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Exercise and pregnancy: a review

R Bell, M O'Neill

    Birth (Berkeley, Calif.)
    |June 1, 1994
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Maternal exercise during pregnancy alters cardiorespiratory function. Weight-bearing exercise and supine positions may increase physiological stress, while water-based exercise is gentler on both mother and fetus.

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    Area of Science:

    • Physiology
    • Exercise Science
    • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

    Background:

    • Pregnancy significantly impacts the maternal cardiorespiratory system, increasing demands like oxygen consumption and cardiac output.
    • Physiological adaptations during pregnancy, such as reduced oxygen reserve in later trimesters, influence exercise tolerance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the physiological effects of maternal exercise on the cardiorespiratory system during pregnancy.
    • To evaluate the impact of different exercise types (weight-bearing vs. non-weight-bearing, land vs. water) and positions (supine) on maternal and fetal well-being.
    • To explore potential acute and long-term consequences of maternal exercise on fetal development and offspring health.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing evidence on maternal cardiorespiratory responses to exercise during pregnancy.

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  • Analysis of studies examining exercise intensity, type, and maternal positioning.
  • Consideration of fetal responses and potential risks associated with maternal physical activity.

    • Main Results:

    • Weight-bearing exercise reduces oxygen reserve more than non-weight-bearing exercise, requiring intensity modifications.
    • Water-based exercise leads to lower maternal and fetal heart rate changes compared to land-based exercise.
    • Supine exercise in late pregnancy may compromise cardiac output due to uterine pressure on the vena cava.

    Conclusions:

    • Exercise intensity and type must be carefully considered during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
    • Water-based exercise appears to be a safer option, minimizing maternal and fetal stress.
    • Further research is needed on specific regimens, effects on sedentary women, and long-term offspring outcomes.