Pregnancy is a crucial period where a mother suffers various physical and emotional changes. It is a period that comes with its fair share of complications, and one of the most common complications faced by mothers is premature birth.

Premature birth is defined as the birth of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies are at higher risk for several health problems, and in some cases, it may even prove to be fatal.

Therefore, preventing premature birth is essential, and experts suggest that there is one simple movement that can help prevent premature birth.

What is Premature Birth?

Premature birth is the birth of a baby before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation. The causes of premature birth are quite diverse, and in some instances, it may not have any clear reasons.

However, listed below are the most common causes of premature birth:.

Causes of Premature Birth

1. Infections: Infections during pregnancy can lead to preterm labor and delivery. Some of the infections that can trigger preterm delivery are urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial vaginosis, and periodontal disease.

2. History of premature birth: Women who have had a history of premature birth are more likely to have a preterm baby in subsequent pregnancies.

3. Cervical incompetence: Cervical incompetence is when the cervix begins to dilate and efface before term.

4. Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and damage to one or more organs, commonly the liver and kidneys. It can be a life-threatening condition for both the mother and the baby.

5. Multiple pregnancies: Women who are carrying twins, triplets, or more are at higher risk for preterm labor and delivery.

6. Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse during pregnancy can all lead to preterm labor and delivery.

The Simple Movement That Can Help Prevent Premature Birth

The simple movement that can help prevent premature birth is called pelvic tilts. Pelvic tilts involve gently rocking your pelvis back and forth while lying on your back with your knees bent.

This movement helps strengthen the muscles in your pelvic area that aid in childbirth, help relieve lower back pain, and also help prevent premature birth.

Experts suggest that pelvic tilts can help in the following ways:.

1. Strengthens Pelvic Muscles

Pelvic tilts help strengthen your pelvic muscles, which play an essential role in childbirth. Strong pelvic muscles help support the weight of the uterus, baby, and placenta, and they also help in the delivery process.

2. Relieves Lower Back Pain

Pelvic tilts can help relieve lower back pain, which is quite common during pregnancy. It helps stretch and lengthen the muscles that attach to the pelvic bones, which can help reduce pain and discomfort.

3. Improves Posture

During pregnancy, the growing baby shifts your center of gravity forward, causing you to hunch over and putting excessive pressure on your lower back. This can lead to poor posture.

Pelvic tilts can help improve your posture by correcting over-arching your lower back and realigning your spine.

4. Promotes Blood Circulation

During pregnancy, blood circulation is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. Pelvic tilts can help promote blood circulation in the pelvic area, which is vital in reducing the risk of premature birth.

How to Do Pelvic Tilts

Here is a step-by-step guide to doing pelvic tilts:.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Place your hands on your abdomen, just below your belly button.
Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, gently tilt your pelvis backward, flattening your back against the floor.
Hold for a few seconds, then inhale and release the tilt.
Exhale and tilt your pelvis forward, arching your back off the floor.
Hold for a few seconds, then inhale and release the tilt.
Repeat this movement for five to ten minutes, several times a day.

When to Avoid Pelvic Tilts

While pelvic tilts are generally safe, it is always best to speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program during pregnancy. It is also important to avoid doing any exercise that causes discomfort or pain.

Avoid pelvic tilts if:.

You have a history of preterm labor
You have placenta previa
You have a cervical or vaginal infection
You have bleeding in your second or third trimester.

Conclusion

Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of joy and anticipation, but it is not without its fair share of complications. Premature birth is a common complication that many mothers face, and it can lead to a host of health problems for the baby.

However, by doing a simple movement like pelvic tilts, mothers can help prevent premature birth. Pelvic tilts are safe, effective, and easy to do, and they offer several benefits like strengthening the pelvic muscles, relieving lower back pain, improving posture, and promoting blood circulation.

Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy.