Potential Impairments and Functional Limitations

Stress, pain, and muscle imbalances from faulty postures

Poor body mechanics; related to lack of knowledge, changing body size and caring for growing child

Lower extremity edema and discomfort from altered circulation, varicose veins

Pelvic floor dysfunction

• urinary or fecal incontinence
• organ prolapse
• hypertonus
• poor episiotomy healing
• poor proprioceptive awareness and disuse atrophy

Abdominal muscle stretch, trauma, and diastasis recti

Potential decrease in cardiovascular fitness

Lack of knowledge of body changes and safe exercises to use during and after pregnancy

Changing body image

Lack of physical preparation (strength, endurance, relaxation) necessary for labor and delivery

Lack of knowledge of appropriate positioning for optimal comfort in labor and delivery

Lack of adequate postpartum rehabilitation

Suggested Sequence for Exercises Classes

1. General rhythmic activities to “warm up”
2. Gentle selective stretching for postural alignment and for perineum and adductor flexibility
3. Aerobic activity for cardiovascular conditioning (duration/intensity may need to be individualized)
4. Postural exercises; upper/lower extremity strengthening and individualized abdominal exercises
5. Cool-down activities
6. Pelvic floor exercises
7. Relaxation techniques
8. Labor and delivery techniques
9. Educational information
10. Postpartum exercise instruction (e.g., when to begin exercises, how to safely progress, precautions) because the patient may not be attending a postpartum class. Include education regarding body mechanics relative to child care.

Buy the Book that holds this excerpt: Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques (Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations & Techniques)

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