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Correct and Incorrect Posture
Sitting in a Chair
For comfort and good posture while sitting in a chair, sit in a straight-backed chair and use the back of the chair for support.
When getting in and out of a chair, use your leg muscles to lower and lift your body weight. This will help protect your back muscles.

Getting out of Bed
To get out of bed, first roll onto your side.
Push with both of your arms to reach a sitting position, then swing both legs over the side of the bed.

Getting up from the Floor
To get up from the floor, first roll onto your side. Use both arms to push yourself into a sitting position, then roll over into a kneeling position. Bend one knee and, using it for support, push yourself up into a standing position.

Side-Lying
During late pregnancy, it is recommended that you lie on your side rather than your back, because the supine position lets the increasing weight of the uterus compress the vena cava, a major blood vessel from the heart. This compression results in low blood pressure or supine hypotension.

Many women find that the side-lying position is generally more comfortable and helps ease backaches.
Lie on either side with your leg bent. Place a pillow lengthwise between your legs and allow the weight of your upper leg to rest on it. Additional pillows can be used for padding and comfort for your abdomen, head, and upper arm.

Lifting
Many women find that the side-lying position is generally more comfortable and helps ease backaches.
Lie on either side with your leg bent. Place a pillow lengthwise between your legs and allow the weight of your upper leg to rest on it. Additional pillows can be used for padding and comfort for your abdomen, head, and upper arm.

Lifting during pregnancy is discouraged, but you may find it necessary at times, particularly if you have small children. If you must lift, please follow these principles to help avoid strain on your back and pelvic floor. And most importantly, avoid lifting heavy objects.

To lift correctly, you should:

• Get close to the object you wish to lift,
• Place feet apart,
• Squat down while bending your knees (not your waist)
• Grasp the object,
• While keeping your back straight, lift the object by straightening your knees.