An active pregnancy for fetal well-being? The value of active living for most women and their babies

Does general exercise training before and during pregnancy influence the pelvic floor “opening” and delivery outcome? A 3D/4D ultrasound study following nulliparous pregnant women from mid-pregnancy to childbirth

“…RCTs comparing exercising and non-exercising women using ultrasonography to assess the levator hiatus area and other PFM variables are warranted 29 30. Addressing the influence of regular exercise training during pregnancy on delivery outcomes, our results are in line with those of Barakat et al ,31 32 with no negative effects reported 24…”

“…However, as pointed out, it is important that the maternal population, which by large is mostly inactive,24 can be reassured that recommended exercise ≥3 times per week before and during pregnancy does not negatively influence the pelvic floor, labour or vaginal delivery. In a recent study from our group, fewer than 15% of Norwegian pregnant women followed recommendations for exercise during pregnancy at gestational weeks 17–21 25.…”

Exercise level before pregnancy and engaging in high-impact sports reduce the risk of pelvic girdle pain: a population-based cohort study of 39 184 women

“…Generally, regular exercise increases cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and flexibility and women who exercise are less likely to be overweight or obese 15 16. Aerobic exercise leads to endorphins production which may reduce sensitivity to pain and produce feelings of relaxation 17.…”

The Effects of Exercise on Postpartum Weight Retention in Overweight and Obese Women

“…Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of obesity [1], as it often precipitates long-term weight gain [2]. Despite clear guidelines for appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) [3], a large percentage of women develop excessive GWG [4], which is regularly coupled with prolonged postpartum weight retention [5].…”