11- to 15-Year-Old Children of Women Who Danced during Their Pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether high levels of maternal physical activity (dancing during pregnancy), influenced the offspring. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four women (32 of whom had continued to dance for at least 2 months after the beginning of pregnancy) filled in a questionnaire to assess the health and behavior of their offspring, now 11–15 years of age. Results: More children born from women who had continued to dance during pregnancy needed to be rocked to sleep during their first year (p < 0.05). More children in the study group played musical instruments (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding other parameters. Conclusions: The greater need to be rocked to fall asleep and the attitude to play musical instruments recorded in the children of dancers may be related to prenatal maternal movement. But they may also be due to other causes as discussed.

Dancing During Labor: Social Media Trend or Future Practice?

“…9,16,17 Additionally, passive swinging associated with dancing during pregnancy could potentially increase the heart rate of the fetus as well as fetal movement. 33 Because there have been controversial findings regarding the effect of exercise on fetal cardiac function during pregnancy, 34 the potential for fetal stress during the implementation of dancing during labor should be acknowledged. 34 Interestingly, along with potential unknown physical implications, there is a potential role in the development of the fetus's future personality and talents.…”

“…34 Interestingly, along with potential unknown physical implications, there is a potential role in the development of the fetus's future personality and talents. 33 A survey study of professional dancers identified that mothers who danced throughout their pregnancy were more likely to have children who needed to be rocked to sleep during the first year of life and were more likely to play a musical instrument. 33…”

“…33 A survey study of professional dancers identified that mothers who danced throughout their pregnancy were more likely to have children who needed to be rocked to sleep during the first year of life and were more likely to play a musical instrument. 33…”

Dancing through Pregnancy: Activity Guidelines for Professional and Recreational Dancers

“…Of these, only two articles looked at the effects of dance during pregnancy. 3,4 To answer questions about what types of dance moves and levels of exertion are safe during pregnancy, the literature on exercise during pregnancy must be used. Exercise guidelines during pregnancy are provided by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 5 and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).…”

“…In a retrospective study, Bellieni and colleagues found that children born to women who danced during their pregnancy had a greater need to be rocked to sleep and a propensity for playing musical instruments. 4 When to Stop Dancing Except for vaginal and uterine symptoms, warning signs to stop exercise are the same for pregnant and nonpregnant women. Anyone who experiences any of the following symptoms should stop exercise immediately: dizziness or feeling faint, increased shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, muscle weakness, and calf pain or swelling.…”