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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy
Published on: April 5, 2024
Exercise Is Associated with a Reduction in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Yaiza Cordero1, Michelle F Mottola, Juana Vargas
11Physical Activity and Sport Science Faculty, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, SPAIN; 2R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CANADA; 3Gynecology and Obstetric Department of Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, SPAIN; 4Gynecology and Obstetric Department of Torrelodones University Hospital, Madrid, SPAIN; and 5Physical Activity and Sport Science Faculty (INEF), Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, SPAIN.
Purpose:
The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a maternal exercise program (land/aquatic activities, both aerobic and muscular conditioning) in preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods:
Three hundred and forty-two pregnant women from Spain (age, 33.24 ± 4.3 yr) without obstetric contraindications were recruited for a clinical randomized controlled trial. The intervention group (IG, n = 101) exercised for 60 and 50 min on land and in water, respectively, three times per week. The control group (n = 156) received usual standard care.
Results:
The prevalence of GDM was reduced in the IG group (IG, 1%, n = 1, vs control group, 8.8%, n = 13 (χ1 = 6.84, P = 0.009)) with a significant risk estimate (odds ratio = 0.103; 95% confidence interval, 0.013-0.803).
Conclusion:
The exercise program performed during pregnancy reduced the prevalence of GDM by preserving glucose tolerance.
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