows, your tummy will tend to pull your body forward, increasing the curve in your lower (lumbar) spine. This change will be offset by changes in other portions of your spine, which will effect other portions of your anatomy.
Center of Gravity
Prior to becoming pregnant, your center of gravity was somewhere around vertebrae S2- the portion of your spine just above your tailbone. As your uterus grows, it will cause your center of gravity to shift higher and forward to account for the weight of the baby in the front of your body.
Head & Neck:
Your head and neck may begin to curve forward, especially as your work at a desk. Your neck muscles will get more stiff and tight, which can lead to headaches. Postpartum, caring for your baby may increase these issues.
Upper spine & shoulders:
The curve in your thoracic (upper) spine will increase to help offset the increased curve in your lower back. This can cause your shoulders to droop forward. As your uterus puts pressure on your rib cage, your 1st rib will get closer to your collar bone, which can cause the nerves that run down your arms to become compressed and lead to carpel tunnel. To prevent this, practice pulling your shoulders back when you sit- don’t let them ride up by your ears.
Lumbar Spine:
As we’ve said, the natural curve of your lumbar spine will increase as your baby grows. Your low back and hip flexor muscles become tight, while your gluteus (butt) muscles stretch along with your abdominal and pelvic floor. While you cannot prevent the increased loradodic curve, the exercises on this website will help combat these changes most effectively.
