Benefits of Resistance Training During Pregnancy for Maternal and Fetal Health: A Brief Overview

Abstract

Cathryn Duchette,1 Madhawa Perera,2 Scott Arnett,2 Erin White,3 Elizabeth Belcher,2 Rachel Tinius2 1Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, Alabama, USA; 2School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA; 3Health, Exercise, and Rehabilitative Sciences, Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota, USACorrespondence: Rachel Tinius, School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, Western Kentucky University, 1607 Avenue of Champions, Smith Stadium East, Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA, Email [email protected]: Research demonstrates resistance training is not only safe but also beneficial for pregnant women. However, exercise recommendations for pregnant women still minimize the importance of resistance exercise and provide minimal guidance. With a large increase in strength-focused sports among women, it is critical to re-evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of these exercises and ensure the latest recommendations reflect the latest clinical research. The purpose of this review is to highlight the safety and benefits of resistance training for both maternal and fetal health, particularly focusing on recent work. Relevant research involving resistance training during pregnancy was accessed and analyzed via a quasi-systematic search. Results demonstrate that appropriate prenatal resistance training can help alleviate some of the common symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, back pain, and poor mental health. Resistance exercise can assist with glucose control in gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as decrease the risk of infant macrosomia and childhood metabolic dysfunction associated with uncontrolled gestational diabetes. Resistance training can also increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, which is beneficial for both mother and baby. Concerning fetal health, resistance training increases uterine blood flow, decreases the risk of neonatal macrosomia, and improves cognitive function and metabolic health in childhood. As with all forms of exercise, pregnant women should avoid resistance exercises that involve the supine position for extended bouts of time, trauma (or risk of trauma) to the abdomen, ballistic movements, movements that rely heavily on balance, and conditions that prohibit appropriate temperature control. With these considerations in mind, resistance training’s benefits far surpass the lack of risk to the fetus. Resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve and maintain physical fitness during pregnancy and represents no risk to fetal health and development. Thus, healthcare providers should recommend resistance training for pregnant women.Keywords: strength training, macrosomia, gestational diabetes, labor & delivery

Keywords

• strength training
• macrosomia
• gestational diabetes
• labor & delivery