Day 37 The third class of CER 549FR Maternity Wellness

Today was the third class for Maternity Wellness. The second trimester (14-27 weeks) is considered the easier of the three trimesters for many women. Many of the early uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy may lessen or even disappear. One of the good news is that the energy levels should begin to increase though symptoms such as constipation and heartburn may persist. During this trimester, many doctors recommend against lying flat on the back while sleeping and performing other activities. While pregnancy causes many changes in the body, the abdominal wall typically gets all of the attention. It is lovingly known as the “baby bump” and the center of many pregnancy photographs. During pregnancy, all of the abdominal muscles are stretched to accommodate the growing fetus. As the baby continues to develop, there is increased pressure on the linea alba. The increased pressure causes the linea alba to thin and stretch permitting the left and right rectus abdominals muscles to separate from the midline. However, after the baby is born it is also the first area that women want to hide and loathe. The first instinct after birth is to begin a workout regimen that targets the abdominal muscles to whip them back into shape. Unfortunately, this approach can lead new moms to cause more harm by overlooking the need for rest, recovery, and retrain prior to engaging in intense workouts. Paying attention to how you stand, sit, and move can go a long way in preserving your core and keep optimal biomechanics to reduce the probabilities of pelvic floor dysfunction as well as back pain and pelvic girdle pain.