Pregnancy Books - Page 2

The Female Pelvis Anatomy & Exercises

Blandine Calais-Germain

Amazon Price: $22.45 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Eastland Press Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $20.41

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The female pelvis and its contents are an underappreciated region of the anatomy. Important not only for sexuality, they are also central to the processes of childbirth and elimination. The Female Pelvis was written for women to use over the course of their lives, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and its aftermath. Its purpose is to help women become more familiar with the pelvis and its related structures, and how to keep them healthy and fit. The book begins with a description of the functional anatomy of the pelvis, and how it responds to pregnancy and childbirth. This is followed by a series of specific exercises, initially for self-discovery, and then to increase the flexibility, strength, and coordination of each of the pelvic functions. The book concludes with some guidelines which focus on the pelvis during different phases of a woman's life. The Female Pelvis was designed to make the subject of the pelvis understandable to all women. Anatomically correct, the language of the text is clear and concise. Over 250 drawings illustrate every important aspect of pelvic anatomy, and show the reader how to perform simple exercises to keep the pelvis and its related structures fit.

Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy

Chris Lundgren

Amazon Price: $14.35 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Rodale Books Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $4.19

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Running & Jogging
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Each year, about 785,000 women runners who are pregnant or who have recently given birth hear conflicting fitness advice from friends, family, and even doctors. Save for a handful of magazine articles, these women have nowhere to turn for accurate, up-to-date information.

Until now. The Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive look at the how-tos and benefits of running for expectant mothers. And the benefits abound. Even a modest pregnancy running program gives women a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature birth. It also leads to fewer cesareans, faster recovery after delivery, and even smarter babies!

From the worldwide authority on running, the Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy offers the latest, most detailed information available, along with real-life tips to help you succeed. Inside you'll find:

- Advice from experts including sports gynecologists, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists

- The most current heart rate and training guidelines

- Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy stretching and strength programs

- Cross-training suggestions including yoga, Pilates, swimming, and more

- Running-specific menu plans for a healthy pregnancy

- Strategies for preventing injuries

- Money-saving tips for choosing the best maternity running gear

- Guidance for postpartum running

The Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy gets to the bottom of the how-much-is-too-much debate once and for all. Pregnant runners will never be puzzled by conflicting advice again.

Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers and Babies

Laura Staton, Sarah Perron

Amazon Price: $22.29 List Price: $22.29 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: Newleaf Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $16.81

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Women's Health -> Pregnancy & Childbirth -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

You've just had a baby, and now you have two new goals: getting back in shape and enjoying close bonding with your new arrival. How can you find the time to do both? 'Baby Om' is a dynamic, easy-to-follow, fun yoga programme specially designed for new mothers and their babies. Laura Staton and Sarah Perron - both dancers, yoga instructors and mothers themselves - take mothers through a yoga practice that they can do with their infants. The techniques help new mothers enjoy the spiritual and physical benefits of yoga, allowing them to nurture themselves as well as their babies. Their beautifully illustrated book includes * all the practical information you need to get started * guidelines on how to get your baby engaged, relaxed and comfortable with this new form of play * step-by-step 'Baby Om' classes, each concentrating on a unique stage in your child's development * a special class addressing the unique needs of post caesarean mothers * poses for nursing and for soothing colic * a chapter on the benefits of yoga for postpartum depression Safe, effective, and easy to learn, 'Baby Om' brings mother and baby together, ensuring the health and happiness of both. Laura Staton is a professional dance and fitness trainer who has been doing yoga since she was a teenager. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children. Sarah Perron has been practising yoga since she was eight years old. She is a professional dancer and has been a private fitness teacher and yoga instructor. She lives in New York with her husband and daughter.

Maternal Fitness: Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy, an Easier Labor, and a Quick Recovery

Julie Tupler

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Fireside Amazon Marketplace: 71 new & used starting at $1.35

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> For Children
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor!

If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.

Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively.

While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year: A Guide to Health and Comfort Before and After Your Baby Is Born

Elizabeth Noble

Amazon Price: $19.99 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: New Life Images Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $1.88

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Diets & Weight Loss -> General AAS
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Worth the time to read 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.

