Exercise in pregnancy: Physiological basis of exercise prescription for the pregnant woman

A pregnant woman participated in cycling events in the 2000 Olympics. Recently there was concern about the participation of a pregnant woman in the Australian netball team. More and more women are anxious to pursue sports during their pregnancies and to maintain condition. For the clinician or sport...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of science and medicine in sport 2002-03, Vol.5 (1), p.20-31
Main Author: Lumbers, E.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body Temperature Regulation - physiology
Embryonic and Fetal Development - physiology
Estrogens - physiology
Exercise - physiology
Female
Fertilization - physiology
Fetus - abnormalities
Hemodynamics - physiology
Humans
Kidney - physiology
Obstetric Labor, Premature
Ovulation - physiology
Placental Circulation - physiology
Pregnancy - physiology
Pregnancy Complications
Prenatal Injuries
Progesterone - physiology
Respiration
Risk Factors
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Summary:A pregnant woman participated in cycling events in the 2000 Olympics. Recently there was concern about the participation of a pregnant woman in the Australian netball team. More and more women are anxious to pursue sports during their pregnancies and to maintain condition. For the clinician or sports physician caring for women who want to maintain a high-level of physical activity there is no simple exercise prescription. It is probable that continuing exercise by women who are already conditioned will not result in foetal compromise, unless there are hidden or unknown complications of pregnancy. Pregnant women should probably exercise within limits that do not cause severe discomfort and should, as pregnancy progresses, be prepared to moderate the intensity and duration of their exercise programs to avoid risks and injury. It is probably not advisable for women to begin high intensity exercise programs when pregnant, although moderate exercise is beneficial to both mother and baby. The type of activity that is undertaken has to be taken into consideration and in particular the adverse effects of supine activity in late gestation recognised.
ISSN:1440-2440
1878-1861
DOI:10.1016/S1440-2440(02)80294-8