Amnio

[laventi]

Hi all. My first post her in the Pregnancy forum. I had an amnio today and the doctor said to take it easy - not to workout for about a week. I was going to take off today and tomorrow and back on Friday for some moderate exercise. Any advise on this? Is it wiser to just back off and take the week easy. I want to be careful, but I don't want to skip if I don't have to - my workout time is my one hour therapy session a day...

Also, he said that I have a umbilical hernia and diastisis (not sure on the spelling, it is when the abdomials start to seperate). Therefore, no more abs for the duration. Any information on these as well?

Thanks!

Lynn - 17 weeks (baby number three!!)

 

[Sheila Watkins]

Hi Lynn,

Welcome and congratulations on #3. We're glad to see you here. I just read your post. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this VERY IMPORTANT question. Yes, your doctor was right - even for the most fit person. As you know, when an amnio is performed a needle is actually inserted into the amniotic sac to withdraw some of the fluid for testing. Therefore, after the amnio is performed you still have a minute hole in your amniotic sac. This tiny hole has to heal. This doesn't happen immediately. The normal "rest" time afer an amnio is 96 hrs - one week to be on the safe side. This is the time required to heal the hole. Some docs even advise their patients not to drive after an amnio for fear that they would have to slam on brakes and the steering wheel hitting their belly. Did you also experience any cramping? That happens sometimes as well. I would "lay low" so to speak. It is only a few days and a small price to pay for "peace of mind."

I actually included a question almost exactly like this on the Healthy MOms(R) Perinatal Fitness Instructor Certification exam.

Also, since you have the start of diastasis, I would advise you to discontinue rotational oblique work as the obliques insert on the linea alba, which is the fibrous band of connective tissue between each of your two rectus abdominus muscles. The linea alba is what is actually separating which causes the diastasis. Email me after the baby comes and I will send you a protocol to help get those abs back in position.


Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Sheila

Sheila S. Watkins, MLSci.
Founder and National Program Director
Healthy Moms(R) Fitness
www.healthymomsfitness.com and www.healthymomsnc.com

 

[laventi]

Hi Sheila! Just getting around to checking back to the Forum. Thank you so much for your response. You truly are a wealth of information! What a great service you and Cathe ae providing to those of us expecting!

Thanks again!

Lynn