ABSTRACTBecause many women are now exercising during pregnancy, relevant research was reviewed to evaluate the safety and consequences of prenatal exercise. The following observations appear to typify maternal responses to prenatal exercise: (a) stroke volume, cardiac output and oxygen consumption usually increase when compared to nonpregnant exercise values, (b) thermal balance is maintained, (c) physical fitness levels may be maintained or improved, and (d) labor duration and birth outcome are not commonly affected. Fetal responses to maternal exercise include the following: (a) fetal heart rates usually increase during maternal exercise but return to pre-exercise levels 20 minutes postexercise, and (b) fetal activity appears to be related to increased maternal sympathetic activity, independent of maternal exercise. Thus, the literature appears to indicate that healthy women can exercise moderately during pregnancy, without apparent harm to themselves or their infants.
Because many women are now exercising during pregnancy, relevant research was reviewed to evaluate the safety and consequences of prenatal exercise. The following observations appear to typify maternal responses to prenatal exercise: (a) stroke volume, cardiac output and oxygen consumption usually increase when compared to nonpregnant exercise values, (b) thermal balance is maintained, (c) physical fitness levels may be maintained or improved, and (d) labor duration and birth outcome are not commonly affected. Fetal responses to maternal exercise include the following: (a) fetal heart rates usually increase during maternal exercise but return to pre-exercise levels 20 minutes postexercise, and (b) fetal activity appears to be related to increased maternal sympathetic activity, independent of maternal exercise. Thus, the literature appears to indicate that healthy women can exercise moderately during pregnancy, without apparent harm to themselves or their infants.
© 1989 National Strength and Conditioning Association
