[Stress caused by sports in pregnancy]

The wide adaptation range of the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the metabolism of the female organism during pregnancy permits utilization of many positive effects of physical exercise for optimal health and wellbeing. Hitherto physically inactive pregnant women should be intensively motivated and advised, while women who are already physically active regularly should be advised to combine planned pregnancies with an optimally step-by-step reduction in training. After an uncomplicated delivery, and dependent on a normal uterus involution and lactation, a gradual adaptation to a renewed training program can be recommended. The advantages of physical exercise during pregnancy were analysed in relation to possibly dangerous complications during intensive training periods. The most important contraindications are described. The authors emphasize the increasing importance of cooperation between the Pregnancy Health Service and the Sports Medicine Service for optimal medical guidance of physically active pregnant women.