According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, exercise can keep you fit during your pregnancy, help you cope with the pain of labor and help you get back into shape faster after your baby is born. There are many books available to help you understand the basics of exercise during the physical changes of pregnancy, but the best books also help you adapt your exercise regimen to reflect those changes.
"Super Fit Mama"
"Super Fit Mama," written by Tracey Mallet along with a team of contributors -- including a doctor, several physical therapists and a registered dietitian -- incorporates multiple philosophies of staying healthy during and after your pregnancy. Her exercise routines incorporate elements of strength training, yoga, pelvic floor exercises and cardiovascular endurance, and are meant for the busy pregnant and new mother who wants to get in shape or return to shape after pregnancy. The book also incorporates elements of proper eating at every stage of pregnancy.
"Exercising Through Your Pregnancy"
"Exercising Through Your Pregnancy," written by James Clapp, M.D., is for those mothers who are already in strong physical shape and want advice on how to continue strenuous exercise during and after their pregnancies. Using case studies, Dr. Clapp provides a resource for expectant mothers on the effects of exercise during pregnancy, with information about how a woman's body changes during pregnancy and how to best implement exercise.
"Maternal Fitness"
"Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery," by Julie Tupler, R.N., personal trainer and childbirth educator, claims that by targeting and exercising the core muscles used during labor and delivery, you can strengthen and prepare yourself for the challenge giving birth. While this book is specifically geared toward preparing the body for labor and delivery, it also offers advise on how to help minimize the aches and pains of pregnancy, and get your body back into shape after the birth.
"Yoga for Pregnancy"
According to "Yoga Journal," yoga is a safe activity that may alleviate discomfort during pregnancy and prepare you for labor. "Yoga for Pregnancy" by Francois Freedman describes and gives detailed illustrations for yoga poses and sequences for each trimester of pregnancy. Freedman shows how to change the yoga postures in order to adapt to the changing pregnant body. This book also gives yoga exercises to do after the baby is born so that you can continue to do yoga with or without your baby.
References
- "Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond"; Francois Barabara Freedman; 2004
- "Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery"; Julie Tupler, R.N.; 1996
- "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy"; James ClappII; 2002
- "Super-Fit Mama"; Tracey Mallett; 2009
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Exercise during Pregnancy
- "Yoga Journal"; Yoga for Moms-To-Be; Lynn Felder
