The Stress Free Pregnancy Guide or Pilates on the Ball

The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide: A Doctor Tells You What to Really Expect

Author: Carol Livoti

While there is perhaps no happier time in a woman's life than the first few months of her pregnancy, it can also be stressful. Expectant mothers naturally worry about everything. Are the symptoms they are experiencing normal? Are they eating right? And most important, is their baby all right?

The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide dispels myths and puts mothers' endless worries to rest with a healthy dose of reassuring and reader-friendly advice based on renowned obstetrician Carol Livoti's 30 years of experience in private practice. Expectant moms will discover exactly why their bodies are experiencing certain changes, what else to expect, and how to recognize any rare but real problems should they occur. From before conception through the postpartum period, the authors lead women through every step of their pregnancy with sound, practical medical advice. Filled with useful sidebars that help separate fact from fiction, and delightful anecdotes from Dr. Livoti's own practice, The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide shows women that the most exciting time in their lives should not be fraught with unnecessary worry.

Table of Contents:

Introduction     vii
Before Conception     1
Conception     16
First Trimester: Normal     41
First Trimester: Abnormal     57
Second Trimester: Normal     73
Second Trimester: Abnormal     97
Third Trimester: Normal     116
Third Trimester: Abnormal     142
Labor: Normal     164
Labor: Abnormal     198
Delivery     220
Postpartum     239
Myths of Obstetrics     264
Conclusion     277
Index     281

New interesting textbook: Les Tendons de Pouvoir :la guerre, l'Argent et l'État anglais, 1688-1783

Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Execise Ball

Author: Colleen Craig

A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.

• Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain.

• Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.

• Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning.

The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade. 

In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and "watch points" forcareful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds.

Arizona Networking News

Craig offers a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball, providing a new, low-impact way to get fit...