(1) Moderate exercise is recommended. Activities continued to a point of
exhaustion or fatigue compromises uterine profusion and fetoplacental oxygenation.
These activities are discouraged.
(2) As pregnancy continues, the center of gravity changes so the patient
may become clumsy and increase the risk of injury. The amount of exercise is
dependent on the health, previous exercise habits, and obstetric history of the
individual.
(a) Curtailing an exercise pattern of a previously active patient may be
a negative factor in her physical, emotional, and mental health.
(b) Most patients may continue their pre-pregnancy exercise program
as long as the pregnancy remains normal.
(3) Once the pregnancy has been confirmed is, however, not the time to
start a new exercise program.
7-4.
PRENATAL EXERCISES
a. Prenatal exercises promote comfort and maintain or increase muscle tone.
Factors that determine the type and amount of exercise recommended depends on the
individual's, need, the patient's general physical condition during pregnancy, and the
current stage of pregnancy.
b. Specific prenatal exercises includes tailor sitting, pelvic rocking, abdominal
muscle contractions, Kegel exercise, and squatting.
(1) Tailor sitting (see figrue 7-2). This exercise stretches the perineal
muscles and strengthens the thigh muscles. The patient should:
(a) Sit flat on the floor with legs outstretched; knees are gently pushed
to the floor until the perineal muscles begin to stretch.
(b) Hold this position for increased amounts of time each time
performed.
Figure 7-2. Tailor sitting exercise.
MD0921
7-7