Exercise-Induced Changes in Uterine Artery Blood Flow, as Measured by Doppler Ultrasound, in Pregnant Subjects

Abstract

Eleven healthy women with singleton pregnancies between 16 and 28 weeks gestation were continuously exercised, in a graded fashion, by stationary bicycle to a predetermined target heart rate. Before and within 3 minutes after exercise, uterine artery waveforms were identified from a semirecumbent position using a 3.5 MHz continuous-wave Doppler transducer coupled to an Angioscan spectrum analyzer. The ratio of peak systolic to end-diastolic frequency (A/B ratio) was utilized to assess qualitative differences in flow before and after exercise. No statistically significant changes in A/B ratios were noted. This study suggests that nonexhaustive maternal exercise does not compromise uterine artery blood flow in healthy, low-risk pregnant subjects.

Physical activity and maternal–fetal circulation measured by Doppler ultrasound

“…Most measurements were taken before and soon after exercise. Findings for the uterine artery Doppler indices have not been consistent, including studies finding no meaningful changes, 19, 20, 21 an increase in the indices, 22, 23, 24 and an increase followed by a decrease in the indices following bouts of exercise. 25, 26 More consistently, studies have found no change in umbilical artery Doppler indices with exercise.…”

Management of Pregnancy in Patients With Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association

“…68,89 Exercise Stress Testing Exercise stress testing and measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (V ⋅ o 2 max) during exercise can be useful in evaluating cardiopulmonary reserve, functional status, or potential exercise-induced arrhythmias during pregnancy, although they are rarely necessary. [90][91][92][93] A submaximal stress protocol (80% of the maximal predicted heart rate) is recommended. 68,91 A stress echocardiogram is indicated to determine the risk of myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected or confirmed underlying coronary artery disease or in patients with mildly reduced ventricular function.…”

“…[90][91][92][93] A submaximal stress protocol (80% of the maximal predicted heart rate) is recommended. 68,91 A stress echocardiogram is indicated to determine the risk of myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected or confirmed underlying coronary artery disease or in patients with mildly reduced ventricular function.…”

Exercise Guidelines for Pregnant Women

“…In human subjects, findings regarding uterine blood flow and exercise have been inconsistent (Baumann, Huch, & Huch, 1989;Moore, Jarrett, & Bendick, 1988;Morrow, b o x , & Bull, 1989;Rauramo & Forss, 1988;Steegers, et al, 1988;Veille, Bacevice, Wilson, Janos, & Hellerstein, 1989). In 1956, Morris, Osborn, Wright, and Hart reported decreased uterine blood flow during short-term bicycle exercise by measuring the clearance time of radioactive sodium (NZ4) injected into the myometrium.…”