Exercise during pregnancy is linked to a modest reduction in offspring birth weight, according to the results of a community-based, randomized controlled trial reported online March 24 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

“Our findings show that regular aerobic exercise alters the maternal environment in some way that has an impact on nutrient stimulation of fetal growth, resulting in a reduction in offspring birth weight,” said senior author Paul L. Hofman, MD, from the University of Auckland in Auckland, New Zealand, in a news release. “Given that large birth size is associated with an increased risk of obesity, a modest reduction in birth weight may have long-term health benefits for offspring by lowering this risk in later life.”

The studies finding may be important for athletes who want to continue regular training during their pregnancy as it suggest that training will not have major adverse affects on mother and baby.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published online March 24, 2010

J. Kyle Mathews, MD
Plano OB Gyn Associates

Tags: aerobic exercise, birth weight, Exercise, exercise during pregnancy, fetal growth, Good, kyle mathews, linked, long term health, New Zealand, Pregnancy, risk of obesity | Category: News & Education, Obstetrics |