Exercise the Heart in Pregnancy

April 30, 2014 by:

Marti Churchill, CNM, a Fletcher Allen Healthcare certified nurse midwife offering prenatal care at Champlain OB/GYN.

Pregnancy brings out our strongest desire to stay healthy — for ourselves and for the baby growing inside.  Yet, many women have questions about what exercise is safe and how much and for how long?
Exercise is good for the pregnant body. Even if you haven’t been an avid exerciser before the pregnancy it is safe to begin to move your body and begin an exercise regime after you become pregnant. You just need to start slowly and gradually increase the length and frequency and intensity of your exercise over several weeks.  If you are already an athlete or actively exercise on a regular basis – then continuing to exercise at that same level is almost always a good thing.  Talk to your midwife about any limitations that may apply to your specific situation.
Things to consider while you exercise:

• Stay hydrated – drink water before and after you exercise.
• Stay cool – exercise indoors or in the morning or evening and not in the heat of the day.
• Elevate your heart rate – but be able to maintain a conversation with someone during the exercise.
• Move your body for at least 30-60 min 5-6 times per week.
• Avoid any exercise where you might fall after the first trimester– waterskiing, mountain biking, downhill skiing, contact sports, etc.
• Listen to your body – if something doesn’t feel right or is causing discomfort or pain, stop.
• It is OK to do core exercises or strength training with weights in pregnancy. You just may need to modify the amounts of weight used and not do core work on your back.

Did you know?

• Exercise actually gives you energy.
• Exercise helps you sleep better.
• Exercise reduces stress by creating a physical outlet for it.
• Exercise helps you maintain healthy glucose levels.
• Exercise promotes strong muscles which facilitates a healthy labor and recovery after the birth.
• Exercise helps you to gain the right amount of weight for a healthy pregnancy.

Some good exercise for the pregnant woman:

• Yoga (not Bikram)
• Walking
• Swimming, Water Aerobics
• Aerobics, Pilates, Spinning, Zumba
• Running
• Nordic skiing or snow shoeing
• Biking on paved bike trails or on a stationary bike

Before you start exercising or continue to exercise please contact your midwife or obstetrician to discuss your own situation.


Marti Churchill, CNM, is a Fletcher Allen Health Care certified nurse midwife offering prenatal care at Champlain OB/GYN .

We are excited to announce that Champlain OB/GYN has added Certified Nurse Midwifery to the practice. 

Our goal, as always, is to provide comprehensive services, and appropriate and effective care.  We are confident that the FAHC Midwives are the perfect addition to our practice because we are all committed to offering you the most advanced and complete care that is personalized to your needs.  The FAHC midwives are the longest standing midwifery group in Chittenden County with many years of experience and they are well known for their individualized family-oriented prenatal care.   The physician and midwifery collaborative care model at Champlain OB/GYN will give you a balance of natural and medical perspectives during your pre and postnatal care in a convenient, comfortable and relaxed practice.  You will have the same or similar testing and treatment options available to you and you will still deliver your baby in the hospital setting.  

This is how the transition will work for you during your pregnancy:

If you had your first obstetrical visit before 4/1/14, your care will be shared.  You will see both the midwives and the physicians of Champlain OB/GYN throughout your pregnancy.  The weekly on-call schedule for delivery will consist of 5 nights of Champlain OB/GYN physician call and 2 nights of Midwifery call. 

If your first obstetrical visit was on 4/1/14 or after, your care will be primarily with the Midwives.  They will see you for your monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, and bi-weekly visits.  Champlain OB/GYN physicians will see you for any ultrasounds, problem visits, or consults that the Midwives recommend.  The on-call schedule for delivery will consist only of Midwifery call and the FAHC physicians will offer assistance if needed.

For all patients the 6 week post-partum visit will be performed by a physician at Champlain OB/GYN.

We value the relationships that we have created with you and we understand that with any change there are many questions and concerns.  We would greatly appreciate you allowing us to answer your questions about this transition, please ask any questions or voice any concerns at your next visit, or call the office.

 Sincerely,

Champlain OB/GYN Physicians and Staff

Acne

ACNE

 

Question:  I’m not a teenager anymore, why do I still have acne?

 

Answer:  Acne is a skin problem that starts when dead skin cells and oil clog up pores, then get infected by bacteria, and cause pimples and cysts which can be unsightly, painful or permanently scar the skin.

 

Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.  It can occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back or chest.

Acne can start in the pre-teenage years but continue throughout adult life, and actually get worse in our 30s-50s.

To control acne, look for products that say “noncomedogenic” on the label.  Wash your face with a gentle soap.  You can also use over the counter cream with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

For acne that does not respond to these treatments, stronger prescription medicines, both hormonal and non-hormonal, can be used.

**To discuss treatment of acne, call Champlain OB-GYN for an appointment.  Most medical insurances cover these visits.  In addition, Dr. Maria Carracino is now prescribing Isotretinoin (also known as Accutane), a strong vitamin-based medication that completely and permanently cures acne.  For more information, schedule an appointment today at 879-1802.