Exercise and Pregnancy: What Does the Research Really Say?

Paper

Thursday, 20 July 2006

This presentation is part of : Maternal-Child Care Strategies

Laurel Halloran, PhD, APRN, Nursing, Western CT State University, Danbury, CT, USA

Learning Objective #1: discuss the ACOG recommendations regarding exercise in pregnancy and its effect on maternal fitness based on the research literature.
Learning Objective #2: discuss the ACOG recommendations regarding exercise and pregnancy and its effect on fetal outcomes based on the research literature.

Changing lifestyles and attitudes have led to increased participation by women in vigorous exercise and sports. As a result, many questions have been raised about the continuation of these activities during pregnancy. The scant amount of research offers divergent and often conflicting opinions on the amount of exercise which is safe and best for both the expectant mother and fetus. When the stress of strenuous physical activity is superimposed upon that of pregnancy, the metabolic demands of the gravida uterus may come in conflict with those of the exercising muscles. In addition, there is question whether pregnancy related ligament laxity may cause joint instability. This may result in reduced exercise performance of the mother and/or adverse effects to the fetus including acute fetal distress. With the increasing importance placed on physical fitness, the clinician is faced with many questions. This review will examine research regarding exercise and pregnancy current research literature. In addition it will review research regarding the effects of exercise on maternal fitness, fetal heart rate, duration of labor and fetal size.

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)