Exercise and Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Postpartum

This is the second edition of a well-received, practice oriented, multidisciplinary book filling the gap between evidence-based knowledge on the benefits of physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and postpartum and the implementation of exercise programs and related health promotion measures in pregnant women.Readers will find up-to-date evidence on the psychological, social, physiological, body composition, musculoskeletal, and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy and their implications for physical activity and exercise. Further, the authors equip the reader with the latest guidelines and detailed description of exercise testing, prescription, selection and adaptation for pregnant and postpartum women, including those with clinical conditions.This new edition has been thoroughly updated, and includes additional chapters focused on the pedagogical intervention in pre and postnatal exercise programs, exercise prescription and adaptation during postpartum and diet recommendations for the pregnant exerciser and athlete. Practical videos, showing the relevant exercises, complement the book. Written by recognized experts in the field, the book aims to allay undue fears regarding the consequences of exercising during pregnancy. Moreover, it provides medical, sports, and fitness professionals both with the knowledge and the practical expertise needed to offer an optimal guidance on exercising to pregnant exercisers and athletes.