Why Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Matter
Pinter & Martin’s Why it Matters series, 19
Although women are often advised to exercise during pregnancy and after birth, there is little information available about the tremendous benefits of physical activity for both mother and baby, or what kinds of exercise are safe and appropriate.
In Why Pregnancy and Postnatal Exercise Matter, Rehana Jawadwala, an exercise physiologist and perinatal yoga teacher, looks at the evidence for supporting physical activity in mothers, as well as how women’s physiology changes during pregnancy and after they give birth, answering in detail the questions that mothers and those supporting them may have.
Suzanne Byrne –
This little book has been a long time coming. As a prenatal yoga teacher and avid exercise enthusiast, I have long been interested in the facts and research behind exercise in pregnancy during each trimester, and have yet to find book that does not shy away from delving deep into the research whilst also being relatable to the lay person. Jawadala takes us through the vast benefits of exercise through pregnancy for both mum and baby and helps to clarify and reassure any doubts we may have, giving clear evidence and tips along the way. I would highly recommend for anyway interested in pre and postnatal exercise.
Nicola Haigh –
A really handy sized book that should be on every pregnant person’s reading list. I found it really easy to dip in and out, snapping up pieces of useful information about exercise, diet and the female form. I loved the illustrations and the quotes. Overall, Rehana s writing style is so easy to digest and although at first glance there is a lot of text, the way it has been presented makes it’s the perfect way to read and learn
, ultimately leaving you feeling more confident about exercising before and after birth.
Gemma –
As a midwife I think this book is absolutely fantastic. It should be read by not only those who are pregnant but also by those who care for people during pregnancy, birth and early pregnancy.
It inspires and supports you to exercise throughout pregnancy and after your baby is born with tips, techniques and knowledge that reassure and empower you to know that you are doing the best thing for you and your baby.
Elaine –
This little book is deceptive! Despite its size it is full of evidence based information supplemented with the author’s personal and professional experience. I teach both pregnancy and post natal yoga and this book will be a welcome way to inform and reassure those coming to class with questions as to how safe the practice is and what the physical benefits could be. I was pleased to see that a lot of what I feel and teach instinctively is actually backed up evidence while still having quite a few lightbulb moments. Thank you Rehana for pulling all this evidence together!
Laura Evans –
As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Health Visitor I found this book a very interesting read. It’s packed full of evidence based information and is written in a way that you can read it in bite sized chunks. It’s suitable for both Health Professionals (or those who work in the pregnancy/ childbirth field) and also mothers themselves. It takes you on a journey from pregnancy to motherhood and gives you practical tips on incorporating exercise into your daily life. Exercise is often an area that’s glossed over by Health Care Professionals with the standard recommendation of ‘150 minutes of weekly exercise’ but now I have the knowledge to discuss why exercise is important and offer practical tips on how mothers can continue to stay active in pregnancy and the postnatal period. I have already recommended this book to my antenatal clients who love it just as much as I do!
Beth Hobson –
I found this book a really interesting read, and one that I would recommend any health professional who works with pregnant women should read. I work as a pelvic health physiotherapist and have recommended this book to all my colleagues, as well as some of my patients.
It is very thorough and evidence-based, and yet also an easily digestible book to read. It is broken up into topical chapters which means that you can easily flick back to re-read certain sections. The book provides reassurance to pregnant women who, like I was myself when pregnant, want to remain active, but are a a bit unsure whether they are doing the correct thing. It gives specifics such as appropriate intensity levels and nutrition, which give greater clarity than “150 mins of moderate exercise”.
Rehana writes clearly, and her level of knowledge is clear as is her passion for this subject. A great read – I will continue to recommend this book and to spread the word that exercise during pregnancy is not only safe, it leads to better outcomes for mother and baby.
Ellie –
This is a really fantastic book for any expectant parent or postnatal Mum. It provides thorough and evidence based guidance and information on not only how to exercise effectively and safely in pregnancy, but also dispels all the myths that you should stop or reduce exercising during this time. I wish I’d had this book prior to having my children. It is accessible and what I love is the fact you can use this book as a point of reference and keep going back to it for the exercises recommended throughout.
This book will empower you to tune in to your own body and its amazing capabilities. You will get to understand how exercise offers a multitude of benefits to both mum and baby, not just during the time of pregnancy and the months after, but how exercise during this time will have a positive impact long term too.
I really believe this book should be on the shelves of all GP’s offices and should form part of an essential reading list for anyone working with women across the perinatal period so as to carry the message that pregnancy and postnatal exercise really does matter!
Gemma –
As an older mother who exercised throughout pregnancy, but initially without much information available on the science behind doing so, I was interested to read this book. By the time I’d finished, I had a much greater understanding of why doing so had led to my own positive birth story.
As will all of the ‘why … matters’ books, Why Pregnancy and Postnatal exercise matter explains the science behind pregnancy and postnatal exercise, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your own circumstances. Rehana’s writing challenges preconceptions, the inclusion of real women’s voices also allows the reader to empathise with other women’s stories.
There is a strong focus on both the mother’s and the baby’s physical and mental health (something than can be missing from traditional literature on pregnancy, which often only focusses on the baby) both during and after pregnancy.
This isn’t a weighty test book, instead it’s aimed at both pregnant women and professionals alike in an easy to read, accessible format allowing you to be better informed and therefore better prepared.