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Exercise dynamics in late gestation: effects of physical training
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Pregnancy affects heart rate and stroke volume during exercise, with reduced stroke volume and a dramatic drop post-exercise in late gestation. Physical fitness did not alter these cardiovascular responses in pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Pregnancy Physiology
Background:
- Pregnancy significantly alters maternal cardiovascular function.
- Understanding exercise hemodynamics during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of late gestation on cardiovascular responses to exercise.
- To compare exercise hemodynamics between pregnant and postpartum states.
- To assess the influence of physical fitness on these responses.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurements of heart rate and stroke volume at rest and during upright bicycle exercise.
- Study included 23 women in late gestation and postpartum.
- Comparison between physically fit and non-fit cohorts.
Main Results:
- Cardiac output at rest and during exercise was similar in late gestation and postpartum.
- Higher resting heart rate and lower exercise stroke volume were observed in late gestation compared to postpartum.
- Stroke volume significantly decreased post-exercise in late gestation, but not postpartum.
- Physical fitness did not influence hemodynamic responses in late gestation but did postpartum.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular responses to exercise in late gestation are primarily influenced by factors affecting venous return, independent of fitness.
- Pregnancy-related changes in hemodynamics during exercise are distinct from postpartum recovery.