Effects of physical exercise on the maternal compartment and fetal-placental complex: An Update of the Literature
Abstract
During pregnancy, the woman and fetus-placental complex suffer various adjustments such as morphological and physiological adaptations. The regular practice of physical exercise promotes positive effects during pregnancy. However, many professionals suggest that this practice can bring potential risks for pregnancy and maternal-fetal health. An update of theliterature was performed through an extensive search using the Pubmed database, and several mechanisms usually cited as problematic were raised. Exercise acts by modulating a numberof positive adaptations on placental morphology and physiology, enabling a better exchange of gases and nutrients between mother and fetus. Both mother and fetus gain less weight and subsequent body fat during pregnancy, when the volume and intensity of exercise are analyzed in relationship to gestational age. In this study, we concluded that some beliefs about the practice of physical exercise was not support by literature and exercise should be assessed and prescribed according to gestational age.
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