HOW IS PREGNANT AUNT JO'?

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Many of us are still wondering, "What’s the deal with Aunt Jo'?" Well, like we mentioned last time, there’s way more happening with a pregnant woman than we can imagine. It’s like having a circus inside our body while trying to act like everything’s normal.


Let’s jump into today’s episode…

Aunt Jo’s a few weeks (or months) into her pregnancy, and suddenly, she starts complaining of low back pain (LBP). Yeah, it’s one of those things; but here’s the twist—not every Aunt Jo' experiences back pain. Some stats show that only a fraction of pregnant women experience LBP. Lucky them, right?


But whether Aunt Jo' is dealing with LBP or not, today’s post is for every Aunt Jo'. We're talking about five key positions that will not only help our pregnant superhero but might also benefit the rest of us mere mortals!

How should Aunt Jo' sit, stand, sleep, drive, and handle house chores?

It's easy! Remember our post, 'You Are Royalty, Act Like One'? Think of your spine like the backbone of a crown—always upright and dignified. The same goes for Aunt Jo'.


Rule #1: Keep that spine royal and erect! Crown or no crown, that back needs support. Now, let's break it down:


  • How to Sit

Aunt Jo' should sit like a queen on a throne. Her back needs to rest fully against the chair’s backrest. If needed, she can place a pillow or roller at the lower part of her back to ensure maximum comfort. After about 30 minutes of sitting, it's time to rise and stretch, because guess what - thrones aren’t meant to be sat on forever! This helps to relieve her and prevent swelling of the lower limb.


  • How to Stand

Too much standing can make Aunt Jo' feel like she’s holding the world on her shoulders (and belly!). If she’s got to stand, no more than 20-30 minutes at a time. Pro-tip: She can pop one foot on a small stool, then switch feet after a while—think of it as a fancy little dance to keep her legs happy!


  • How to Sleep

Sleeping while pregnant can feel like a treasure hunt for the perfect position. Aunt Jo' can grab three pillows and get comfy. Lying on her side (preferably the right), she should tuck one pillow under her head, another behind her like a supportive friend, and one between her legs like a soft bodyguard. If she's still feeling like she's not comfortable, more pillows will do the trick. 


  • How to Drive

Driving is basically sitting in a moving box, so Aunt Jo' needs to treat it the same way as sitting. If she needs to use a pillow - go ahead, it could make all the difference.


  • How to Handle House Chores

Chores. Ugh! They’re like the nagging little siblings of life—always around and demanding attention. But here’s the kicker: Aunt Jo' doesn’t need to avoid them completely. Light chores help keep her from accumulating excess fat or having swollen feet. 

When sweeping, she should use a broom with a long handle to avoid unnecessary bending. For washing dishes, make sure the sink is high enough so she’s not bending. Laundry? Find a position where that royal back stays straight and strong. Trust us, these small moves are the secret sauce to keeping back pain at bay.


One last thing: How to lift objects (or kids)

With that beautiful baby bump growing, bending over is basically out of the question. Aunt Jo' should squat. Knees bent, back straight, and voilà—lifting made easy!

What about her supporters?

Today’s post is all about Aunt Jo', but here’s a little secret—these tips aren’t just for her. We all should be practicing them (except maybe the sleeping positions). Adopting these habits could make a world of difference in how you feel day to day!

Great news!

Finally, Aunt Jo’s expected delivery date (EDD) is next Tuesday! Get ready for the party of the year—it’s going to be a blast! 🎉


How about we meet here next week to talk about how to help her postpartum (the wild ride after delivery)?


Till then,

Bye!




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