ESSENTIAL EXERCISES for the Childbearing Year

Frequent questions

objectives? What type of exercise? Is it safe ? How it will affect the results of

pregnancy ? Guidelines Contraindication

objectives

Ease or prevent minor discomfort of pregnancy

Maintain a stable body position Prepare for labour Prepare for immediate

Postnatal period Cardiovascular and respiratory

fitness General body muscle tone and

relieve tension

Result

Woman who exercise have: Less intervention during

pregnancy Cardiovascular and respiratory

fitness General body muscle tone and

relieve tension Shorter Labor Speedy recovery

Guidelines

Exercise at least three times per week Avoid exercise in supine position after

first trimester & prolonged motionless standing

modify exercises according to maternal symptoms and fatigue levels

Avoid exercises could cause loss of balance or falling (ballistic exercises)

Have adequate diet Hydration before during after exercise

Contraindication

Pregnancy induced hypertension

Preterm rupture of membranes Preterm labour during a prior or

current pregnancy Incompetent cervix /cerclage Persistent or intermittent

bleeding in the second or third trimester