Historically, pregnant women often avoided exercise as a result of unfounded fears that the increased exertion might result in harm to the fetus or mother. It was not until the early 1980s that research around pregnancy and exercise really picked up. The need for guidelines for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period were being demanded from a generation of women wanting to stay more physically active both before becoming pregnant and after child birth. Presently, exercise is encouraged to all women with uncomplicated pregnancies, and is considered to be a safe and healthy practice for both the mother and her unborn child.
All of the exercises and techniques detailed within this book have been tried and tested and are currently being used by clinicians and physical trainers as pre- and post-natal treatment for women. I have used the exact same techniques for my own wife after she gave birth to our child and she found them extremely beneficial as have several personal training clients. This book is not designed to be an exhaustive manual that you must follow from start to finish. It is a guide you can try at home or at work.
By Rema Selke