Effects of Maternal Exercise on Fetal Heart Rate
【Supercategory：7. DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Subcategory：7.10 Vol.10】
The number of women who continue to exercise during pregnancy is increasing. The effect of exercise during pregnancy on the mother and fetus, however has yet to be determined. For example, exercise may increase uterine activity and uterine contractions may reduce blood flow of the utero-placental units.
The purpose of this study is to examine the short term effect of maternal exercise on the fetus. Five pregnant women, who had no abnormal signs through the course of pregnancy, performed incremental exercise using a treadmill. During the exercise, maternal ECG and fetal heart rate (FHR) were monitored continuously.
There were no significant changes in FHRs during incremental exercise. However, after the exercise, FHRs increased slightly for 3 to 8 minutes. These data indicated that maternal exercise may induce uterine contraction, thus reducing the blood flow of the utero-placental units. Due to these changes in the uterus during maternal exercise, slight fetal hypoxia may occur.
In conclusion, special programs of exercise for pregnant women should be prepared.
DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.10/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE
The purpose of this study is to examine the short term effect of maternal exercise on the fetus. Five pregnant women, who had no abnormal signs through the course of pregnancy, performed incremental exercise using a treadmill. During the exercise, maternal ECG and fetal heart rate (FHR) were monitored continuously.
There were no significant changes in FHRs during incremental exercise. However, after the exercise, FHRs increased slightly for 3 to 8 minutes. These data indicated that maternal exercise may induce uterine contraction, thus reducing the blood flow of the utero-placental units. Due to these changes in the uterus during maternal exercise, slight fetal hypoxia may occur.
In conclusion, special programs of exercise for pregnant women should be prepared.
DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.10/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE
| Researcher | Noboru Mesaki*1, Junichi Sasaki*1, Yuichi Nabeshima*1, Masaki Motobu*1, Katsumi Asano*2 |
|---|---|
| University or institution | *1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, *2 Institute of Sports and Science, University of Tsukuba |
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