Main description:

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.

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.

Contents:

1. Physical Activity, Exercise and Health Promotion for the Pregnant Exerciser.- 2. Psychological, Social and Behavioural Changes during Pregnancy. Implications for Physical Activity and Exercise.- 3. Physiological Changes during Pregnancy. Main Adaptations and Discomforts and Implications for Physical Activity and Exercise.- 4. Body Composition Changes during Pregnancy and Effects of Physical Exercise.- 5. Biomechanical Adaptations of Gait in Pregnancy. Implications for Physical Activity and Exercise.- 6. Specific Musculoskeletal Adaptations in Pregnancy: pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, pelvic girdle, and lower back. Implications for physical activity and exercise.- 7. Evidence-Based and Practice-Oriented Guidelines for Exercising during Pregnancy.- 8. Exercise Testing and Prescription in pregnancy.- 9. Exercise Selection and Adaptations during Pregnancy.- 10. Exercise prescription and adaptations in early postpartum. 11.Strengthening competences of future healthcare professionals to promote physical activity during pregnancy and post-partum.- 12. Therapeutic Exercise regarding Musculoskeletal Health of the Pregnant Exerciser and Athlete.- 13. Nutritional and energy Requirements for the Pregnant Exerciser and Athlete.- 14. Diet Recommendations for the Pregnant Exerciser and Athlete.- (new chapters, not included in the first edition, are highlighted in bold).