PRENATAL AND POSTPARTUM FITNESS!

This is a small educational article that I recently wrote for Dessange Magazine...enjoy!

It is commonly accepted and scientifically proven that a well- designed prenatal/ postpartum exercise program can have positive outcomes towards the mother and her baby. The old myth depicting that exercise can harm the baby does not exist any more, yet qualified advice is highly recommended.

Some exercise benefits for the pregnant woman through a well-design training plan are: Feeling stronger and more able to handle the demands of pregnancy and birth, potentially shorter active labors and fewer cesarean births, improved sense of well-being and faster recovery. As for the baby some benefits are: possible benefit of less distress in labor and birth, probable advantage of better nourishment in utero resulting from bigger placenta. In addition, some benefits for the postpartum women are: quicker return to normal weight and more energy/ stamina.

At all times if any of the contraindications mentioned below should excluded any pregnant woman from exercise. These are: pregnancy- induced hyperextension, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor in current or prior pregnancy, cervix early contractions, persistent bleeding in 2nd or 3rd trimester, and intrauterine growth restriction. Furthermore, consolidation from a doctor is needed if any danger warning signs are present: pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, increase shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat.

It should be noted that the exercise regime is broken down for the pregnant woman to first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, yet for the postpartum woman to 6 weeks recovery period and 6 weeks to 6 months after period. The exercise program targets the main components of fitness such as cardiovascular capacity, strength, flexibility, core development and relaxation. The woman fitness state is another factor that an exercise professional should take into consideration.

Reference: The quick series guide to prenatal and postpartum fitness by the Cooper Institute, Dallas Texas.