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A clinical approach to exercise during pregnancy
1Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Vigorous exercise during pregnancy is safe for healthy women and benefits both mother and fetus. Physiological adaptations to exercise and pregnancy are complementary and protective, despite theoretical concerns.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sports Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Theoretical concerns exist regarding vigorous exercise during pregnancy.
- Existing outcome data suggest exercise is beneficial and safe for healthy pregnancies.
- Physiological adaptations to exercise and pregnancy may be complementary and feto-protective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and benefits of regular exercise during pregnancy.
- To reconcile theoretical concerns with observed outcomes of exercise in pregnancy.
- To inform guidelines for exercise during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of available outcome data on exercise during pregnancy.
- Analysis of physiological adaptations to exercise and pregnancy.
- Consideration of updated guidelines from professional organizations.
Main Results:
- Healthy women can initiate or continue regular exercise during pregnancy without adverse effects.
- Exercise during pregnancy appears to offer benefits without undue risk to the embryo or fetus.
- The upper limits of safe exercise intensity are not yet established.
Conclusions:
- Regular exercise during pregnancy is generally safe and beneficial for healthy women and their fetuses.
- Individualized and monitored exercise regimens are recommended.
- Updated guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) are more liberal.