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Aerobic exercise in pregnancy: an update

L A Wolfe1, M F Mottola

  • 1School of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology = Revue Canadienne De Physiologie Appliquee
|June 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Pregnant women can safely exercise moderately, as physiological changes accommodate fetal needs. Moderate fitness conditioning enhances maternal capacity without harming fetal development or pregnancy outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Exercise physiology
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Reproductive endocrinology

Background:

  • Pregnancy induces significant maternal metabolic and physiological changes to support fetal development.
  • These adaptations aim to balance the needs of the exercising mother and the growing fetus.
  • Existing evidence suggests moderate exercise is safe for healthy pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiological adaptations to exercise during pregnancy.
  • To evaluate the safety and impact of maternal exercise on fetal well-being.
  • To discuss implications for designing aerobic exercise programs for pregnant women.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on maternal exercise physiology during pregnancy.
  • Analysis of studies examining cardiorespiratory function, metabolism, and acid-base balance during exercise.
  • Evaluation of data on fetal outcomes in response to maternal exercise.

Main Results:

  • Moderate-intensity exercise does not jeopardize fetal well-being in healthy pregnancies.
  • Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) remain largely unchanged.
  • Maximal anaerobic power may be reduced; further research is needed on high-intensity exercise effects.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate aerobic exercise is safe and potentially beneficial for pregnant women.
  • Fitness conditioning can improve maternal capacity without adverse effects on fetal development.
  • Guidelines for safe and effective exercise programs during pregnancy are supported by current research.

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