¶ … Woman in Fourth Month of Pregnancy
Exercise and Diet Plan
The client is in her late twenties and four months pregnant with her first child. She is concerned about maintaining muscle tone and flexibility so that she can have her baby naturally. She does not express any concerns about managing her weight gain during her pregnancy and, indeed, she is tall and proportionately streamlined. However, she confesses to never having truly engaged in an exercise program since she graduated from college.
The considerations we have reviewed and the exercise regime that we have selected for her is outlined below.
A review of the client's history did not reveal any health concerns. Specifically, we discussed the following special conditions that could cause us to limit her exercise routine: heart problems, asthma or chronic lung problems, high blood pressure, muscle or joint problems, any persistent bleeding, and/or placental problems. Extreme weight problems -- either underweight or overweight -- and a history of problems with previous pregnancies were not a concern for this patient. Since...
In addition, we reviewed ways to ensure she was sufficiently hydrated when exercising and what clothing would best contribute to her ability to move freely and yet be supported. We noted several types of bras to choose from, and reviewed shoe styles that would provide the best non-slip treads, Velcro fastenings, and arch support over the course of her pregnancy.
Here are some further considerations. Her center of gravity will change, especially after the fourth month. Exercises should not be done while lying on her back since the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the vena cava, which reduces blood flow to the baby and to the mother. The hormone relaxin softens the ligaments which results in the joints not being as tight as they are when her body is in a non-pregnant state. Particularly because of this, bouncing and jumping exercises…
