Week 12: Physical Activity Guidelines & Special Populations 2 (Pregnancy) Flashcards
How is Gestational Age Calculated?
From the 1st day of the last menstrual period
What are the effects of Pregnancy on the Repiratory system
Overall trend is an increase in respiration
- Increase in Tidal volume
- Increased respiration rate
- Increased alveolar ventialtion
- Decreased functional residual capacity
Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are increased by 60%
What are the effects of Pregnancy on the Cardiovascular system
General Trend of increased Heart rate and blood flow & Volume
- Increased CO
- Increased SV
- Increased RHR
- Increased Plasma volume
- Increased RBC mass
- Decreased Vascular resistance
- Increased blood flow to uterus
What is Physiological Anemia?
Why is it important to consider for exercise?
Is caused a reduction in haemoglobin caused from haemodilation during pregnancy
Occurs as a result of increased plasma mass to support the growing fetus
Can cause exercise intolerance due to less haemoglobin
–> can result in dizziness or a greater increase in HR
What metabolic effects occur due to pregnancy?
Increased demands for glucose by the fetus
- Increased protein content
- Increased fat deposits
- Increased blood lipds and salt accumlation
- Hormonal changes to promote water retention
Musculoskeletal impacts of Pregnancy
Causes a shift in COG
Increases joint laxity (due to preparing for delivery)
These two factors combined increased the risk for strains/sprains during exercise
Emotional changes during Pregnancy
Increased mood fluctuations
Increased emotional liability (mood swings)
Increase inestability
These occur due to the large number of physiological changes happening Not just due to hormonal changes
What impact does Exercise have on delivery outcomes?
No evidence that exercise leads to many changes in delivery outcomes
What impact does exercise have on the duration of labour?
No evidence for changes or harms to labour duration
Effects of exercise on Maternal weight gain
Reduces weight gain –> only for people with a normal starting weight
Impact of Exercise on Gestational diabetes
Reduces risk
Impact of Exericse on Macrosomia
May potentially reduce the risk of macrosomia
Pyschological impact of Exercise during pregnancy
Exercise may reduce the prevalence of antental and postnatal depression
What intensity should be used for pregnany women?
Not recommended to perform vigorous activities (e.g. %VO2max or %HRMAX)
Use the simple talk test to determine intensity
What are some pregnancy complications that would deter exercise prescription?
GENERAL TREND-Same as a normal person but has some degree of specificity for pregnancy
- Placenta previa
- Pre-eclampsia
- Evidence of intrauterine growth restriction
- Multiple gestation (triplets)
Always make sure they have clearance before performing exercise
Safety Precautions/considerations during Exercise for Pregnancy
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoid Heat stress / hypothermia
- Avoid physical activities in high altitude
- Always wear appropriate clothing –> non restrictive
Warning signs to stop PA during Pregnancy
SAME AS A Non pregnant PERSON
Also include things such as:
- vaginal bleeding
- loss of fluid from the vagina
- Painful uterine contractions
What activities should be avoided during pregnancy?
- Activities that have risk of falling (e.g. balancing)
- Heavy lifting
- Significant changes in pressure (e.g. scuba diving)
- After 28 weeks –> avoid supine activities (prop back to 45 degree angle
supine activities put pressure on the inferior vena cava that reduces BF
How can pelvic girdle pain be reduced in pregnant individuals?
Performing exercises that have nice balance (not single leg squats)
Avoiding activities that have assymetric movements
–> when getting off a bed, roll to the side and stand up on both feet not single leg
What is DRAM? What spacing is normal?
Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscle
Is the separation of the rectus muscle - expansion of the linea alba
Normal during pregnancy (>80%)
Normal spacing is 1-2 fingerwidths apart
Activities to avoid for patients with DRAM?
AVOID anything that increases IAP
Recommended exercises for patients with Rectus abdominus diastasis?
Exercises that strength deeper core muscles and provide pelvic stability –> stabilisation of the trunk