Knee-elbow position during pregnancy: photos and what positions can be used, the benefits of the drainage position

If in the early stages of pregnancy a woman may suffer only from toxicosis, then closer to the 20th week problems with stool, swelling and other symptoms associated with this situation may appear. And since in such a situation almost no medications can be used to improve the condition, doctors recommend another alternative method - the knee-elbow position, or the cat pose. Whether such a relaxing method is suitable for everyone, how often they can “escape” from ailments and whether it has contraindications - in our brief educational program.

Indications

Usually, the knee-elbow position is recommended to pregnant women in the antenatal clinic by gynecologists who observe them in the middle of the second trimester - closer to the 20th week. Most often, it is at this time that the expectant mother begins to experience pain in the lower abdomen, joints, and back. But besides these ailments, there are also a number of temporary physical inconveniences. To alleviate this condition, a woman can take the recommended position on all fours.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the knee-elbow position is indicated:

to prevent the occurrence of pyelonephritis;
in case of poor circulation of the placenta;
for pain in the back, lower pelvis and legs.

At a later date, such a position must be taken if there is:

gas formation and bloating;
frequent urination;
varicose veins of the lower extremities;
lower back pain;
haemorrhoids.

This position will also help with difficulty breathing, severe swelling and gestosis - late toxicosis.

Why is the knee-elbow position needed during pregnancy?

This position is recommended for expectant mothers suffering from edema, cystitis, pyelonephritis and other disorders. In the pose on all fours, there is no excess pressure on the kidneys and bladder, urine begins to be excreted better, blood circulation in all pelvic organs improves, which reduces the risk of inflammation and congestion.

Doctors also advise resorting to this exercise to prevent gestosis, which is what toxicosis is called in the second half of pregnancy. This condition is preceded by metabolic disorders in the expectant mother, problems with the kidneys and liver, increased blood pressure and other unpleasant symptoms. The knee-elbow position normalizes the condition of the main internal organs and systems, preventing the development of this pathology.

It is recommended that all women take this position in the second half of pregnancy, even in the absence of any complaints. In this situation, the pose will be a preventive measure that will help prevent the possible development of complications and discomfort caused by excess pressure from the constantly enlarging uterus on nearby organs. The knee-elbow position also removes excess stress from the muscles and ligaments, making the expectant mother feel better in the later stages of pregnancy.

Duration and frequency

Doctors recommend doing the exercise every day in the morning and evening. If your well-being allows, you can get into this position more often, if necessary. You need to start with 5 minutes, gradually increasing the time to half an hour. You can continue classes until the birth itself.

Such gymnastics will be especially effective after long walks and for pain in muscles and joints. After just 10 minutes you can feel a noticeable release of tension.

In order not to get bored while standing in the knee-elbow position, you can turn on pleasant music, your favorite movie or audio book: the activity should not only relax, but also bring pleasure.

If even after 5 minutes you feel discomfort or painful sensations appear, then you need to stop the exercise and consult a gynecologist: there may be health problems.

Important Tips

Read the article, take note and... try to forget. There is nothing worse than the ghost of a gynecologist with glasses and a candle looming over your bed. He will be boring: “more to the right”, “more intense” and “well, what are you doing, at this angle the sperm will never reach the egg”... In general, do not create a personal hell for yourself out of a pleasant activity.
The best pose is the one you like. Effective positions only slightly increase the chances of getting pregnant, but do not guarantee it. But if you focus on the “correct” conception, your husband risks developing problems with potency. Not to mention the fact that the girl definitely won’t be able to relax. Do you need it?
Practicing the Kama Sutra tirelessly is a bad idea. With very frequent contacts, sperm quality decreases. Rare sex also does not add to your chances, since there is a risk of not ovulating. The optimal regimen is 4-7 coitus per week.
A female orgasm (not necessarily at the same time as a male one) increases the chances of conception.
Immediately after coitus, a girl should not run to the shower. You need to lie down quietly. It is advisable to raise the pelvis (for example, using a pillow). Some experts recommend standing in the “birch tree” position when conceiving, so that the force of gravity will help you get pregnant faster.
Consider the day of your cycle. The main efforts should occur in the days before, during and immediately after ovulation. How to get pregnant quickly after menstruation? Count 11-14 days from the beginning of menstruation - this will be a favorable period of ovulation.
Read useful tips on how to get pregnant quickly.

Read also How to choose a car seat for a child

So, the positions in which you make love are important for conception. But they are not the main thing. Your health and your sincere relationships are much more important.

Execution technique

The knee-elbow position can be taken on a sofa, bed or on the floor. To get the desired effect, you need to take the right position:

Get on all fours.
Place your knees shoulder-width apart.
Lower your body down with your elbows bent.
Relax your shoulders.
Lower your head.

The main principle of this position is that the lower back should be located above the head, so that the entire weight of the body moves forward - onto the arms, while the stomach hangs freely.

To make the pose as comfortable as possible, you can place a thin blanket on the floor under your knees and a small pillow under your forehead.

