Pregnancy, Postpartum & Exercise
Evidence-Based Movement Through the Perinatal Year — and Beyond the Myths
About this volume
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Exercise is Book M4 of The Performance & Human Physiology Encyclopedia — a 93-volume, university-level library on how training and nutrition must change for a specific population. It is written for coaches and clinicians serving women, youth, older adults and clinical populations: deep enough that a professional already trained in the field keeps learning, structured clearly enough that a motivated reader can follow every step.
How this book is written
- University level, without dilution. Exact scientific terminology, defined at first use — mechanisms, not just conclusions.
- Evidence graded, not asserted. Major claims carry a level, from A (strong) to D (expert opinion), so you always know how much weight to give them.
- Myths tested against the evidence. Where a popular claim does not survive the evidence, the book says so — and shows why.
- References at the end of every chapter. Sources cited in APA 7 style, plus a master bibliography.
For general information and education only; not medical advice. Consult a qualified health professional before acting on its content.
Read an excerpt
From Chapter 1 — Pregnancy Is Not an Illness
"For most of the twentieth century, pregnant women were told to rest, avoid exertion, and keep their heart rate under a magic number. The evidence has since reversed that advice almost completely: for a healthy pregnancy, regular movement is not just safe but genuinely beneficial for mother and baby. This book delivers that good news — carefully, respectfully, and with a clear line where medicine takes over."
Pregnancy and the postpartum year are surrounded by outdated fear in one direction ("don't exert yourself," "wait until you're done") and toxic pressure in the other ("bounce back," "no excuses"). A calibrated, evidence-based account protects people from both — and from the real harms of needless inactivity and premature, unguided return. The benefits are large; so is the need for individual, clinician-guided care where it matters.
What is inside
The 13 chapters of this volume.
- 01
Pregnancy Is Not an Illness
- 02
Physiological Adaptations of Pregnancy
- 03
Benefits & Safety of Prenatal Exercise
- 04
Guidelines & Contraindications
- 05
Designing Prenatal Aerobic & Resistance Training
- 06
The Pelvic Floor
- 07
The Core & Diastasis Recti
- 08
Common Concerns & Discomforts
- 09
Nutrition in Pregnancy
- 10
Labor, Delivery & the Fourth Trimester
- 11
Returning to Exercise Postpartum
- 12
Postpartum Rehabilitation
- 13
Putting It Into Practice
Volume details
Topics covered
- prenatal workouts
- diastasis recti
- pelvic floor training
- fourth trimester fitness
- returning to running after baby
- working out while expecting
- labor preparation fitness
Get this volume
This volume is in production. This page will carry the link the day it goes on sale.
