Related Experiment Videos
Exercise during pregnancy and pregnancy outcome
B Sternfeld1, C P Quesenberry, B Eskenazi
1Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California, Oakland, USA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy does not negatively impact birthweight or other maternal and infant outcomes. However, consistent physical activity may reduce pregnancy discomforts.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sports Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal physical activity is crucial for pregnancy health.
- Understanding the impact of aerobic exercise on pregnancy outcomes is essential.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results on exercise and pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between aerobic exercise levels and pregnancy outcomes.
- To determine if different exercise intensities and frequencies affect maternal and infant health.
- To investigate the relationship between exercise and perceived pregnancy discomforts.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 388 pregnant women.
- Exercise patterns assessed via in-person and telephone interviews.
- Women categorized into four aerobic exercise levels (I-IV) based on frequency, duration, and intensity.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant relationship found between exercise level and mean birthweight.
- Gestational age, maternal weight gain, and other pregnancy outcomes were unassociated with exercise.
- Higher levels of aerobic exercise were inversely associated with perceived pregnancy symptoms (P=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Aerobic exercise at a level maintaining a training effect does not adversely affect birthweight or other maternal/infant outcomes.
- Participation in regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy may be linked to fewer discomforts.
- These findings support the safety and potential benefits of aerobic exercise for pregnant women.