[Sports and pregnancy]

In the absence of underlying cardiovascular, metabolic endocrine disease or other high-risk problems (threatened premature labour, conditions associated with an increased risk of prematurity, acute fetal distress), pregnancy can be considered a variation in the normal human physiologic condition. Beneficial effects can be realized from submaximal exercise programs, apparently without concomitant deleterious effects on the fetus, which continues to receive an adequate oxygen and nutrition supply during maternal and moderate exercise. The physician should advise women to be careful in their choice of sports and not to begin new activities or increase their intensity during pregnancy. The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well known. The effect of anaerobic workouts during pregnancy is less clear. Nonetheless, women should be advised to avoid anaerobic training such as sprinting and interval work during pregnancy. Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular conditioner with minimal risk of orthopedic complication. Violent sports should be avoided.