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Effect of exercise on pregnancy outcome
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, St Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 9, 2008
Summary
Regular exercise during pregnancy offers significant benefits, potentially preventing complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. It also aids in managing maternal weight gain and improving cardiovascular fitness for both mother and baby.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sports Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy outcomes are influenced by maternal health and lifestyle.
- Exercise is a modifiable behavior with potential health impacts.
- Existing literature on exercise during pregnancy requires critical evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific literature on the effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes.
- To synthesize evidence regarding exercise's impact on gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and weight gain.
- To assess exercise's influence on fetal birth weight, delivery timing, and mode of delivery.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of evidence-based studies.
- Analysis of maternal outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and weight gain.
- Evaluation of fetal outcomes such as birth weight, time of delivery, and mode of delivery.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests exercise during pregnancy provides benefits despite study limitations.
- Exercise may prevent or limit adverse maternal and fetal morbidities.
- Potential long-term benefits include reduced maternal weight gain and improved cardiovascular fitness.
Conclusions:
- Exercise in pregnancy is associated with positive maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Pregnancy presents an opportune time for behavior modification towards exercise.
- Further high-quality research is warranted to confirm these benefits.
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