Positive effects of exercise in pregnancy

Research published this week in the BJOG has show some very encouraging results regarding exercise during pregnancy.  The analysis of 13 trials, involving more than 2800 women, found that exercise reduced the risk of gestational diabetes by more than 30% (and up to 36% for women who exercised throughout pregnancy). It was also found that exercise was helpful in reducing excessive weight gain (those who exercised were on average a kilogram lighter).

Both gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of serious disorders such as pre-eclampsia, hypertension, preterm birth, and also with increased likelihood of induced or caesarean birth.

The researchers also found in their analysis that the structured moderate physical exercise programmes studied seemed to be safe for the mother and for the neonate.  However, they suggested that further studies were needed to establish clear recommendations for women.

Gema Sanabria- Martinez, lead author of the study, said, “Exercise is not something to be feared during pregnancy – the moderate levels of exercise used in these studies had significantly positive effects on health and were found to be safe for both mother and baby.”

RCM practice and standards professional advisor Mervi Jokinen said: ‘It is important to keep physically active during pregnancy – moderate exercise will not harm the woman or her baby. Recreational exercise, such as swimming or brisk walking, is known to be beneficial and this study appears to show a potential benefit of exercise in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes… The exercise pregnant women take should reflect their previous exercise regime…If women have not exercised routinely they should begin with no more than 15 minutes of continuous exercise, three times per week, increasing gradually to daily 30-minute sessions. If they have any questions, we advise them to talk to their midwife or GP.’

Read the study abstract here

An RCM article on it can be viewed here

RCOG article here