After reading some of the negative reviews, I felt compelled to write my own. In my first pregnancy, I did find the book hard to follow in some places (and yes it could be organized better), and I did not use it. Now in my second preganacy, and in hindsight I greatly regret not taking the time to actually read it and use it. I have searched for other books, and have found some that seem better organized, however, all of the other books seem based on MS Noble's but less complete, and do not really promote exercises which will not increase pelvic floor problems. This book is designed to protect the pelvic floor, and repair it (instead of surgery). So no, do not expect to break a sweat or find and intense work out (of which high body temp is bady for baby's brain anyway). If you are looking for something with a 5 second simple sound byte for instructions, this is not the book for you. Such as in life, some of the really good things require thorough explanantion and a bit of your time. Ms. Noble's book was one of the first like it, is still the base reference for most others, and will truly teach you how to protect your abdomen and pelvic floor safely. Unlike some other books, which have exercises that will actually increase abdominal recti seams. So, if after pregancny you do not want a saggy abdomen, a uterus hanging down, and not to pee when you sneeze- this is the book for you.

Editorial Review:

A book to help women understand the biomechanics of the entire maternity cycle and the rationale for and against certain exercises. Noble shows how to recognize and remedy weakness and dysfunction that often plagues the average, sedentary woman during her childbearing year. As well as chapters explaining role of the key muscles (abdominal and pelvic floor) during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, there are chapters on the principles of exercise, posture, comfort, bed rest, and Cesarean rehabilitation. Hands-on techniques for relieving some of the common joint discomforts are listed in the appendix and there are summary tear-sheets at the back of the bookfor the prenatal, postpartum and Cesarean recovery programs.

Yoga for Pregnancy: Ninety-Two Safe, Gentle Stretches Appropriate for Pregnant Women & New Mothers

Sandra Jordan

Amazon Price: $18.57 List Price: $18.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 99 new & used starting at $0.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Yoga
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Women's Health -> Pregnancy & Childbirth -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not for teachers 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a handbook designed for students. I bought it to build my prenatal teaching library and am disappointed. The pictures are dated but the poses are classic. There are also poses for postnatal.

a so-so resource 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I teach yoga, and had a 6month pregnant woman join my 2ndlevel class.
I wanted to be sure to treat her tenderly.
This book does have suggested postures to use for prenatal, dividing them up into trimesters, but it was weak in theory.
I was hoping to understand the theory behind why she should not lay on her right side, or why she should not lower her head below her heart.
Overall, as long as you follow the photos, it appears to be safe.

Editorial Review:

Sandra Jordan offers yoga as a way of developing self-reliance and calmness of mind during pregancy. Practicing yoga poses with quiet mindfulness developmes a strong, supple body and the ability to breathe deeply and relax completely. Yoga for Pregnancy provides ninety-two lyngar poses carefully chosen for their safety and effectiveness during and after pregnancy. Each pose is explained concisely, illustrated with a photograph, and clearly marked with a code that tells which postures are advised for each trimester. This is a supportive guide to safe, gentle stretches that can help pregnancy women adjust to the phsycial and mental demands of labor birth, and motherhood.

Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

Francoise Freedman

Amazon Price: $16.01 List Price: $14.86 Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks By: Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd Amazon Marketplace: 16 new & used starting at $12.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Women's Health -> Pregnancy & Childbirth -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best Pre-natal Yoga Book 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I'm a pre-natal yoga teacher, and I have many books on pregnancy yoga. This one is by far my favorite. The pictures are very detailed and well-done. Each pose is broken down step-by-step and has a photo to demonstrate the move. I also like that it is divided by early, mid, and late pregnancy. There is also a section on doing yoga with your baby after the birth.

This book will be the one I recommend to my students because it's simple, safe, and well-illustrated without being too Eastern in it's approach. It will suit the average American reader, while still staying true to the heart of yoga.

Editorial Review:

Enhance your experience of pregnancy and birth with the meditative power of yoga. Step-by-step yoga postures specially adapted for each trimester, relaxation techniques and simple breathing exercises will show you how to adjust to the physical demands of labour and give birth with minimum strain. From conception to birth, help develop shared wellbeing, with the only guide to identify the real advantages of yoga for mother and baby.

