Table of contents:
- The risk of sitting down too long during pregnancy
- 1. Blood clots
- 2. Being overweight
- 3. Gestational diabetes
- How long can pregnant women sit?
You probably already know that standing for too long is a risk to pregnant women and their babies. Then, what about sitting down while pregnant? Can activities that appear to be harmless have any effect on the fetus? Now, remember that anything extravagant is definitely not good for you. Likewise with sitting too long. Immediately see below what are the dangers of sitting over time for your health and the baby in the womb.
The risk of sitting down too long during pregnancy
Whether it's because of your profession, habits, or physical condition, sitting too long while pregnant puts you at risk for the health of both you and your fetus. Here are the three main risks of sitting down during pregnancy.
1. Blood clots
Pregnant women will experience an increase in blood volume by up to 50%. The blood should be distributed evenly to all parts of the body. However, if you continue to sit, the blood will actually clot in certain parts of the body, such as the hips and legs. The more blood that clots, you are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. These conditions can be serious and fatal.
2. Being overweight
According to a study in Warwick, England, prolonged sitting during pregnancy can make you lazy to move. The study also revealed that pregnant women who are mostly sitting are more at risk of gaining weight due to lack of movement.
Being overweight in pregnant women is at risk of causing various pregnancy complications. Among them are preeclampsia, babies born late, babies born with the help of cesarean section, to miscarriages.
3. Gestational diabetes
The research conducted by a team of experts from Warwick Medical School also revealed that sitting too long during pregnancy has the risk of causing diabetes in pregnant women. Diabetes for pregnant women is known in the medical world as gestational diabetes.
Like being overweight, gestational diabetes can also lead to complications. Some of them are fetal growth disorders, premature babies, respiratory problems in babies, jaundice, and miscarriages.
How long can pregnant women sit?
To prevent the dangers of sitting too long during pregnancy, you should balance your daily activities. According to dr. Alan Hedge of Cornell University, each time you sit for about 20 minutes, stand up and stretch your muscles for 8 minutes.
If you sit too late while pregnant, for example on your way to work, replace it with physical activity such as walking or exercising. By maintaining fitness, you and the fetus will be further away from dangerous risks.
x