Prenatal and Postpartum Scenario Essay

Target population was pregnant women less than fourteen weeks gestation that had a sedentary lifestyle. The researcher used two data collection instruments to complete this study. The first is The Cornell Protocol Fitness Tool that measured cardiovascular fitness level and peak oxygen consumption. The second data collection instrument used was The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed energy expenditure and daily physical activity. Candidates were excluded if they had chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes, and any medical condition that will prohibit daily exercise, communication problems, or recommendation of primary care provider not to participate (Yeo 2009).

There are certain activities women at the end of the second trimester and beginning of third trimester can do in order to ensure healthy fetal development, which later contributes to healthy child development. The first suggested activity could be the intake of prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid, which is essential for proper growth and development in the fetal stage (American Pregnancy Association, 2012). This can be achieved through taking synthetic multivitamins specifically designed for pregnant women as well as ensuring a healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables. Developmentally, folic acid intake during pregnancy is critical in order to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus, which would lead to physical and psychological issues in childhood (Heseker, 2011).

Second daily activity, start up a low impact exercise routine to obtain pre-pregnancy weight. This will help both mentally and physically once you are closer to your pre-pregnancy weight. The lack of physical activity contributes to excess weight gain during pregnancy and weight retention during postpartum. Many gyms have child care, and as your child ages this will help him or her fine tune attachment social skills early.

In terms of parenting books, there are plenty of them on pregnancy, on raising toddlers, on handling newborns, and even postpartum depression. Unfortunately there is nothing out there about the shitstorm that is postpartum life. The closest you get is “A Drunk Mom: A Memoir” and “This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression”, neither which come close to this particular project. When I was pregnant, there was nothing to prepare me for the hormonal-induced insomnia, clumps of hair falling out, my sweet

The women in the intervention and control groups were between the ages of 21 and 53 years and had a child within the last 18 years, while the pre-pregnancy group consisted of “younger women who did not have children” (Petrofsky et al., p. 42). The intervention group participated in the diet and exercise program, while the control group participated in all measurements, and the pre-pregnancy group only participated in the initial measurements. The intervention included a diet and exercise program that was specifically designed to allow for weight loss over the 2 month period of the study and the exercise program consisted of a specifically designed program to focus on areas of the body that are affected during pregnancy. The primary focus was on increasing muscle mass and increasing overall strength. The exercise program was clearly outlined and consisted of 30 minute exercise periods, which would increase each week, and was taken from a program of videos consisting of a combination of core training and aerobic and strength exercise. In addition, the workout schedule is clearly identified in Table-2 on p. 43 of the Petrofsky study for the entire 2 month period. The diet was clearly defined as well, consisting of a mild caloric restricted diet balanced between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats established by a nutritionist to further ensure proper balance of vitamins and minerals, while promoting a moderate

This data must be reliable and delivered in an understandable and believable fashion (Fothergill & Lipp, 2014). In the article, "The Effect of an Exercise and Diet Program on Fitness, Posture and Self Image in Women,” the authors designed a study originated from the need to more readily understand the physiological changes that women endure during pregnancy, such as weight gain and posture changes. This post-partum weight retention often contributes to obesity and is associated with decreased physical activity and increased food consumption. Weight gain associated with the childbearing process leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension (Petrofsky et al., 2010). Additionally, stance and balance are both adjusted during and after pregnancy due to changes in the alignment of the skeleton. Therefore, the problem in post-partum women is "two-fold” and involves relearning posture and balance, improving muscle tone, and losing weight (Petrofsky et al., 2010, p. 41). Since body metabolism is increased with exercise, researchers endorsed a suitable intervention by combining both diet restrictions and exercise. The research purpose was to improve the self-image, posture, and mood for women who gave birth within the last eighteen years. The study explored numerous aspects including the

The postpartum period represents a significant transition in women 's lives. This critical period of adjustment is characterized by many physical, emotional, and psychological changes that influence women 's experiences, adaptation, health, and wellness. Most stressors in the puerperal period include: the transition to motherhood and associated role change and role stress; and physical stressors such as hormonal changes, change in sleep patterns, and pain. Psychological stressors consist of interpersonal relationship challenges, self-esteem and self-confidence issues, and postpartum depression (Uban, 2012).

For some women the thought of exercise during pregnancy is as appealing as a root canal without novacaine. In their minds they have a nine month pass to stay out of the gym. The first three months they are battling morning sickness and exhaustion. The next three months they are beginning to show. The last three months are so uncomfortable that walking ten feet to the bathroom is pure torture, so there is no way they will be able to walk on a treadmill for ten minutes.

Although yoga is particularly helpful for pregnant women, there are many additional benefits aside from help with managing your pregnancy. A few of the many benefits include:

Some major advantages of exercise during pregnancy are that you can control your weight gain, you can maintain your body strong enough to carry the baby, the labor is easy, shortened and relatively stress free and the post delivery recovery is fast. The spine is well toned for better posture and overall muscle strength and endurance is improved.

This is just another myth. Most abdominal exercises are beneficial and safe for moms-to-be. The only exceptions include full sit-ups, double leg raises, weighted crunches, and any moves that require lying on your back after the first trimester. Ab exercises help build a strong core and may even prevent or relieve back pain, so include them in your routine.

weight rose during pregnancy is natural due to childbirth. Of course, every woman wants to immediately restore postpartum slim body.

Decrease tension and stress, that is definitely also helpful for child to be born. Enhance sleeping and improve the strength, overall flexibility and strength of muscular tissues required for giving birth. You'll be motivated to concentrate on breathing in and out progressively and profoundly through the nose. Prenatal yoga deep breathing practices may help you decrease or handle shortness of breath while pregnant and overcome contractions in the course of labor. When standing, sitting or resting on the floor, you'll carefully move your body into various postures intended for building your stamina, versatility and equilibrium. You'll learn how to gently move various spots of your body, like your back and arms, with their total range of movement, by moderate stretching. In the end of every prenatal yoga lesson, you'll loosen up your muscles and revive your relaxing heart pace and respiration tempo. You may be stimulated to enjoy your own breathing, pay attention to feelings, thoughts and emotional states, or repeat a mantra or word to generate a condition of self-awareness as well as inside

In summary, vigorous physical exercise does not appear to cause problems with mode of delivery or acceptable physical health of the newborn. Data supports a reduced risk of indications for C-section delivery with sustained or increased frequency and exertion levels of exercise.

It has been shown through studies that exercising aids in strength, flexibility, muscle tone and endurance, all in which help in areas such as carrying extra weight, preparing for the physical stresses of labor and contributing in shedding the pounds postpartum (Gulino 2). Exercise also helps in relieving that excess weight gain, swelling, varicose veins, fatigue and leg cramps. It helps to prevent depression and establish confidence both before and after labor. Exercise lowers stress and improves emotional health. It has been shown through studies that women who exercise during pregnancy have shorter labors as well as a decreased need for painkillers and an epidural during labor and delivery (Hudson 1).