Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Finding Fitness After Baby

Continued...

Ballistic (bouncing) movements and deep flexion or extension of joints should be avoided because of the joint tissue laxity that continues after pregnancy. Jumping, jarring motions and rapid changes of direction should be avoided to prevent possible stretching and dislocation of these lax joints.

The knee, hip, and back are particularly susceptible to injury during and after pregnancy, and if you are predisposed to patellar (kneecap) problems, this may be a time when you could cause serious injury or inflammation.

Avoid hard surfaces such as pavement. Instead, exercise on grass, sand, or a wooden or carpeted surface. Give yourself plenty of time before you return to any competitive activities. You might get carried away in a competitive situation and do more than you should. Also, avoid exercising in heat if you're not feeling good or running a fever.

Regular exercise sessions (at least three times a week) are much more productive than sporadic exercise. Any vigorous exercise should be preceded by at least five to 10 minutes of muscular warm up and followed by a gradual cool down that includes static, not ballistic, stretching. Stretching is an activity that should be done cautiously. Make sure you do not stretch maximally because joint laxity increases your chance of injury.

Hydration is very important during this time of resuming activity. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise. If necessary, stop your exercise to drink fluids. Be careful when you rise from the floor or stop exercising. Both should be done slowly to prevent fainting or dizziness.

Your return to running should be slow, gradual, and pain-free. Begin with brisk walking to get a feel for your post-pregnancy balance. Your breasts may be full and tender, and it is important to adequately support them. If you are breast-feeding, you'll probably be more comfortable exercising after feeding the baby.

How hard should you exercise?

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


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