I am 16 wks pregnant, I have a coworker who keeps telling me to stop crossing my leg? is there a reason for?

Question

Has anyone heard of this? Plus it's a habbit since your behind starts to hurt after a while :) ?

Answer 1

There is a theoretical chance of blood clots. However if you are switching back and forth regularly there is almost no risk. Also the risk is higher when you are on the birth control pill then when you are pregnant.

Your best bet is to get up every hour and do 5 minutes of stretches. This is good for you and the baby. Get your blood moving a bit and help prevent repetitive stress injuries (which you are much more likely to get during pregnancy due to "relaxin" -the hormone that relaxes the cartilidge in your pelvis and relaxes pretty much everything else too). Also your eyes are more prone to strain during pregnancy (also due to relaxin). So a 5 minute break every hour is a good thing to do.

If you are really serious about not crossing your legs get a birth/yoga ball and use that instead of your chair. It is excellent for your back as well. Poor posture contributes to babies being sunny side up other other positions that can make labour longer and harder than it has to be. It will also help keep your pelvis aligned and prevent pain. Some companies will pay for one. Otherwise they aren't too much and you can take it home with you for use during labour.

Answer 2

It is definately not a myth. It's true that you can develop a blood clot in your leg, which can be potentially fatal if it breaks off and travels to your heart or lungs. You are especially vulnerable during pregnance because you circulation in your legs slows, hence the leg swelling many pregnant women get. If you cross your legs, you will slow the blood even more and increase the liklihood of a clot developing.

If you sit all day, get up and walk around every 30min-1 hour. Keep your legs elevated on a chair or stool. And you can buy special stockings at the drugstore if you want to. They are called anti-embolic stockings or TEDS.

Answer 3

I have had 2 babies. I see no wrong in crossing your legs. The doctor use to tell me any kind of movement down the toward your legs and private area is good for you, it helps out in the long run with having your baby. Its like exercise

Answer 4

Crossing your legs during pregnancy can increase your risk of vericose veins. If you get vericose veins that are really severe, there is a chance of blood clots. I too have to keep reminding myself not to cross my legs (20 weeks along) b/c I have a family history of them. It will be hard not to do this, but it's best for you to not cross your legs.

Answer 5

Really, no woman should cross her legs as it restricts circulation--even if you keep the feeling in your legs. However, thank the victorians for setting that proper ladies cross their legs standard. With pregnancy, it can increase leg stress and swelling.

Answer 6

It is a complete habit for me just because I can't get comfortable at all. I shift in my chair at work constantly. Sometimes i even have to get up and walk around for a little while. It could have something to do with circulation, too... because if I sit too long without moving around my legs sometimes start going numb.

Answer 7

I never heard of this one either...........the only thing I can think of is that your legs can lose blood circulation at some point at it may harm the baby...............but really........I never heard of it. I've gone through three pregnancies and crossed my legs up until I got to big.................But just tell the lady to leave you alone!!!!!!! Please...........people don't know when to shush!

Answer 8

Everyone really shouldn't cross their legs. It's not the best for circulation.

Answer 9

Circulation! Circulation is already decreased during pregnancy and crosing your legs can add to that. That could lead to light headedness, dizzyness, headaches and also vericous veins during pregnancy.

Answer 10

I have always heard that crossing your legs at any time will cause varicose veins