Does exercise training during pregnancy affect gestational age? A randomised, controlled trial

Rubén Barakat ¹, James R Stirling ¹ and Alejandro Lucia ^2*

¹ Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica, Madrid, Spain
² Universidad Europea de Madrid, Spain

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: alejandro.lucia{at}uem.es.

Accepted 9 April 2008

Abstract

Background: Some controversy exists on the possibility that exercise during pregnancy might increase the risk of preterm delivery.

Objective: We aimed to determine the possible cause-effect relationship between regular exercise performed during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy by previously sedentary, healthy gravida and gestational age at the moment of delivery.

Methods: Caucasian (Spanish) women with singleton gestation were assigned to either a training (N=72) or control (N=70) group. The supervised training program focused mainly on light resistance and toning exercises and included ~ 80 sessions (3 times/week, 35 min/session from weeks 12-13 to 38-39 of pregnancy)

Results: We found no significant differences (P>0.05) between both groups in those maternal characteristics (age, smoking habits, number of hours standing or prior parity history) that could potentially influence gestational age. The mean gestational age did not differ (P=0.745) between the training (39wk,3d(1d)) and the control group (39wk,4d(1d)).

Conclusions: Previously sedentary, healthy gravida with singleton gestation can safely engage in moderate, supervised exercise programs until the end of gestation as this would not affect gestational age.