Is it safe to sit cross-legged on the floor during pregnancy?
Answer
Priya
by Priya Solomon Bellani | animated_fact_check Medically reviewed by Dr Ashwini Nabar, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician
Generally speaking, yes. You can sit cross-legged as long as it feels comfortable.
Sitting cross-legged is a habit one often acquires during childhood and in many traditional homes it is still the preferred position during mealtimes. Many women choose to sit this way while doing certain household chores or when they want to relax.
Sitting cross-legged is also a preferred position for most religious ceremonies, some yoga asanas and meditation.
There are some myths about sitting cross-legged and pregnant women in particular, are often advised to avoid this position because it may:
flatten the unborn baby's head
entangle the umbilical cord
cause discomfort to the growing baby
There's no evidence to support these beliefs.
On the other hand, some pregnant women may be advised to sit cross-legged. This comes from another common belief, that the position helps your baby get into a favourable position for labour. Any position which opens up the pelvis may help to open up the pelvis ready for labour, but there are no studies designed specifically in this area which look at this.
The seated cobbler pose (Baddha Konasana), where the soles of the feet touch and the knees are parted, is similar to a seated cross legged pose, and is recommended by physiotherapists to help with the following:
opening the pelvis and loosening the hip joints ready for labour
improving posture and easing tension in your lower back
However, sitting in cross-legged position isn't recommended for those pregnant women who suffer from:
pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
This is because the position tends to put the pelvis in an asymmetrical position, which in turn causes uneven distribution of weight on the legs. This may lead to discomfort and strain.
It is also possible that sitting cross-legged for extended periods puts pressure on the legs and ankles. This in turn may restrict circulation, leading to swelling (oedema) or varicose veins.
Bear in mind that sitting for a long time in any position (not just cross-legged alone) can cause back strain. Pelvic tilting can ease back strain caused by sitting or standing for long periods.
When sitting, slowly work your pelvis back and forth, making your back round (slumping down) and then arched (sticking your chest and bottom out).
All the same, it's important to listen to your body and change your position if you experience any back pain, discomfort, tingling or numbness. You should always report any aches and pains to your doctor.
You may also notice that as your pregnancy progresses and as your belly grows you're not your usual nimble self. You may find sitting on the floor or getting up from a seated position uncomfortable and a bit difficult. If this is the case, you could consider sitting on a comfortable chair or a low stool instead.
You can always go back to sitting cross-legged once your baby is born. In fact, many women choose to sit this way when they get down to breastfeeding their baby.
sitting cross legged during pregnancy?
