The Pregnant Athlete, Part 3: Exercise in the Postpartum Period and Return to Play

摘要

HE WNBA's Lisa Leslie, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, and marathoner Paula Radcliffe have recently demonstrated that childbearintf does not end the career of the female athlete.12 These women and other mothers in the athletic field are facilitating a change in the way we view exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In fact, postpartum exercise can have many health benefits that include improved psychological well-being, improved bone health, lowered cholesterol levels, proper management of weight, and optimal blood glucose level.3 Although the benefits of postpartum exercise are well documented, little data are available to support recommendations for specific postpartum exercise guidelines for athletes. Consequently, the athletic trainer or therapist (AT) may be confused about guidelines for allowing an athlete to return to play (RTP) after delivery. The AT must recognize common health concerns for a postpartum athlete and recommend appropriate exercises to expedite safe RTP.