How exercise during pregnancy affects labour and delivery

Exercise during pregnancy has many known benefits including maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy which is beneficial both for the mother and her baby.

But there are conflicting reports on the possible effects of physical activity on the risk of caesarean delivery and on the course of labour.

The Norwegian Fit for Delivery study investigated the effect of lifestyle intervention including group exercise classes and the possible influence of physical activity in late pregnancy on labour outcomes.

Women with the highest physical activity level in late pregnancy had the lowest odds of acute caesarean delivery compared to those with the lowest physical activity levels.

For this study 606 healthy pregnant women were randomised into two groups. The first group of 303 participants was the intervention group and included dietary counselling and twice-weekly exercise classes.

The second group of 303 received standard care.

The participants were analysed at the beginning of the study both by randomisation and as a cohort comparing women with the lowest versus highest level of physical activity in late pregnancy. They were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The results showed that women from the intervention group had a longer first stage labour without any other effects during labour and delivery compared to women from the control group. No differences were found between the groups for the amount of time spent in second stage labour, prolonged labour or for mode of delivery.

Women with the highest physical activity level (more than 35 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day) in late pregnancy had the lowest odds of acute caesarean delivery compared to those with the lowest physical activity levels.

Taking care of yourself is the best thing that you can do during pregnancy and that includes a healthy diet and exercise. Both will have tremendous benefits for your baby too.

The results of this study should motivate you further to engage in regular physical activity both before and during pregnancy as it results in better labour outcomes and health benefits for you and your baby.

Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica