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Thermal response to submaximal exercise before, during and after pregnancy: a longitudinal study
P G Lindqvist1, K Marsal, J Merlo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Summary
During exercise in pregnancy, the body’s core temperature response appears to offer thermal protection for the developing embryo and fetus. This study tracked healthy pregnant women
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Reproductive Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Maternal heat stress in early pregnancy is a known teratogen.
- Exercise generates heat, posing a theoretical risk of fetal malformations during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the thermal response to exercise in healthy pregnant women longitudinally.
- To establish reference values for core body temperature during exercise throughout pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 14 healthy women.
- Participants underwent submaximal bicycle ergometry at 85% of predicted maximum heart rate.
- Measurements were taken before pregnancy, five times during gestation, and twice postpartum.
Main Results:
- Core body temperature during submaximal exercise decreased significantly from preconception to postpartum (37.8°C vs. 36.9°C).
- The rise in core temperature during exercise diminished as gestation progressed.
- Peak-to-basal temperature differences decreased from 0.6°C pre-pregnancy to 0.05°C at 29-36 weeks gestation.
Conclusions:
- The thermal response during submaximal exercise appears to provide a protective mechanism for the embryo and fetus.
- Exercise at this intensity during pregnancy does not seem to pose a significant thermal risk.