Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

CHAPTER XII GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR GYMNASTICS DURING PREGNANCY We must define the lines on which these exercises have been planned. Of what should the expectant mother take special heed when performing the exercises ? The individual physical powers of women vary widely, and, therefore, an exercise which is mere play to one woman will cause another sensations of dizziness, rush of blood to the head or nausea. So each individual must choose and practise what does not strain or hurt herself. And it should particularly be borne in mind that all attempts at gymnastic tours de force should be avoided during pregnancy. Correct breathing is important in every exercise. Where there are no contrary instructions, the woman should breathe quietly and regularly, for, to hold the breath influences heart action unfavourably. But the exercises recommended below aim at curing superficial and inadequate respiration and at improving—or preserving—the capacity and elasticity of the thorax. Singing is a splendid respiratory exercise, and deserves to be specially practised by the pregnant woman for many reasons, and not least because of its tonic and beneficent effect on the emotions. It is urgently advisable to rest one hand against the wall or on a steady, solid table at a sufficient height from the floor when performing exercises in the upright position. A chair or small table may slip and easily be knocked over. Even in normal circumstances many women have difficulty in keeping their balance when exercising, and, in the pregnant state, this becomes very much more difficult. If there are unusually vigorous movements of the infant in utero following any of the exercises, this shows that the exercise has been too prolonged or too vehement. But, on