Fort Bliss Monitor

Tips given for exercising during, after pregnancy

Louise Redfearn
WBAMC

Have you put your exercise program on hold because of your pregnancy? Are you worried that running a couple of miles or lifting some free weights might do more harm than good?

In the absence of contraindications, pregnant women should be encouraged to participate in regular moderate physical activity to continue to derive the same associated health benefits during their pregnancies as they did prior to pregnancy. Depending on the individual’s needs and the physiological changes associated with pregnancy, women may have to modify their specific exercise regimens.

The Pregnancy Fitness Program has been at Fort Bliss since 1985. The program is supported by Community Health Nursing/Health Promotion and follows the Motherwell Maternity Health and Fitness Corporation. The Motherwell program follows the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has been endorsed and recommended by board certified physicians specializing in Sports Medicine and Obstetrics. This recognized program is available to all pregnant women and it is highly recommended for all active duty Soldiers to attend.

Pregnant spouses of active duty are invited to attend but a written letter is required from their doctor stating there are no complications or risks that would harm her or the baby and that she can participate in the program.

The program has been designed to maintain physical fitness and to prepare for labor and delivery, not to improve athletic performance or to participate in competitive activities.

Other benefits recognized with prenatal exercise relieve minor discomforts of pregnancy and ease everyday tension and stress. This program also provides education classes on topics such as nutrition, breastfeeding, car safety, sibling rivalry, abuse and many others. In addition it creates opportunities to meet other pregnant women and new mothers.

You may ask, “What benefit will I get from postpartum exercise?” One great benefit is that exercise will flatten your tummy after having a baby, assist with good posture and increase your strength and flexibility. Postpar-tum exercise offers active duty Soldiers a safe way to get into shape and pass the APFT.

When you receive confirmation that you are pregnant, you can sign up at the Wellness Center at the Soldier Family Medical Clinic. You will be given information on your first obstetrics appointment, and once your doctor has cleared you of any complications or risks, then you may attend the Pregnancy Fitness Program.

For active duty, the program instructor must see your profile and for the spouse of active duty, the instructor needs to see your clearance letter from the doctor. If you have a profile from a physical training program on another post, your profile will not be accepted. You must be cleared at the WBAMC OB clinic.

Classes are held every day of the week. For information, call 568-9959 or Wellness Clinic 568-1869.

Program Schedule

Monday - 6:15-7:15 a.m.
Logan Heights Gym
Land Aerobics
(January 2005 Aqua aerobics)

Tuesday - 6:45-8 a.m.
Community Service Center Bldg. 2494 Education Class

Wednesday - 6:15-7:15 a.m.
Logan Heights Gym
Circuit Training

Thursday - 6:15-7:15 a.m.
Logan Heights Gym
Aerobics and Yoga

Friday - 6:15-7:15 a.m.
Logan Heights Gym
2 Mile Walk .



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	January 27, 2005

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	Tips given for exercising during, after pregnancy Louise Redfearn WBAMC Have you put your exercise program on hold because of your pregnancy? Are you worried that running a couple of miles or lifting some free weights might do more harm than good? In the absence of contraindications, pregnant women should be encouraged to participate in regular moderate physical activity to continue to derive the same associated health benefits during their pregnancies as they did prior to pregnancy. Depending on the individual’s needs and the physiological changes associated with pregnancy, women may have to modify their specific exercise regimens. The Pregnancy Fitness Program has been at Fort Bliss since 1985. The program is supported by Community Health Nursing/Health Promotion and follows the Motherwell Maternity Health and Fitness Corporation. The Motherwell program follows the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has been endorsed and recommended by board certified physicians specializing in Sports Medicine and Obstetrics. This recognized program is available to all pregnant women and it is highly recommended for all active duty Soldiers to attend. Pregnant spouses of active duty are invited to attend but a written letter is required from their doctor stating there are no complications or risks that would harm her or the baby and that she can participate in the program. The program has been designed to maintain physical fitness and to prepare for labor and delivery, not to improve athletic performance or to participate in competitive activities. Other benefits recognized with prenatal exercise relieve minor discomforts of pregnancy and ease everyday tension and stress. This program also provides education classes on topics such as nutrition, breastfeeding, car safety, sibling rivalry, abuse and many others. In addition it creates opportunities to meet other pregnant women and new mothers. You may ask, “What benefit will I get from postpartum exercise?” One great benefit is that exercise will flatten your tummy after having a baby, assist with good posture and increase your strength and flexibility. Postpar-tum exercise offers active duty Soldiers a safe way to get into shape and pass the APFT. When you receive confirmation that you are pregnant, you can sign up at the Wellness Center at the Soldier Family Medical Clinic. You will be given information on your first obstetrics appointment, and once your doctor has cleared you of any complications or risks, then you may attend the Pregnancy Fitness Program. For active duty, the program instructor must see your profile and for the spouse of active duty, the instructor needs to see your clearance letter from the doctor. If you have a profile from a physical training program on another post, your profile will not be accepted. You must be cleared at the WBAMC OB clinic. Classes are held every day of the week. For information, call 568-9959 or Wellness Clinic 568-1869. Program Schedule Monday - 6:15-7:15 a.m. Logan Heights Gym Land Aerobics (January 2005 Aqua aerobics) Tuesday - 6:45-8 a.m. Community Service Center Bldg. 2494 Education Class Wednesday - 6:15-7:15 a.m. Logan Heights Gym Circuit Training Thursday - 6:15-7:15 a.m. Logan Heights Gym Aerobics and Yoga Friday - 6:15-7:15 a.m. Logan Heights Gym 2 Mile Walk .