Benefits for the expectant mother

As the baby grows, a pregnant woman may experience discomfort. The knee-elbow position helps eliminate this discomfort.

During this position:

blood circulation is normalized - blood pressure does not jump, varicose veins and hemorrhoids are not tormented;
kidneys work better - swelling of the arms and legs disappears, cystitis does not bother you;
the hypertonicity of the uterus is reduced - the risk of placental abruption is negated;
late toxicosis is prevented - nausea and vomiting go away;
the load on the internal organs is relieved - it becomes easier to breathe.

Also, the position on all fours is excellent for coping with bloating, heartburn and constipation, easing the burden on the digestive system. And, perhaps, this is the only way during pregnancy to relax the back muscles and relieve nagging pain in the lower back.

Some pregnant women, after the 20th week, experience an illness such as isthmic-cervical insufficiency, in which the cervix is unable to withstand intrauterine pressure, which can lead to premature labor. Doctors recommend that such expectant mothers take a knee-elbow position to relieve this load and fully bear the child.

But the cat pose saves not only during early and late stages of pregnancy, but also on the day of birth. In some maternity hospitals, women are brought a fitball so that they can take a simplified knee-elbow position and reduce pain during contractions.

Woman's behavior after sex

A woman’s behavior after sexual intercourse is important for a favorable conception.

Incorrect behavior after sex can negate all efforts from preparing for sexual intimacy and choosing favorable positions.

The following aspects of a woman’s behavior after sexual intercourse are important:

Lie quietly for at least 30-40 minutes, creating conditions for the most “capricious” sperm.
To improve the penetration of sperm to the egg, it is recommended to press your legs towards you and sway left and right. Then place a pillow under your hips and lie quietly for at least another half hour.
The ideal for conception is a joint orgasm between a woman and a man. Therefore, we must try in every possible way to satisfy the woman at the moment of intercourse.
After the act, coffee and alcohol are not allowed.
Washing, douching or bathing washes away sperm and makes the likelihood of conception negligible.
It is best to sleep after sex so that the sperm can “take root.”

Read also: How to choose children's clothing?

Benefits for the child

In addition to the benefits for the expectant mother, a correctly adopted knee-elbow position also helps the baby. Thanks to it, active blood circulation begins in the arteries of the uterus - this way the child receives more oxygen and nutrients, which means the risks of complications are reduced.

Also, if the expectant mother regularly takes this position, then the baby, being in a pelvic or transverse presentation, may turn head down before giving birth, which will exclude the indication for a cesarean section.

Experts also believe that the knee-elbow position connects the mood of mother and child: if the mother feels relaxed and comfortable, then the baby begins to kick less and feels great in the womb.

- share with your friends!

How to increase your chances of conceiving?

Fertilization is influenced not only by the position chosen by the partners, but also by other factors: pathologies and diseases of the reproductive system of a woman or man, the date of intimacy, the lifestyle of the spouses and even actions after sexual intercourse.

To maximize your chances of pregnancy, follow these recommendations:

Conception can only occur during ovulation, so a woman planning a pregnancy should know when this day comes. With a regular menstrual cycle lasting 28-30 days, a mature egg is released and begins its journey to the uterus approximately from the 14th to the 16th day. With a cycle length of 24-25 days, ovulation will most likely occur on the 12th or 13th day. But a more reliable way to determine the moment of maturation of the female reproductive cell is to use ovulation tests.
When using the conception positions described in the article, it is important to behave correctly after intimacy, otherwise the likelihood of fertilization will significantly decrease. Some gynecologists advise patients to raise their legs up and take a “birch” position so that sperm moves faster along the cervix and eventually penetrates into the organ cavity for further fertilization. But this is not always appropriate or convenient, so you can simply lie down after sexual contact: in this case, the ejaculate will also linger in the vagina, which will increase the chances of pregnancy. Better yet, raise your pelvis by placing a pillow or folded blanket under it.
If you want to get pregnant, you should not shower or thoroughly wash your genitals immediately after intimacy with your partner. Soap will change the acidity of the vagina and make it unfavorable for the advancement of sperm. It is better to wait a while and then move on to hygiene procedures.
If a woman has experienced pleasure, this will increase the likelihood of pregnancy, since contractions of the muscles of the walls of the vagina and uterus will promote the advancement of sperm.
At the stage of pregnancy planning, visit a gynecologist and undergo a comprehensive examination to assess hormonal levels, determine the state of the reproductive system and identify pathologies that impede fertilization.
Lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid stress. A woman's good health will contribute to fertilization and successful pregnancy.

The right position will help increase your chances of conception. But it is important to start preparing for pregnancy in advance, since fertilization is influenced not only by position, but also by other important factors.

(votes: 4, rating: 4.00 out of 5)

Share the news on social networks

Ask a Question! You have questions? Feel free to ask any questions! And our staff specialist will help you. Go>>

Tags:

How does basal temperature change after conception?
How to find out if conception has occurred?
How to get pregnant when the uterus is bent?

« Previous entry