Gynecology And Obstetrics-

Courses for pregnant women

introduction

A large number of courses are offered for the period of pregnancy, whereby the offer is constantly growing due to increasing demand and new trends. Most of the courses are run by midwives, but can, for example, be conducted by nutrition experts for offers that deal with nutrition during pregnancy.

The spectrum of all courses offered for pregnant women is relatively broad. These include pregnancy preparation courses, Pilates, first aid courses and much more.

Which courses for pregnant women are offered?

Many courses offer gentle physical exercises tailored to pregnancy. These include, for example, pregnancy yoga, pilates, gymnastics and aqua fitness. In addition, many courses are also geared towards relaxation. This also includes yoga and pilates.
Special birth preparation courses are offered to prepare the pregnant woman for the birth process, often with the involvement of her partner.
Courses are also offered to prepare for the period shortly after the birth, for example first aid courses for newborns or special breastfeeding and changing courses.

Even if it does not belong to the group of pregnancy courses, there are other offers that can be used during pregnancy. These are also aimed at regular participation in order to achieve the greatest possible success.

This includes craniosacral therapy, which can be particularly helpful for back pain, but also for sleep disorders and relaxation.

In addition, regular acupuncture sessions during pregnancy are perceived as very pleasant, as numerous pregnancy symptoms can be alleviated. These include, for example, nausea, vomiting and heartburn.With regard to the preparation for the birth, acupuncture is said to have positive influences, after which the opening phase can be shorter and the birth process can be accelerated.

Read also: Yoga for pregnant women

Which courses prepare me well for childbirth?

Birth preparation courses

Birth preparation courses are a good way of preparing for the birth. These can be attended by the pregnant woman alone or with her partner. Some birthing centers also offer courses for siblings-to-be. As part of the exercises, your own body awareness should be trained, and relaxation and breathing exercises are also offered.
Massages and light pelvic floor exercises can also be part of a birth preparation course. In addition, childbearing postures are trained so that the pregnant woman can familiarize herself with them before the actual birth.
-Other course components are discussions and small lectures by the course management on the subject of the birth process, the postnatal period and breastfeeding.

Read more about this at: Birth preparation course

Sports courses

Courses Pregnancy courses with a sports focus can also prepare for the birth. These include yoga and Pilates, which on the one hand teach you to relax actively, and on the other hand can facilitate the birth process through targeted muscle building.

Read more about this under: Exercise During Pregnancy - What To Look For

Further courses after the birth

Breastfeeding courses are among the offers that do not prepare directly for the birth, but instead for the subsequent breastfeeding period. The correct handling and breastfeeding recommendations are usually conveyed by a specially trained lactation advisor.
Special infant courses are also offered to learn how to deal with newborns using dolls.

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Which courses make me fit?

You can also train your body and fitness during pregnancy. The sports courses, which are specially and sensibly tailored to pregnancy, are less intensive and do not aim to lose weight. Rather, the positive influences of physical activity in terms of well-being and the prevention of pregnancy-related complaints are defined as the primary goal. This can also prevent uncontrolled weight gain.

The pregnancy sports courses partly work with modified and partial loading, which means that specific muscle groups, especially the straight abdominal muscles, are spared from training so as not to cause complications.

One way to keep fit during pregnancy is Pilates. This sport strengthens the muscles through slow and controlled movements in connection with relaxing breathing exercises. The back in particular is often trained to prevent or alleviate back problems. In addition, muscle groups can be trained that will be used during the birth process.

Courses that offer pregnancy gymnastics are also suitable options for remaining physically productive or increasing fitness. In addition to strengthening units, stretching and breathing exercises are also taught as part of the course. The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles are also trained. Gymnastics exercises can also be carried out in the water as part of aqua fitness courses for pregnant women. Many pregnant women find these exercises particularly pleasant, as the buoyancy of the water makes the stomach feel less heavy and the joints are spared.

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How long can I attend the courses?

Depending on the course attended, the reasonable and safe duration of the course participation varies. It is advisable to consult the attending gynecologist or midwife. Courses that ostensibly aim to contribute to relaxation can usually be attended over the entire period of pregnancy up to delivery.

If the primary goal of the course is to stay fit during pregnancy, it can in many cases be attended until late in pregnancy, usually up to the eighth month.
Due to the gentle exercises, some pregnant women can even take part in water aerobics up to the ninth month.

However, due to the increase in abdominal girth and the frequent tiredness of the pregnant woman, it may be necessary to end the sports course earlier. Even with new complaints, it can make sense to take a break or do without it altogether. It should therefore be emphasized that the course of pregnancy, physical well-being and one's own stress limits must be taken into account in the individually justifiable course duration and that medical recommendations must be obtained.

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Are there any risks when I attend a course?

Risks of participating in the course are always to be assessed individually and are based on the course of pregnancy and possible concomitant illnesses of the mother. It is advisable to ask the gynecologist about suitability for pregnancy sports courses and for recommendations regarding the choice of course.

In general, physical activity is highly recommended for pregnancies with an unremarkable course and moderate exercise does not represent an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Nevertheless, regardless of the course, you should always pay attention to your own body and perceive possible warning signals.

During pregnancy, the pregnant woman's ligaments loosen up as part of a natural process due to hormonal effects. Therefore, the ankle joints in particular should not be overused.

Qualified pregnancy courses are, however, tailored to the physical changes and demands of pregnancy, so that such stressful exercises are not even integrated into the training plan.

However, risks can never be completely ruled out, especially if exercises are performed incorrectly. Not every course is equally suitable for every pregnant woman, which is why the individual suitability for a specific course should always be found out.

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Which courses are useful?

Which courses are particularly useful during pregnancy depends on the pregnant woman's own needs, wishes or complaints. It is therefore worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the diverse range of courses in early pregnancy and to choose courses that are associated with the greatest individual benefit.

Not every course is equally recommended for every pregnant woman, as every woman has her own fears, questions and demands. Especially during the first pregnancy, it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the process of late pregnancy and the birth process as part of a birth preparation course.

One course that can be useful during pregnancy with a view to dealing with the newborn as soon as possible is a special first aid course. This is geared towards possible emergencies in babies or toddlers and can give the parents-to-be the feeling that they can react better and act appropriately in any threatening situation that may arise.

Since many women struggle with tiredness, restlessness and stress during pregnancy, relaxation exercises, such as those used in pregnancy yoga but also Pilates, can be useful. You can come to rest in a targeted manner.

If there are any uncertainties or ambiguities about nutrition during pregnancy, special nutrition courses are offered that are tailored to the needs of pregnancy. The necessary knowledge is imparted to make the nutrition plan varied, to adequately supply important minerals and vitamins and which foods to avoid.