mid-pg onwards - stretching for things

[berolina]

This might be a Very Silly Question, but I'd rather ask than worry in ignorance.
I'm 20 weeks and, as a short person, I have to stretch and reach up/out for things quite a lot. Last night, for example, I had to close the window in our kitchen, which is (for me) awkwardly situated above a quite wide worktop. I had to stand on tiptoe and really stretch out in order to prevent the worktop pressing too hard into my bump. I'd have just felt silly having to stand on a chair to close a window! My question is: is all this stretching and teetering on tiptoe affecting the baby in any way? Last nigth after I'd done it - although nothing hurt apart from my pride - I had horror visions of the placenta detaching because of it, and a couple of twinges in and around bump today (stretching pains, I hope!) haven't helped. Any advice anyone? TIA

No, your placenta won't detach - or we'd all have detached placentas! It's fine.

No - they are sturdy little buggers!
There used to be an old wives tale that said you should not reach up for things, as the cord could get trapped around the baby's neck, but that is a load of old rubbish too!

Do bear in mind that you shouldn't be lifting anything heavy though or do anything that your body is not comfortable with. Listen to your body - it's your best guide and take it easy if you can.

Stretching movements in pregnancy is one of the most recommended forms of exercise so imho you won't be doing any harm. Just be careful you dont overstretch, or bounce!
Have a good pg :0)

i worried about this with my 2nd pg because dd1 was still young and wanted carried a lot, so therefore i had to bend and stretch to lift and carry her. you try and avoid it, but its impossible. i had a lot of muscular pain and chatted with a physio who gave me a support belt (basically just really strong elastic) and i wore it to go to the supermarket etc, (my pet hate was getting things from the bottom of the trolley at the checkout, as im small too!)

if you are finding it hard at 20 wks you could think about this too. a physio would show you how to bend and lift things to make it easier. ask your mw. but im sure there are no probs with the placenta etc.

lots of luck x

Thanks - what would I do without you all? Prob drive dh and RL friends even more up the wall than already