Height of the Uterus

As days go by, the doctor measures the height of the uterine bulge during every consultation. If growth is normal and as expected, with the correct height being reached, the week calculation for measuring the baby’s growth would be correct.

In the 12^th week, the uterus starts growing out of the pelvic bones. In 16^th week it raises between the naval and the pelvic bone. By the 22 to the 24^th week the raise is still the naval. By the 36^th week, the raise expands to the stomach and the lower portion of the diaphragm. This is the maximum it should reach. By then the circumference of the stomach reaches about 36 inches. On the penultimate 14^th day, it shrinks by one inch.

Increasing height of the uterus is a good guide for the doctor. Any abnormality in it like excess height or below normal height indicates something is wrong and that immediate examination is required.

Doctors use the term LMP for calculating the delivery date. This means Last Menstrual Period. The delivery date is calculated from this date. This is called EDT i.e. Estimated Date of Delivery.

ASANAS FOR LEG KNEE AND BREAST

Lie down on the bed flat. Raise your feet and support your legs against the wall. Stay like this for 2-5 minutes. You can alter this posture according to the stage of pregnancy. For example , in the correct angle with buttocks leaning on the walls. But as pregnancy progresses, due to pressure from th diaphragm,correct position may be possible.

So to accommodate the angle, move the body away from the wall. Take rest for a while after lowering the legs. Do the same again.

This is an easy way to increase blood supply to the legs. Apart from that rest it relieves fatigue, swelling, muscle cramps and varicose veins.

Knee-breast asana: Lie face down and raise the body alone. This brings the knees and the breast closer.keep the breast on the ground so that the knees are one foot away. Stay like this for about 2 minutes.

This helps a lot to relieve lower back pain. Also relieves pain due to piles ,swelling around the genitals, cramps in the thighs, buttocks and from heaviness in the pelvic region.

EXERCISE FOR THE PELVIC REGION

Keep your feet straight with the hips and plant them firmly on the floor. Keep your hands straight to the shoulders. Keep your back straight. The head and the neck should be in straight orientation with the back. Do not move your knees and elbows.

Pull the muscles of the abdomen and the buttocks and give pressure at the lower back. (pull the muscle s and keep them rigid). Stay like that for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat it at least 5 times. Initially you may need help to keep your back straight and for you to back to normalcy.

This exercise strengthens the muscles of the stomach and lower back; eliminates back pain during labour and also helps in the correct orientation of the fetal head if it is not in correct position.

This will also help to relax and tighten the anal muscles that play a major role in delivery. They will also aid in faster recovery after labor pain.