Women’s Health — all lessons
Anatomy and Physiology
Pelvic floor anatomyUnderstanding the menstrual cyclePhysiological changes before and after pregnancyLife-Stage and Hormonal Conditions
MenopauseOsteoporosisPCOSThyroid disordersHormonal imbalance: what exercise can and cannot doExercise guidelines: step-by-step prescriptionPrenatal Exercise
Contraindications and precautions of prenatal exercisePrenatal exercise prescriptionFirst trimester: strengthening and stretchingSecond trimester: strengthening and stretchingThird trimester: strengthening and stretchingPostnatal Exercise
Postnatal evaluation and abdominal rehabilitationBenefits of postnatal exercise for mother and childPostnatal risks and contraindicationsC-section: post-op management and precautionsPostnatal exercise prescriptionThird trimester: strengthening and stretching
Exercise in the third trimester (weeks 28–40) — reducing load, comfort, balance, pelvic floor relaxation and labour-preparation positions.
Learning objectives
- Describe common changes in the third trimester
- Select and modify strengthening exercises
- Apply safe stretching and mobility
- Recognise warning signs
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Each stage of pregnancy brings different symptoms and needs. Tailoring sessions keeps exercise comfortable and safe.
What changes
Weeks 28–40: larger bump, reduced balance, breathlessness, possible pelvic girdle pain.
Priorities
- Reduce loads and impact; focus on comfort and function
- Wider stance, supported exercises, avoid high fall risk
- Practise pelvic floor relaxation and breathing
- Modify for pelvic girdle pain (avoid wide asymmetrical stances)
Regular activity until delivery is recommended for uncomplicated pregnancies [mottola2018]. Daily pelvic floor training helps prevent incontinence [woodley2020].
Example session (45 min)
| Block | Exercises |
|---|---|
| Warm-up | Walking or cycling 8 min; mobility |
| Strength | Goblet squat to box, hip hinge (dumbbell RDL), seated row, incline press, side-lying clams |
| Pelvic floor | Contractions and full relaxation with breathing |
| Cool-down | Gentle stretches within comfortable range |
Intensity: RPE ~12–14/20, talk test [acog2020].
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A client in the third trimester trains three times weekly with the session above, adjusting loads to comfort. She remains active and confident through this stage.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Third trimester: strengthening and stretching
pelvic-health physiotherapists and women’s health clinicians (search)
You will understand: third trimester: strengthening and stretching
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Exercise guidelines explained
professional bodies (search, e.g. ACOG, CSEP, RCOG)
You will understand: current guideline recommendations
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. The third trimester spans roughly…
2. A priority in the third trimester is…
3. With pelvic girdle pain, avoid…
4. Balance worsens because…
5. Exercise in late uncomplicated pregnancy is…
Short-answer & application questions
- Design a session for the third trimester.
- List modifications for common symptoms.
- Explain warning signs to a client.
Key takeaways
- Weeks 28–40: larger bump, reduced balance, breathlessness, possible pelvic girdle pain.
- Reduce loads and impact; focus on comfort and function
- Wider stance, supported exercises, avoid high fall risk
- Practise pelvic floor relaxation and breathing
Connected topics
Contraindications and precautions of prenatal exercise
womens healthPelvic floor anatomy
womens healthPostnatal evaluation and abdominal rehabilitation
References
- Mottola MF, Davenport MH, Ruchat SM, et al. (2018). 2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(21):1339–1346. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2018-100056 Guideline check pending
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2020). Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(4):e178–e188. Guideline check pending
- Woodley SJ, Lawrenson P, Boyle R, et al. (2020). Pelvic floor muscle training for preventing and treating urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD007471. Systematic review check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.