Literature Review: Exercising While Pregnant

Abstract

Current literature on exercise and pregnancy was reviewed. Normal anatomic and physiological changes of pregnancy are briefly outlined. Benefits of maternal exercise experienced by the mother and fetus have been reported by some researchers. Other researchers have documented respiratory and cardiovascular changes peculiar to exercise during pregnancy. Effects on the fetus are also discussed. Guidelines for exercise during pregnancy are discussed with recommendations for health professionals caring for pregnant women. It is concluded that exercise during pregnancy can be safe if common sense is used and guidelines are followed.With an increase in the number of women participating in regular exercise, more women are asking about continuing, or even initiating, activities while pregnant. While some women asking this question are professional athletes partaking in a high level of activity, the majority are recreational athletes concerned about their health and the health of the fetus. Studies have identified various maternal and fetal responses to exercise; however, further study is needed in many areas before conclusions can be reached concerning the amount, level, and type of exercise which is safe and perhaps beneficial for both mother and fetus. This paper is designed to review the current literature on the maternal and fetal effects of exercise during pregnancy, with recommendations for the pregnant woman who wishes to exercise. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Normal Anatomic and Physiologic Changes during Gestation which Affect the Ability to Exercise Posture, Center of Gravity, and Body WeightThe weight gain of 20-35 Ibs during an average, normal pregnancy causes shifts in the mother's posture and center of gravity. The protruding abdomen would cause a forward shift of ' Reprint requests should by addressed to:

Pregnancy exercise effectiveness on anxiety level among pregnant women

“…19 Pregnancy exercise consists of several body movements in the form of exercises with rules, systematics, and principles of particular activities adapted to pregnant women's condition. 20 Further research states that pregnancy exercise movements contain a relaxing effect that can stabilize the emotions of pregnant women. Through pregnancy exercise, pregnant women will be taught how to reduce anxiety and reduce fear by means of physical and mental relaxation, and get information that prepares them to experience what will happen during labor and birth.…”

Physical activity promotion among pregnancy – the role of physician from the women’s perspective

“…For the past two decades, various national and international opinion leaders have been issuing increasingly detailed recommendations on PA during pregnancy, emphasizing its beneficial effects on the health of both the woman and the new-born. One of the first more detailed guidelines was the recommendation of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published in 1985 (2), revised in 1994 (3) and updated in 2002 (4). Their update clarified that a pregnant woman's health training should be repeated at least 3 times a week or more often (5).…”