The effect of maternal exercise on umbilical artery velocimetry waveforms in intrauterine growth retardation

Eighteen pregnant women affected with fetal growth retardation in the last trimester were exercised. The mean maternal heart rate increased significantly from 140 beats per minute (bpm) (120-188 bpm) at rest to 172 bpm (163- 178 bpm) after exercise. The mean exercise intensity was 65% (56-85%) of submaximal exercise. Maternal systolic blood pressure rose significantly from a mean of 116 mmHg (100-140 mmHg) to 159 mmHg (120-190 mmHg) and the diastolic blood pressure rose significantly from a mean of 72 mmHg (55-110 mmHg) to 90 mmHg (80-110 mmHg). The umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), after an initial decrease, showed a 12% rise at 8, 16 and 30 minutes of recovery. Patients who smoked had a significantly higher umbilical artery PI before and after exercise. Less active Patients had a higher PI before and after exercise than active ones. Infants weighing 1.9-2.5 kg at birth had a higher PI than those weighing 2.6-3.3 kg. Male fetuses had a significantly higher PI than female fetuses.