Exercise During Pregnancy Benefits the Fetus

According to a recent study by researchers at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and the University of Kansas Medical Center, exercising during pregnancy can increase fetal development. The study participants, pregnant women ages 20 to 35, were split into two groups. One group took part in moderately intense aerobic exercise 3 days per week for at least 30 minutes a day, while the other group did not receive regular exercise. Over the course of the study, researchers used non-invasive tests to monitor fetal development, breathing, fetal heart rate, body movements and autonomic nervous system control of the fetuses. They found that during both breathing and non-breathing movement periods, fetal heart rate was significantly lower in the exercise group than in the control group. In addition, short-term heart rate variability and overall heart rate variability were higher in the exercise group during breathing movements, with fetuses in the exercise group having greater cardiovascular control during those movements. As for heart rate control during non-breathing periods, the study found no substantial differences between the exercise group and control group.

The results of this study suggest that a fetus can benefit significantly if the mother receives moderate amounts of exercise. The improvements in fetal breathing movements can benefit the developing autonomic nervous system, the part of the central nervous system that controls involuntary actions, such as the beating of the heart and the widening or narrowing of blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, expecting mothers should check with their physician before engaging in regular exercise. Women with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease should be especially careful when exercising during pregnancy. If a women experiences blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, they should stop exercising and contact their physician if symptoms persist or get worse. For most women, exercising during pregnancy is not only safe, but beneficial for themselves and their baby. If your child has suffered an injury during birth that may have been preventable, please call or e-mail us today. Our experienced attorneys have helped clients with Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury, Nassau birth injury and Suffolk birth injury cases. Call or send an instant inquiry today and we will evaluate your case for FREE.

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