BY- DR.

CHARUSMITA GEMINI (PT)

PREGNANCY
Pregnancy is the period from conception to the birth of a child during which the body of
a women undergoes numerous complex physiological changes in following systems!. Respiratory system
2. Musculoskeletal system
3. Endocrine system
4. Gastrointestinal system
5. Renal system
6. Reproductive system
7. Integumentary system

COMMON PROBLEMS
1. Back pain
2. Leg cramps
3. Numbness in leg
4. Postural changes
5. Wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome)
6. Swelling in legs and foot
7. Weight gain

EXERCISES AND PREGNANCY

Exercise plays an important role in promoting health and well
being for a pregnant woman. Women who exercise during
pregnancy avail the following benefits1. Optimal weight gain
2. More rapid weight loss after delivery
3. Improved sleep patterns
4. Normal and easier labours
5. Strengthened and toned muscles
6. Better shape post delivery

7. Improved breathing pattern

8. Increased endurance/ stamina
9. Reduced risk of posture problems
10. Reinforced relaxation
11. Reduced stress and anxiety

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF EXERCISES1. Women with cardiovascular, respiratory or kidney problems

2. Diabetic women
3. Women with thyroid disease
4. Women with history of miscarriage, premature labour, cervical
incompetence in multiple pregnancies
5. Vaginal bleeding (spotting) or discharge

6. Women with high BP

7. Problems with Placenta
8. Decreased foetal movements
9. Breech baby in third trimester
10.Women with anaemia or other bleeding disorders

Red flags during exercise

WHEN TO STOP EXERCISES & REPORT TO DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY1. Bleeding pv
2. Unusual twisting pain in the abdomen
3. Fainting episodes
4. High blood pressure
5. Dizziness
6. Severe joint pain

SESSIONS OF EXERCISES
Sessions of physiotherapeutical exercise are divided in two parts1. Antenatal exercises
2. Postnatal exercises

ANTENATAL EXERCISES
Exercises which are conducted during the nine months of pregnancy are
antenatal classes. These are preferred from the second trimester of
pregnancy.
MOTIVES OF ANTENATAL EXERCISES1. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles to facilitate vaginal delivery and avoid
vaginal muscles tear.
2. Strengthen abdominal muscles
3. Strengthen back muscles
4. Strengthen arm and leg muscles
5. Avoid postural defects

ANTENATAL EXERCISESAntenatal exercises are divided in 4 sessions as followsFIRST SESSION- In this session guidance about significance of exercises
and knowledge of pregnancy care is provided.
SECOND SESSION- 1. Breathing exercises
2. Relaxation techniques
3. Stretching and strengthening exercises

THIRD SESSION-

1. Kegel exercises for pelvic floor strengthening

2. Abdominal exercises
3. Spinal extension exercises
4. Postural care
5. Leg and arm exercises

FOURTH SESSION-

1. Exercises for stages of labour

2. Coping strategies for labour
3. Baby care tips

POSTNATAL EXERCISES
Postnatal period is the period after delivery of baby through the
phase of labour. In this period ,the lady is advised to undergo
exercises after she is comfortably adjusted with the baby and post
delivery conditions.
However now a days mild physiotherapy exercises are given
from the third day of delivery to treat her postnatal pains and
discomforts. Some therapeutic modalities are also given to cope
up with aches after delivery.

Benefits of postnatal exercises

1. Faster return to pre-pregnancy shape and level of fitness.
2. Increased strength of the arm, leg ,abdomen ,back and pelvic
floor muscle to cope with the demands of new motherhood.
3. Prevention of backache.
4. Training of handling yourself while baby care.
5. Prevention of urinary incontinence.

Precautions during postnatal

exercises
1. Wear loose clothes.
2. Wear an appropriate interwar for good support .
3. Should not do any exercise that hurt the breasts.
4. Try to do exercises after breastfeeding.
5. If there is any change in postnatal vaginal discharge
immediately stop exercises and report to doctor.

Postnatal exercises
1. Ankle toe pumps
2. Quadriceps isometrics
3. Abdominal isometric and crunch (front and oblique)
4. Kegels exercises
5. Pelvic tilt and pelvic bridging
6. Air squats
7. Hip abduction exercises
8. Arm ROM exercises
9. Biceps and triceps strengthening exercises
10.Spinal extension exercises

Sleeping Postures

Breathing Exercises

Relaxation Techniques

Let us understand Kegels

Kegel Exercises

Abdominal Isometrics

Pelvic Bridging

Pelvic Tilt

Leg Exercises

Ankle and toe pump

Strengthening Exercises

Arm Strengthening

Stretching Exercises

Tailor Sitting

Wall pressing

Back Arching

Air squatting