American College of Obstetrician / Gyn (ACOG) Guidelines Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise
During pregnancy regular exercise – at least 3 x week is preferred (non-impact loading)
Avoid exercise in the supine position after the first trimester. prolonged motionless standing should also be avoided.
Modify the intensity of exercise according to maternal symptoms. pregnant women should stop when fatigued and should not exercise to exhaustion. weight-bearing exercises may under some circumstances be continued at intensities similar to those prior to pregnancy throughout pregnancy.
Non-weight bearing exercises, such as cycling or swimming, will minimize the risk of injury and facilitate the continuation of exercise during pregnancy.
Body changes in pregnancy should serve as a relative contraindication to types of exercise in which loss of balance could be harmful to maternal or fetal well-being, especially in the third trimester.
Pregnancy requires an additional 300kcal/day in order to maintain the nutritional needs of pregnancy. during pregnancy, women should be particularly careful to ensure an adequate diet.
Pregnant women who exercise in the first trimester should ensure adequate hydration with water, wear appropriate clothing, and exercise in an optimal environment to avoid overheating.
Many of the hormonal and body changes of pregnancy persist for four to six weeks postpartum. pre-pregnancy exercise routines should be resumed gradually based upon the person’s physical capability.
Reasons to discontinue exercise and seek medical advice
- Any signs of bloody discharge from the vagina
- Any “gush” of fluid from the vagina( premature rupture of membranes)
- Sudden swelling of the ankles, hands , or face
- Persistent, severe headaches and /or visual disturbance; faintness, dizziness
- Swelling, pain, and redness in the calf of one leg
- Elevation of pulse rate or blood pressure that persists after exercise
- Excessive fatigue, palpitations, or chest pain
- Persistent contractions (>6-8/hour) that may suggest onset of premature labor
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Insufficient weight gain ( <1.0kg (2 lbs)/ month during last two trimester
About Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue Physical Therapy and Wellness was created at the onset of the new millennium in order to bridge the gap between strength and conditioning and rehabilitation. We have 2 clinics in New York (Grand Central & The Hamptons) and provide care to everyone at a level that Olympic athletes receive. The services we offer are physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga, massage and more.
If you’re looking to build yourself up as an athlete, why not take personal training from us? Where better to train than a place that has built up professional athletes to the highest degree.
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If you’re in pain and need help or looking for a service we can provide for you and you’re in New York, then please contact us on 212-529-5700. Or you can fill in your details on our contact page and we will get back to you.