Day 36 The second class of CER 549FR Maternity Wellness

Today was the second class for Maternity Wellness. The first trimester of pregnancy (0-13 weeks) has many significant changes that impact pregnancy both physically and emotionally. Pregnancy will experience hormonal changes; posture and alignment changes; joint, ligament, and tissue changes along with changes in their energy levels, which promote decreased levels of physical activity. However, try not to get discouraged, this dip in the energy level is temporary and typically returns to normal levels during the second trimester. Take exercise slowly and build on duration and intensity depending on the comfort and energy levels to avoid overheat and overexert. The pelvic floor is the foundation for the “Core 4”. The core is made up of the pelvic floor, the diaphragm (the muscle that controls breathing), multifidus (deep spinal muscles), and the transverse abdominal muscles (the deepest abdominal muscles). Core 4 is vital in supporting the baby as pregnancy progresses. The pelvic floor helps support the pelvic organs: bladder, rectum, and your growing uterus. One of its functions during birth is to yield so that the baby is able to pass through the birth canal. Furthermore, there is also an ejection reflex that aids in pushing the baby out. The pelvic floor muscles work in conjunction with the diaphragm, the transverse abdominals, and the multifidus to regulate breathing and intra-abdominal pressure. A sedentary lifestyle and bad posture have led many people to breathe up into the chest. The failure to breathe properly prevents the pelvic floor from lengthening and descending. When pregnancy breathe in the diaphragm contracts and descends, which prompts the pelvic floor’s movement.