Expected Changes During Pregnancy
- Hormonal : elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone and relaxin (relax pelvic ligaments for child birth). This can also affect other joints causing instability, sprains and strains.
- Postural : increase in lumbar spine lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt (increasing possibility of low back pain). Also forward head posture & rounding of shoulders
- Balance : center of gravity shifts with the growing abdomen.
- Cardiovascular: increased blood volume, heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output. Increased risk of hypotension which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea.
- Respiratory : increased oxygen and work of breathing, as uterus presses on the diaphragm
- Thermoregulatory : increase in basal metabolic rate and heat production
* Any of the following indicate immediate termination if exercise: pain, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, uterine contractions,
vaginal bleeding, amniotic fluid discharge, preterm labor, muscles weakness, calf pain, decreased fetal movement, numbness such as pins and needles.