Ballet dancers — pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

Ballet dancers have been observed to have increased difficulties in pregnancy and labour. This article looks at this anatomically, physiologically and socially. It suggests that, with the intervention of appropriate health care professionals, (for example, nutritionists, doctors, nurses and midwives), the ballet dancers' quality of life, health status and professional performance can be improved.

Dancing through Pregnancy: Activity Guidelines for Professional and Recreational Dancers

“…Research that specifically addresses professional dance during pregnancy is extremely limited. 3 A search of the Pubmed, SportDiscus, and SciSearch databases brought up 24 articles that included both search terms, pregnancy and dance. Of these, only two articles looked at the effects of dance during pregnancy.…”

“…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).…”

Untitled

“…In this case it seems to be assumed that concerns about teratogenic effects indicate a reduced quality of life. Barry [44] claims that "ballet dancers have been observed to have increased difficulties in pregnancy and labour", and goes on to present an anatomical, physiological and social analysis. The conclusion is that with appropriate intervention from certain health care practitioners (nutritionists, doctors, nurses and midwives), "the ballet dancers' quality of life, health status and professional performance can be improved."…”