ANTE NATAL

CLASSES
OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lecture, the student must be able
 List the points to remember to conduct an antenatal class
 Identify the population with contraindications;
 Prescribe exercises in appropriate heart rate zone and teach
patients on perceived exertion.
 Analyse the trimester wise exercise program.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
 Establish an atmosphere where
mothers feel at ease to express their
attitude and expectations.
 Using name individualizes each
person
 Loose discrete clothing
 Limited members in a class
 Participants sit or lie on the floor
 Arrangement
 Break
 Water
 Toilet Facility
 Videos
 Posters and handouts for session[ specific]
ACOG GUIDELINES-
ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Hemodynamically significant heart disease
 Restrictive lung disease
 Incompetent cervix/circlage
 Multiple gestation at risk for premature labor
 Persistent second- or third-trimester bleeding
 Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation
 Premature labor during the current pregnancy
 Ruptured membranes
 Preeclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension
 RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS
 Previous spontaneous abortion
 Previous preterm birth
 Mild/moderate cardiovascular disorder
 Mild/moderate respiratory disorder
 Anemia (Hb <100 g/L)
 Malnutrition or eating disorder
 Twin pregnancy after 28th week
 Other significant medical conditions
 WARNING SIGNS
 Vaginal bleeding
 Dyspnea prior to exertion
 Dizziness
 Headache
 Chest pain
 Muscle weakness
 Calf pain or swelling (need to rule out
thrombophlebitis)
 Preterm labor
 Decreased fetal movement
 Amniotic fluid leakage
AIMS
 To educate mothers, couples about the
physical and emotional changes of
pregnancy, labour and the puerperium.
 To explain the importance of antenatal care
for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy..
 To prepare the couple for the process of
labour to achieve a dignified and satisfying
birth.
 Forum for discussion.
 Confidence of mothers/ couples.
 CLASS CONTENT
Stages of pregnancy Information Practical

14- 20 weeks Pregnancy- Physiology

& Psychology.
Fetal Development
Nutrition
Postural Awareness
Back Care
Ergonomics
Relaxation
20-24 weeks Addressing the Stretching Exercises,
Musculoskeletal issues Strengthening
Like rib pain, back Exercises.
pain, Incontinence
24- 34 weeks Monthly Reviews on the Relaxation program,
muculoskeletal issues Swiss Ball Therapy
Stages of pregnancy Information Practical
34- 36 weeks Labor awareness Onset of labor,
program Coping strategies
Relaxation
Massage
TENS

1st Stage and and 2nd

stage in Detail
REFERENCES
 Women's Health: A Textbook for Physiotherapists . Ruth Sapsford
at al.,
 Physiotherapy in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Jill mantle, Jennette
haslam. Second edition. China: Elsevier Limited; 2004.
 http://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/
Committee_Opinions/Committee_on_Obstetric_Practice/
Exercise_During_Pregnancy_and_the_Postpartum_Period.