Influence of exercise mode on pregnancy outcomes: ENHANCED by Mom project

Abstract

Background: The extent of the benefits of exercise training during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes has not been sufficiently addressed. While aerobic exercise training has been determined as safe and efficacious throughout pregnancy, the effects of other training modes on fetal health and development as well as any continued benefits for the neonate, especially with regards to cardiovascular development and function, is largely unknown. In the ENHANCED by Mom study we aim to determine the effects of different modes of exercise training (aerobic, circuit, and resistance) throughout pregnancy on childhood health by controlling individual exercise programs and assessing the effects of each on fetal and neonatal health adaptations. Methods/Design: ENHANCED by mom is a cross sectional comparison study utilizing 3 intervention groups in comparison to a control group. Participants will complete three 5 min warmup + 45 min sessions weekly from 16 weeks to 36 weeks gestation of aerobic, resistance, or circuit training, in comparison to non-exercising controls. Maternal physical measurements will occur every 4 weeks throughout the intervention period. Fetal morphometric and heart measurements will occur at 34 weeks gestation. Neonatal measurements will be acquired at birth and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. Discussion: A better understanding on the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on fetal and neonatal health could have a profound impact on the prevention and development of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Say NO to ROS: Their Roles in Embryonic Heart Development and Pathogenesis of Congenital Heart Defects in Maternal Diabetes

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The Influence of Exercise During Pregnancy on Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities and Birth Outcomes

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A role for maternally derived myokines to optimize placental function and fetal growth across gestation

“…As reported by Davenport et al (2016), current evidence suggests that D r a f t blood flow delivery to the fetus is maintained during exercise, although the mechanisms underlying the protection of blood flow to the fetal unit are largely unknown. Current studies have found that the fetal heart adapts to exercise training, resulting in fetal cardiovascular adaptations to maternal exercise, including fetal heart rate modulation and improved autonomic control (May et al 2010, Moyer et al 2015. Studies have identified positive correlations between fetal heart adaptability and heart rate variability in response to maternal aerobic and resistance exercise training during pregnancy, with more fetal cardiovascular adaptations occurring in response to exercise of higher intensity and of longer duration (May et al 2012).…”