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Neonatal morphometrics after endurance exercise during pregnancy.

J F Clapp1, E L Capeless

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Continuing regular aerobic exercise or running during late pregnancy, at or above 50% of pre-pregnancy levels, can lead to restricted fetal growth. This exercise during pregnancy primarily impacts neonatal fat mass, resulting in lower birth weights.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Regular aerobic exercise and running are common among pregnant women.
  • The impact of maintaining high exercise levels during late pregnancy on fetal growth requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that continuing regular running or aerobics programs during late pregnancy limits fetal growth.
  • To analyze the effects of consistent exercise on neonatal morphometric data.

Main Methods:

  • Compared 77 conditioned pregnant runners/aerobic dancers (exercising ≥50% pre-conception levels) with 55 matched controls.
  • Quantified daily exercise performance before and during pregnancy.
  • Collected detailed neonatal morphometric data (birth weight, length, skin-fold thickness, etc.).

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Main Results:

  • Offspring of exercising mothers showed reduced birth weight (-310 gm), ponderal index, and fetoplacental weight ratio.
  • Neonatal fat mass was significantly reduced (approx. 70% of birth weight difference attributed to fat mass).
  • Exercise intensity in late pregnancy correlated with birth weight variability.

Conclusions:

  • Continuation of regular aerobic or running programs at significant levels in late pregnancy results in asymmetric fetal growth restriction.
  • The primary impact of this exercise regimen is on reducing neonatal fat mass.
  • This suggests a need for careful consideration of exercise intensity during pregnancy.