Postpartum Exercises Flashcards
Screening criteria for mom to begin exercising again?
walking 1 mile should not cause recurrence of bright red lochia
lochia should have ceased or nearly ceased
episiotomy/laceration has to be sufficiently healed so that it presents little to no discomfort
C-section closure should have healed sufficiently that it presents little to no discomfort
Post- C-section kegels and foot exercises only until abd soreness resolves
pelvic relaxation lessened
preferably no stress incontinence
milk production satisfactory
what is diastasis recti?
how long does it take to heal?
what exercises should they start with? when can they move to more intensive exercises?
mild to moderate separation of the rectus abdominus
will heal over time (up to 1 year)
best to wait until some shortening and approximation has occurred with gentle exercise before proceeding to more intensive exercise
how to stimulate proprioception?
tapotement
3 other tx options for diastasis?
mayan uterine massage
mamalates (pilates)
PT exercises
how to do the corrective exercises for diastasis rectii?
lie on back with knees bent, cross hands over abd so can support the abdominus rectus as you raise your head
action: slowly exhale and raise your head to your chest just before the bulging begins, pull in abd muscles while breathing out, keep shoulders off floor, return slowly to starting position
do while lying on bed in morning and evening
tx for pubic symphysis separation?
avoid wide lateral stance for 3 mos
NMT or chiropractic manipulation
PP belt/belly binding
how to sit w/broken coccyx?
do not use donut cushion!
sit on ishcial tuberosities directly
how long is it usu recommended before starting even the simplest strengthening exercises?
at least until week 2
7 essential PP exercises?
phase I: deep breathing w/abd wall tightening pelvic floor contractions stretch out the kinks pelvic tilting phase II: heel sliding bridging phase III: straight curl up cross curl-up
best pelvic floor exercise?
kegels and kegel variations
bring circulation to perineum and speeds healing
important even post C-section
to make sure the woman is executing kegels correctly what could you have her do?
have partner give feedback
add vaginal weights (start light)
why do foot/leg exercises? how to do?
to prevent leg thrombosis
spell alphabet with feet and ankles (upper and lower case)
esp important to do with post C-section
9 essential post-C section exercises?
breathing exercises huffing foot/ankle exercises leg-bracing bending and straightening alternate knee pelvic rocking bridge and twist straight curl-up diagonal curl-up relaxation: lay on front when comfort permits
when doing abd exercises when do you tighten in regards to the breath?
tighten on exhale
exercises the transversalis first
why might libido be low PP?
breastfeeding may lower mom’s libido
may be because PL levels are initially very high giving a sense of contentment
