Pregnancy is both a happy and a concerning matter for anyone. There are hundreds of pieces of advice and dos and don’ts for a pregnant woman.

In the midst of this, you might have heard a concerning piece of information saying that bending over can squish your baby.

No, you can’t squish your baby when bending over. The baby is protected by the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, there is little to no chance of you squishing your baby in the womb when you bend over. But as the pregnancy progresses, this might change.

Since pregnancy is a delicate time for both the mother and the baby, you might have more questions and concerns about this. We’ll answer all your possible worries in this article.

When Can I Squish My Baby When Bending Over?

Usually, it is perfectly okay to bend over during pregnancy as long as you’re doing it the right way. The baby stays inside your placenta, which is filled with a kind of amniotic fluid.

It creates a layer of protection between your baby and the outside world. So simple pressure or bending will keep your baby safe inside the womb. 

However, how safe it is to bend over can depend on the pregnant woman’s state, stage of pregnancy, and overall physical health.

It can differ based on which trimester you’re in and how you bend over, so let’s look at all the possible questions you might have.

Can you bend over while pregnant?

Bending over is possible or not depending on the pregnancy trimester. You can bend over while pregnant easily before your third trimester of pregnancy. First and second trimester bending over is safe. Though, in second trimester, you need to be more careful to bend over than first trimester.

Can Bending Over Hurt Baby First Trimester

Bending over can’t hurt the baby in the first trimester at all. The fetus is extremely tiny during the early pregnancy timeline. Moreover, your body will still be pretty flexible. The stomach lining and the placenta inside protect the baby all the time.

So, the baby is safeguarded well from any abdominal contract that might occur from bending over. Unless you are going through a complicated pregnancy, bending during the first trimester is alright.

However, if you are medically advised not to bend by a doctor, then refrain from doing so for the best.

Can Bending Over Hurt Baby Second Trimester

Bending over in the second trimester shouldn’t cause much trouble either. Since your body and the baby both grow bigger by this time, bending over might be uncomfortable. Using the proper method can fix this issue.

You need to bend from your knees, not your waist. Keep your back straight and squat down with your knees without bending from the waist; it will be absolutely fine. 

Can Bending Over Hurt Baby Third Trimester

Bending during pregnancy, 3rd trimester is the most concerning time. As the baby grows, there is less amniotic fluid and placental protection inside. So, the baby isn’t safeguarded either from having less cushioning around it.

Abdominal contraction at this time could lead to placental abruption.

It could cause bleeding, early delivery, and, as a result, hurt your baby.

During this time, your body’s center of gravity changes, leading to losing balance, dizziness, or falling over. So it is risky to bend over often in the third trimester. 

When To Stop Bending During Pregnancy

Even if bending over while pregnant is relatively safe, you should still be careful about it every time.

If you are often experiencing pain after bending over while pregnant, especially in your third trimester or during, it is recommended to stop bending over.

Another reason would be: Stop bending over while the dilation is not occurring like 3cm dilation 37 weeks.

You might notice some symptoms in your body, signaling that you should stop. 

Losing balance is one of the most common issues while bending over in your third trimester. During this time, the baby’s head drops towards your pelvis.

It changes your center of gravity. So if you seem to lose balance very quickly, you shouldn’t bend over anymore as it could make you fall and hurt the baby.

Dizziness

Bending over makes your blood rush to your head. Being dizzy when pregnant is very dangerous as it could happen anywhere.  Stop bending over too much if you get dizzy often while the baby is moving like crazy between contractions at last stage of dilation.

Getting Acid Reflux Or Heartburn

Bending can exert extra pressure on your stomach, and as a result, the stomach acid flows into the food pipes. Your esophagus will feel a burning sensation, and your mouth will encounter a weird taste. That is how you’d know you have acid reflux. It can sometimes lead to heartburn. So if you’re facing these, you should stop bending over.

Having Excessive Lower Back Pain

Pregnancy puts strain on your abdominal and back muscles. Bending over can make it worse. If you notice increased back and muscle pains after bending over.

If you notice any of the above symptoms in your body, you should stop bending over if you can help it. It’s only for the last stage of your pregnancy. You should be safe for the first two trimesters.

Bottom Line

So, there is no need to panic about your baby’s safety because of simple bending. The baby will be wonderful and well protected inside your womb. You just need to maintain good posture and do light abdominal exercises to be healthy.

While bending over, always keep in mind to bend your knees instead of bending your waist. Shift the weight to your knees while keeping a straight back and waist; you’re good to go. If you face any kind of traumatic event or blow to the stomach, immediately contact a doctor.