Fetal cardiotocography before and after water aerobics during pregnancy.

Carla Silveira,Belmiro G Pereira,Jose G Cecatti,Rosa I Pereira,Sergio R Cavalcante

doi:10.1186/1742-4755-7-23

Carla Silveira, Belmiro G Pereira + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-7-23

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Journal: Reproductive health	Publication Date: Aug 31, 2010
Citations: 35	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of moderate aerobic physical activity in water on fetal cardiotocography patterns in sedentary pregnant women.MethodIn a non-randomized controlled trial, 133 previously sedentary pregnant women participated in multiple regular sessions of water aerobics in a heated swimming pool. Cardiotocography was performed for 20 minutes before and just after the oriented exercise. Cardiotocography patterns were analyzed pre- and post-exercise according to gestational age groups (24-27, 28-31, 32-35 and 36-40 weeks). Student's t and Wilcoxon, and McNemar tests were used, respectively, to analyze numerical and categorical variables.ResultsNo significant variations were found between pre- and post-exercise values of fetal heart rate (FHR), number of fetal body movements (FM) or accelerations (A), FM/A ratio or the presence of decelerations. Variability in FHR was significantly higher following exercise only in pregnancies of 24-27 weeks.ConclusionsModerate physical activity in water was not associated with any significant alterations in fetal cardiotocography patterns, which suggests no adverse effect on the fetus.

Highlights

In the past, the practice of physical activity by pregnant women has always been surrounded by uncertainties and was considered a taboo
No significant variations were found between pre- and post-exercise values of fetal heart rate (FHR), number of fetal body movements (FM) or accelerations (A), FM/A ratio or the presence of decelerations
Moderate physical activity in water was not associated with any significant alterations in fetal cardiotocography patterns, which suggests no adverse effect on the fetus

Summary

Introduction

The practice of physical activity by pregnant women has always been surrounded by uncertainties and was considered a taboo. The fear that women could acquire genital infections from immersion in water caused health professionals to discourage this activity [1]. There is an almost general recognition among health professionals that moderate exercise offers no risks to pregnant women as long as there are no obstetrical complications or preexisting conditions, such as vaginal bleeding, arterial hypertension or cervical incompetence [2]. In 1985, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued the opinion that exercise during low-risk pregnancy is safe for the mother and fetus when maternal heart rate does not exceed 140 beats per minute for more than 15 minutes [3].

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