Exercise during pregnancy. A narrative review asking: what do we know?

Abstract

Although there is no consensus as to whether exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, most studies report it poses no risk to either the mother or the fetus, and many suggest it to be beneficial to both. This review, which examines the evidence available, also reveals the many differences in study design followed, the type of exercise undertaken and the variables measured, which make it difficult to compare results. Advances in our understanding of the effects of exercise during pregnancy might best be made by undertaking randomised clinical trials with standardised protocols. However, most of the studies examining the relationship between exercise and pregnancy report no complications on maternal or fetal well-being. This is also in line with recent review studies advising that the pregnant population without obstetric contraindications should be encouraged to exercise during pregnancy. Therefore, the results of the present review stimulate those responsible for the healthcare of the pregnant woman to recommend moderate exercise throughout pregnancy without risk to maternal and fetal health.

Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes: 2016 evidence summary from the IOC expert group meeting, Lausanne. Part 1—exercise in women planning pregnancy and those who are pregnant

“…In this section, we highlight how regular or intense exercise influences the pregnancy-related changes. For a comprehensive overview of the physiology of normal pregnancy, unrelated to exercise and sport, we recommend references 35 36…”

Physical Exercise During Pregnancy – How Active Are Pregnant Women in Germany and How Well Informed?

“…Pregnancy, a unique phase of life, induces numerous changes in the female organism. In addition to various cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory changes modifications occur to the musculoskeletal system and adaptions of endocrinological and mental processes are observed [2,3]. An active lifestyle before and during pregnancy contributes to the maintenance of general fitness, improved basic fitness levels having been shown even when physical exercise is only commenced during pregnancy [4].…”

Overvekt hos gravide – en utfordring i svangerskapsomsorgen

“…I følge Johnson et al (2013) har helsepersonell en motvilje mot å diskutere vekt ut fra en forestilling om at fysisk aktivitet kan skade fosteret og at informasjonen de gir kan oppfattes som sårende. Ny kunnskap viser at individuell veiledning i fysisk aktivitet er bra både for mor og barn (Barakat, Perales, Garatachea, Ruiz, & Lucia 2015).…”