Antenatal Exercises Mahboubeh Valiani Academic Member of IUMS

Frequent questions What type of exercise? objectives? 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

Hip adductor stretching Tailor’s Sitting Position

Modified Upper Limb & Lower Limb Exercise

Low back extensors stretching Manual Back Stretch