Physical activity during pregnancy: a systematic review for the assessment of current evidence with future recommendations

Abstract

Background Physical activity is essential to maternal and infant health. Healthcare professionals should inform pregnant women about benefits of physical activity to prevent possible health issues. Those recommendations should elaborate on relevant contemporary evidence. The aim of this study was to review evidence-based recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy. Methods A systematic search, analysis and synthesis of conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted from October 2021 to June 2022 in following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. Literature was searched using inclusion and exclusion criteria and following PRISMA recommendations. Results Benefits for pregnant-women health and well-being were reported while performing aerobic exercise, lumbar stabilization and stretching exercise, water exercise, nerve and tendon-slip exercise, resistance training and strength training. For all exercise modalities it is recommended to perform moderate intensity activities during the whole time of pregnancy. Conclusions This systematic literature review supplements current knowledge on physical activity of pregnant women. Exercise interventions are listed and suggested in an integrative model with physical-fitness components to contextualize and promote physical activity among pregnant women.

Guidelines for Prenatal and Postpartum Resistance Training

“…Prenatal exercise has a plethora of benefits for both pregnant women and the fetus(es) they carry. Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to increase the incidence of vaginal delivery as well as lower the incidence of cesarean delivery, excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, and lower birth weight [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Additionally, prenatal exercise has a positive impact on healthy growth and improved cognition and intelligence of the baby after birth [3].…”

“…Historically, pregnant and postpartum women have been discouraged and even advised against partaking in physical activity for fear of harming or terminating their pregnancy [1]. With an explosion of research in prenatal and postpartum exercise in the last decade, not only has the myth that physical activity causes miscarriage been disproven, evidence to support prenatal and postpartum exercise as a contributing factor to improved maternal and fetal health has emerged [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Adherence to guidelines for prenatal and postpartum exercise, including resistance training, can ensure safe and active pregnancies and restorative postpartum recoveries.…”

Exercise and pregnancy - review of literature and current recommendations

“…Analiza najnowszych badań dowodzi, że korzyści dla zdrowia i dobrego samopoczucia kobiet w ciąży odnotowano w związku z wykonywaniem ćwiczeń aerobowych, ćwiczeń stabilizujących i rozciągających odcinek lędźwiowy kręgosłupa, ćwiczeń w wodzie, ćwiczeń rozluźniających oraz treningu siłowego [10]. Joga, która od lat cieszy się powszechną akceptacją wśród kobiet ciężarnych, także może mieć pozytywny wpływ na przebieg ciąży i porodu [11,12,13].…”

Treinamento De Força Na Gestação

“…O período mais produtivo para esse treinamento é no segundo semestre de gravidez, uma vez que os sintomas iniciais da gestação são consideravelmente amenizados (CILAR BUDLER et al, 2022). Nesse momento, gestantes que não praticavam exercícios físicos podem iniciar a prática.…”