How Do I Rock in a Rocking Chair During Pregnancy?

Rock in a rocking chair during pregnancy, putting your feet up.

Just because the baby hasn't arrived yet, doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy rocking away the hours while sitting in a rocking chair. Because you often experience aches and pains during pregnancy, finding a comfortable chair to sit in can help you relax while you are pregnant. Rock in a rocking chair during pregnancy to ease pregnancy discomforts. Rocking in a rocking chair can also help you rest comfortably during labor, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Things You'll Need

• Rocking chair with footstool
• Pillows
• Books and magazines
• Television
• Radio or CD player
• Laptop (optional)

Instructions

1. Sit in the rocking chair and place a pillow at the small of your back as you lean against the back of the rocking chair to give extra support to your back and make the rocking chair more comfortable.

2. Elevate your feet and place them on the footstool. As you sit in the rocking chair, keep your feet up to reduce swelling and fatigue.

3. Push yourself back and forth in the rocking chair to rock, using your feet on the footstool to propel the chair.

4. Keep yourself entertained with reading, music, television or computer while you rock in the rocking chair.

Tips & Warnings

• If you struggle with swollen feet and ankles during the third trimester, sitting with your feel elevated can reduce or minimize swelling. Rocking in a rocking chair while elevating your feet can be a pleasurable way to relax.

• The angle you sit in while rocking can help you stay comfortable during labor.

References

• New York State Department of Health: Your Guide to a Healthy Birth
• Mayo Clinic: Ankle Swelling during Pregnancy: Is It a Concern?
• Foot.com: Pregnancy and Your Feet