Those of you who are pregnant or have been will know how it feels to suddenly find difficult some movements (like getting out of bed or sitting up) as the muscles in your abdomen relax due to changes in hormones.

My physiotherapist explained that in normal circumstances (when one is not pregnant), the muscles in your abdomen lead the way in many of your gross movements. So when you decide to stand up… your abdomen contracts first and then your legs and torso follow.

However, during and after pregnancy, this does not happen (they don’t perform their anticipatory function) with the result that movements can be laborious and even painful.

Tip: If you contract the muscles in your abdomen first and then move to sit/ stand up, it is so much easier.

Such a simple tip but it makes a big difference. Try it!

In joy,

Deirdre Morris