Pregnancy & Posture

Growing a big belly and adding about 30 pounds to your frame can take a toll on your posture. Your enlarged belly can pull your body forward into a slump, tilting your pelvis backward and distorting the sway of your back. Poor posture can lead to pain in the neck, shoulders, low back, and hips.

Check your posture several times a day. Roll your shoulders back to open up your chest area. Align your shoulders with your hips. Pull your abdominal muscles in and tilt your pelvis forward, rather than toward the back of your body. Hold your head up, and if your chin juts forward, pull it back in toward your neck. Be gentle as you check your posture -- you don't have to look like a marine.