RECENT ADVANCES IN UNDERSTANDING MATERNAL AND FETAL RESPONSES TO EXERCISE

In the past decade, physical health fitness has become increasingly mo re important in the lives of women of child-bearing age. Many have mad e regular, and sometimes vigorous commitments to exercise programs. In 1985, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) developed a set of guidelines for women who plan to exercise during pr egnancy. Recommendations were based on available, but somewhat limited , scientific data and common sense. Since that time, researchers have learned a significant amount of new information about how a pregnant w oman and her fetus respond to aerobic activity. The objective of this communication is to review recent investigations in this area. Specifi c topics include a) maternal responses to exercise, b) fetal responses to maternal exercise, c) animal research models, and d) pregnancy and physical conditioning. Our objectives are to present information that will a) stimulate new and innovative research designs for exercise an d pregnancy studies, and b) add significantly to our knowledge and abi lity to develop safe and effective exercise programs for women who wis h to remain physically active throughout a normal-term pregnancy.