Exercise could prevent gestational diabetes
Wednesday June 3rd, 2015
Pregnant women may help to prevent the development of gestational diabetes by keeping fit, researchers say today.
Researchers
found exercise linked to a 30% reduction in the risk of developing the
condition, which is fairly common and brings a raised risk of adverse
outcomes including pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, preterm birth,
and induced or caesarean birth. It also raises the chances of type 2 diabetes
for the mother and the child.
Led by Dr Gema Sanabria-Martinez of Virgen de la Luz Hospital, Spain, the researchers reviewed 13 previous studies of healthy pregnant women who did little or no exercise, some of whom were encouraged to take part in exercise programmes. Together the trials included over 2,800 participants.
Analysis suggested that exercise could reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by over 30%, and up to 36% if the women exercised throughout their pregnancy. Programmes that combined toning, strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise has the best outcomes.
Results are published in BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
"Exercise is not something to be feared during pregnancy - the moderate levels of exercise used in these studies had significantly positive effects on health and were found to be safe for both mother and baby," said Dr Sanabria-Martinez.
Commenting on the study, journal editor Dr Mike Marsh stated: "This careful analysis of previous studies shows a beneficial effect of exercise on healthy pregnant women who ordinarily did little or no exercise. It may influence recommendations for exercise in pregnancy in such women."
But he added: "Further studies are needed to establish whether this effect is seen in all pregnant women."
Diesel, J. C. et al. Gestational weight gain and the risk of offspring obesity at 10 and 16 years: a prospective cohort study in low-income women. BJOG 3 June 2015 doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.13429
Tags: Childbirth and Pregnancy | Diabetes | Europe | Fitness | Nursing & Midwifery | Women's Health & Gynaecology
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