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Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy
Published on: April 5, 2024
Effect of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on the Risk of Hypertension Disorders and Gestational Diabetes: Evidence
Cristina Taliento1,2, Irene Piccolotti1, Arianna Sabattini1
1Department of Medical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University Hospital "Sant'Anna", 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
Abstract:
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are the most common medical complications in pregnancy. Physical exercise is considered to be safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Moreover, pregnancy could be considered as an opportunity for healthcare providers to promote positive lifestyle behavior and optimize the well-being of pregnant women. Since there are few up-to-date reviews evaluating the role of exercise and the risks of developing obstetrical complications, we performed a review to investigate the effects of physical activity and exercise during pregnancy compared to a control group, focusing on the risk of development of HDP and GDM. We searched Medline and Web of Science, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. This review supports a beneficial effect of exercise and provides evidence that it significantly decreases the risk of HDP and GDM.
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