Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].
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CHAPTER XIII DIRECTIONS FOR THE EXERCISES DURING PREGNANCY Gymnastics during pregnancy fall naturally into three categories : (A) General Exercises, (B) Exercises for the Abdominal and Pelvic Zone, and (C) Exercises for the Pelvic Floor. (A) General Exercises Group I. : Respiratory (1) Abdominal Breathing (Figs. 18 and 19). The woman lies on her back with raised knees and lays her hands palm downwards on her body. Breathe out, and test while doing so whether the abdomen contracts sufficiently. It is advisable to execute a whistling sound between the teeth—on " ss " or " pf "—while breathing. Inhalation should be through the nose, and the air should flow slowly into the lungs until the abdomen is arched upwards and tense, and this can be felt by the hands. Repeat several times, but not too often, alternating with other exercises. Note.—As the unborn child grows in size, the mother's capacity for abdominal breathing steadily diminishes. The muscular contraction of the abdomen while exhaling is less and less possible as pregnancy draws to its climax. But it is advisable to attempt this form of abdominal exercise for as long as possible. Of course, there should be no excessive pressure on the body by the hands. (2) Flank Breathing (no illustration). Lateral posture, i.e., the woman lies on her side and draws up her knees comfortably. Breathe out—on a whistling note —then draw the breath into the side lying uppermost and raise the arm slowly at the same time. There should be a sensation of fullness and tension, comparable to a pneumatic zo6