Maximal exercise testing in late gestation: Fetal responses

Citation
A. Macphail et al., Maximal exercise testing in late gestation: Fetal responses, OBSTET GYN, 96(4), 2000, pp. 565-570
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Medicine","da verificare
Journal title
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
ISSN journal
00297844 → ACNP
Volume
96
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
565 - 570
Database
ISI
SICI code
0029-7844(200010)96:4<565:METILG>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Objective: To determine the fetal response to and safety of maximal materna l exercise in the third trimester. Methods: Twenty-three active women with uncomplicated pregnancies (singlet- on gestations) underwent maximal exercise testing in late gestation using a progressive maximal cycle ergometer protocol. Fetal heart rate (FHR) respo nses were monitored and classified using National Institute of Child Health and Human Development guidelines. Statistical analyses involved use of the Student t test repeated measures analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer mu ltiple comparisons posttest, and the chi(2) test. Results: There was an increase in baseline FHR in the 20-minute posttest pe riod compared with the 20-minute pretest period. There were significantly f ewer accelerations in the second posttest 10-minute segment compared with t he second pretest 10-minute segment. Variability was reduced in both postte st periods compared with the first 10-minute pretest period. Time to reacti vity increased after testing. Mild tachycardia was noted in two tracings an d bradycardia occurred in a fetus with previously undiagnosed growth restri ction. There were no abnormal neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Maximal exercise testing in late gestation led to minimal chang es in FHR. Fetal bradycardiac responses were not seen in appropriate for ge stational age fetuses, suggesting that brief maximal maternal exertion for research or diagnostic purposes is safe in this group. (Obstet Gynecol 2000 ;96;565-70. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog ists.).