Aerobic exercise during third trimester of pregnancy and fetoplacental growth

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of beginning a program of aerobic exercise during third trimester of pregnancy on birth weight, placental weight and fetoplacental ratio.

Methods

30 untrained women at 26 weeks of gestation randomly divided into two groups, an exercise (n=15) and a control (n=15) group. The exercise program consisted of 10 weeks aerobic exercise (intensity=110 to140 b/min, duration=15 to 30 min, mode: walking (warm up and cool down), rhythmic aerobic exercise in standing and lying position, frequency: 3 times weekly) which began from the 26th week of gestation and continued until late pregnancy. Diet, daily physical activity and maternal height were controlled for both groups.

Results

There was not significant difference in birth weight between two groups, placental weight was significantly higher in exercisers and fetoplacental ratio was significantly lower in exercisers.
Discussion/Conclusions
These data indicate that beginning a moderate exercise in third trimester of pregnancy has not any negative effect on birth weight and increasing placental weight may have a positive effect on reducing negative effect of exercise on uterus blood flow.