Intensive training during a twin pregnancy. A case report

This case study reports the clinical and physiological changes of a 33 year old elite marathoner undertaking intensive endurance training during and f ollowing a twin pregnancy. Prior to conception, the subject ran 155 km . we ek(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 140-180 b . min(-1) which following co nsultation decreased to 107 +/- 19 km . week(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 130-140 b . min(-1) during pregnancy. Physical exercise ceased 3 days p rior to an elective Caesarean section following a 36 week gestation period and recommenced 8 days following the birth of healthy twins. Medical assess ments conducted ante/post partum indicated that both the twins and mother w ere healthy. A field based test demonstrated that running velocity at a ste ady state HR of 140 b . min(-1), 150 b . min(-1) and 160 b . min(-1) decrea sed by 20%, 15% and 13% respectively between weeks 1 and 32 antepartum. Who le blood lactate ([La-](B)), oxygen uptake ((V) over dot O-2), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (V-E/(V) over dot O-2), HR and Borg rating of perceiv ed exertion (RPE) increased during a laboratory-based submaximal treadmill test at 29 weeks antepartum in comparison to a test conducted 10 weeks post partum. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible for an elite en durance athlete to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness during p regnancy with no apparent adverse effects on maternal or foetal health. Thi s will facilitate an earlier return to international competition.