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The elite athlete and exercise in pregnancy
1American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC 20024-2188, USA.
Seminars in Perinatology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Pregnancy during elite sports training may impact athletic performance due to anatomical and physiological changes. While risks to the fetus are not fully understood, awareness and careful evaluation are essential for athlete and infant well-being.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Increasing opportunities for women in elite sports mean pregnancy during training and competition is more common.
- Elite-level training involves high-intensity exercise, leading to anatomical and physiological changes in female athletes.
- These changes, including ligament relaxation and altered posture, can hinder peak athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of high-intensity exercise during pregnancy on elite female athletes.
- To assess potential impacts on both the athlete's performance and the developing fetus.
- To highlight the need for awareness and careful management of physiological changes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pregnancy in elite athletes.
- Analysis of anatomical and physiological adaptations to high-intensity training.
- Examination of reported outcomes for both mother and fetus.
Main Results:
- Anatomical changes (ligament relaxation, posture changes, weight gain) can detract from peak performance.
- Physiological and metabolic changes during pregnancy have variable effects on the athlete and fetus.
- Limited evidence suggests a potential increase in low birthweight infants, but no clear link to preterm birth.
Conclusions:
- Awareness of physiological and metabolic changes is crucial for preventing complications during pregnancy in elite athletes.
- Further research is needed due to limitations in current studies.
- Caution and careful evaluation are essential for managing pregnant elite athletes and ensuring positive outcomes.
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