Summary of Guidelines for Exercise in Pregnancy–are they Comprehensive Enough for Designing the Contents of a Prenatal Exercise Program?

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity during pregnancy has a positive effect on the psychophysical condition of the pregnant woman, pregnancy and fetal development, parturition and the postpartum period. However, its level in pregnant women is insufficient in most countries. For an exercise program to be effective it must take into account four training components: intensity, frequency, duration and its content - through a proper selection of the type of exercises and their technique. In this work we aimed to answer the question what information on the contents of prenatal exercises is provided in the current guidelines for exercise during pregnancy in different countries. Methods and Results: We have analyzed 11 documents, that were the official position of national obstetrics, gynecology, or sports medicine institutions from 7 countries. The guidelines provide little information on the contents of prenatal exercise and on the adaptation of sports activities to pregnancy. Conclusions: The guidelines for exercise in pregnancy should be updated based on high-quality research and in collaboration with practitioners in the field of prenatal physical activity, which could increase the chances of their implementation. Trustworthy and comprehensive guidelines created on the basis of international and interdisciplinary initiatives should be disseminated among all interested in prenatal physical activity: pregnant women and their families, obstetrics care providers and exercise professionals to enable them an effective cooperation and to globally promote exercise in pregnancy.

The Exercise-Induced Irisin Is Associated with Improved Levels of Glucose Homeostasis Markers in Pregnant Women Participating in 8-Week Prenatal Group Fitness Program: A Pilot Study

“…In order to plan an effective prenatal training program, the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise sessions should be appropriately adjusted to the physiological and biomechanical needs of the pregnant [ 24 ]. In this experiment, we found substantial differences in irisin, possibly determined by the frequency of exercise.…”

“…Pregnant women participated in the 8-week structured exercise program, designed by the principal researcher of the study according to the available guidelines [ 1 , 24 ]. Group exercise sessions were held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9.30–10.30 a.m. at the sport facilities of Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport.…”

High-Low Impact Exercise Program Including Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Improves Pelvic Floor Muscle Function in Healthy Pregnant Women – A Randomized Control Trial

“…The intervention group participated in the 6-week structured exercise program, designed by the principal researcher of the study according to the available guidelines (Szumilewicz et al, 2015; The American College of Obstetricians, and Gynecologists [ACOG], 2015). Group exercise sessions were held three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (18 sessions) from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m. at the sport facilities of Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport.…”

“…Official guidelines on exercise in pregnancy from different countries recommend aerobics for women as a form of cardio exercise, however, some of them limit this recommendation to low-impact aerobics (Szumilewicz et al, 2015). In low-impact aerobics, dance-like movements are executed while keeping at least one foot on the floor at all times.…”

Six-Week Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity (sEMG) Training in Pregnant Women as Prevention of Stress Urinary Incontinence

“…In the experiment, a 6-week structured exercise program was employed, designed according to the available guidelines [ 31 , 32 ]. Group exercise sessions were held 3 times a week (18 sessions) at the sport facilities of Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport.…”