The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life

Richard Brennan

Amazon Price: $12.21 List Price: $17.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Connections Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $6.79

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Alternative Medicine -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Alternative Medicine -> General AAS
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Alexander Technique

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Alexander Technique is a simple yet profound way to release muscular tension throughout the body. It teaches us new ways of sitting, standing, and moving that put less stress on the bones and joints and help us move more gracefully. Developed by Fredrick Matthias Alexander, this technique explores the physical law of cause and effect and applies it to everyday common ailments.

The Alexander Technique Manual explains how to reduce stress levels to achieve a happier and more fulfilling lifestyle and reveals how Alexander made his unique discoveries. Simple step-by-step instructions aided by specially commissioned color photographs will enhance your understanding of the underlying principles of the technique. Special sections covering a wide range of sports as well as pregnancy and childbirth make this simple yet comprehensive book a must for anyone wishing to improve their lifestyle.

The Alexander Technique Manual will help you move through life with greater ease.

* A step-by-step guide to improve breathing, posture, and well-being

* The first complete color-illustrated guide to this world-famous technique

* Written by an established author in this field

The Prenatal Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Meditations

Olivia Miller

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $4.45

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Yoga
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Personal Health -> Women's Health -> Pregnancy & Childbirth -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent for Childbirth Education Classes! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I love this deck! I am a certified childbirth educator and this prenatal yoga deck is one of my favorite resources for my classes. Almost every pose has specific pregnancy or labor/birth related benefits. I put together a series of 6-8 poses from the deck that I use as an opening exercise in my classes--people often learn better by actually *doing* something and practicing the yoga poses together allows experiential practice of pelvic floor exercises, pelvic rocks, tailor sitting, optimal fetal positioning exercises, etc. instead of just me talking! Also, I emphasize to my students that birth happens in your BODY--we will spend a lot of time talking and sharing information, but birth doesn't happen in your mind, it happens in your body. People today spend much of their time "living in their heads" and many of us do not feel comfortable with, or at home in, our bodies. So, practicing the poses from this deck in class helps couples out of their heads and into their bodies and begins a process of feeling comfortable with moving and using their bodies in positive ways--I hope this helps develop a trust and confidence that will then contribute to a smooth and peaceful birth process.

The deck also includes several nice, short meditations that serve as a nice closing exercise either for the whole class, or for the exercise portion of class.

I forgot one more nice feature! Each pose has a positive birth affirmation that goes with it--I love these, because I feel like they help plant positive seeds of confidence and trust in the wisdom of women's bodies and of the beauty of birth.

To conclude, I love this deck and I strongly recommend it for other childbirth educators!

Editorial Review:

Yoga is an ideal way for expectant mothers to enhance overall health, cope with the physical demands of pregnancy, and prepare for labor and birth. The physician-approved Prenatal Yoga Deck makes exercise easy with 50 beautifully and precisely illustrated warm-ups, poses, and meditations. Suggested combinations and coding by trimester help create adaptable routines.

Fit for Two: The Official Ymca Prenatal Exercise Guide

List Price: $15.95 By: Human Kinetics Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> Pregnancy
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General
Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Exercise & Fitness -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Lots of Options for exercises while pregnant 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 18 people found this review helpful.

I had been looking thru all the "other" books for what exercises I could/could not do, most had barely a handful of suggestions. Then i came across this book, and although it is small, it is thorough in showing a wide variety land and water exercises. It is small enough to bring to the gym with me, the pictures really helped to understand the positions. There is also basic health information for the pregnant woman...a good book for those interested in exercising throughout their pregnancy.

Editorial Review:

Want to feel better during pregnancy? Speed your recovery from childbirth? Maintain or even improve your health and fitness as you prepare for the birth of your child?

Let Fit for Two: The Official YMCA Prenatal Exercise Guide help you. This practical guide discusses how to stay fit and exercise safely during pregnancy, including

• the benefits of prenatal exercise,

• health and safety guidelines for pregnant women,

• how to adjust exercise to match fitness level and stage of pregnancy,

• 43 land exercises and 37 water exercises,

• guidelines for creating an individualized workout program,

• how to set and attain healthy fitness goals, and

• breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that help during pregnancy and labor and delivery.